Spotlight on Students: Heavy Metal Worship in Brazil

The following is a post written by a student,  Daniela Ochoa.  This post highlights her work that she completed as part of her requirements in Ant 411: Culture Areas of the World.  Students have the opportunity to explore material through their own research.  Please show your appreciation for her work through the comments.

A congregation based in Rio de Janiero worshiping and head banging (The Guardian)

 
By: Daniela Ochoa

In Sam Dunn’s “Global Metal” documentary Carlos Lopes says that heavy metal in Brazil basically becomes a religion to a lot of Brazilians. Heavy metal came right after Brazil’s dictatorship ended, and it was there for people who wanted freedom of speech and democracy. I am very curious as to what extent people actually “worship” heavy metal music in Brazil. The word “religion” comes from the Latin word ‘ligare”, which means to bind or connect. This connection can be seen between Brazilians and heavy metal. Christianity, more specifically Roman Catholicism, is the largest religion in Brazil.   According to Katrina Lavender, an anthropologist from the University of Southampton,   “Globally, people unite to watch metal concerts. The unity of the metal subculture in concert attendance is similar to that of a religious pilgrimage” (Lavender). She also references Sam Dunn’s and mentions, “In the film ethnography of Sam Dunn, Flight 666, fans in Colombo attended an Iron Maiden concert in a comparable fashion to the way some religious practitioners attend worship services” (Lavender). In the same vein, many Brazilian fans quit their jobs and homes to travel hundreds of miles through jungle to see the band perform. These actions show how the subculture is like a religion, and the attendance of concerts is a modern form of pilgrimage, a spiritual journey” (Lavender). This pilgrimage can be compared to Mecca for those who are Muslim.  Heavy metal is so idolized in Brazil that there is even a church of Iron Maiden: “Church of Iron Maiden in Brazil by pastor Marcos Motolo, in which he performs sermons around the morality of Iron Maiden lyrics, regarding himself as Father Iron Maiden” (Lavender).

Many heavy metal groups include religion in their music but not necessarily positively. They like to challenge the beliefs of mainstream religions, mostly Christianity, and their legitimacy. Religion is a constant theme in a lot of heavy metal even though most bands are not religious themselves. Heavy metal in Brazil is heavily idolized and maybe to the point of making it a religion.

References

Lavender, Katrina. "Heavy Metal As Surrogate Religion – Exploring The Metal Subculture (Katrina Lavender)". Esthesis.Org, 2018, http://esthesis.org/heavy-metal-as-surrogate-religion-exploring-religious-aspects-of-heavy-metal-subculture-katrina-lavender/. Accessed 3 Nov 2018.

Dunn, Sam. “Global Metal.” IMDb, IMDb.com, 20 June 2008, www.imdb.com/title/tt1249171/.

Spotlight on Students: The Effects of Forced Sterilization on American Indian Groups

The following is a post written by a student,  Cinthia Ochoa.  This post highlights her work that she completed as part of her requirements in Ant 411: Culture Areas of the World.  Students have the opportunity to explore material through their own research.  Please show your appreciation for her work through the comments.




By: Cinthia Ochoa

During this week’s reading, the author explained that Native American women faced a lot more inequalities than Native American men. In our discussion the use of sterilization to get rid of Native American culture was mentioned. This led me to my curiosity question: What consequences did Native American faces due to sterilization?

Since eugenics became a socially acceptable concept in the United States, many women in minority groups were subject to involuntary sterilization. These women often did not understand the paperwork they were signing. The US government, along with physicians, believed that it was for the best of the country to prevent these women from procreating. The harm caused by this irreversible procedure not only affected the victim of sterilization, but the people surrounding them (Lawrence 2000).

The Indian Health Services (IHS) is the Agency assigned by the government to care for the health of Native Americans. Because the US Government had control over the agency, it was easy for the government to sterilize Native American women. These procedures were performed to eradicate Native American race from America. Due to high birth rate in Native American population, the government thought it would be correct to perform involuntary sterilization. During 1960 through 1970 many women ranging in ages from 15 to 44 had unnecessary hysterectomies performed by HIS physicians. The article talks about two young Native American girls who went into the hospital for an appendectomy and as a “bonus” they received a hysterectomy. These young girls’ decision to procreate was robbed from them. Many other victims agreed to sterilization because they were threatening to take away their children. Other women were asked to sign consent for serialization after a C-section while still heavily sedated (Lawrence 2000). 

Not realizing the procedure was permanent many women asked their physicians to reverse the procedure. According to Dr. Connie Pirkenton-Uri, 25-50% of Native American women had been sterilized from 1970-1976 (Lawrence 2000).  Because of sterilization many women had to seek psychiatric counselling to cope with their loss. In addition to metal instability, women faced divorce. One woman stated her husband left her because ‘he wanted a real woman” (Lawrence 2000). Unable to cope with the psychological trauma, other women turned to drug and alcohol abuse. 

The sterilization of Native American women affected their entire communities. Due to the inability to reproduce, the tribe would lose the number of people in its community. This would mean “they would lose political power within their council” (Lawrence 2000). In addition, other tribes would not respect tribes that were affected by sterilization, because they believed they were weak and unfit to protect their women (Lawrence 2000).

It was not until 1976 when Congress passed the Indian Healthcare Improvement Act. That the sterilization programs ceased. This legislation allowed Native Americans to manage their own health services program. While Native Americans could go to other medical providers after the Indian healthcare improvement Act was passed, Native Americans did not trust medical physician and the relationship between Native Americans and the government was hindered (Lawrence 2000).

Citations

Blackhawk, N. (1995). I Can Carry on from Here: The Relocation of American Indians to Los Angeles. Wicazo Sa Review, 11(2), 16-30. doi:10.2307/1409093

Lawrence, J. (2000). The Indian Health Service and the Sterilization of Native American Women. The American Indian Quarterly, 24(3), 400-419. doi:10.1353/aiq.2000.0008

Pourier, L. T. (Director). (2013). Urban Rez [Video file]. United States: RMPBS. Retrieved October 8, 2018, from https://www.pbs.org/video/rmpbs-specials-urban-rez/

Spotlight on Students: Hominid Discoveries

The following is written by Srikavi Premnath, a former student in SA 202: Introduction to Anthropology.  In one of the course assignments students were provided a scenario where they had to imagine that they were paleoanthropologists who just discovered a new hominid species, and they had to explain what parts of the body they would focus on to make the case that their new species was indeed part of the hominid lineage.  Please show your appreciation for Srikvai's hard work through the comments.

By: Srikavi Premnath
 

During my fieldwork in the African continent, I discovered the latest hominid species, which I named Earthensis megalisis. The species featured a less-pronounced sagittal keel, pelvis, and unique hand structure. My team and I happened upon this species while studying the ancient habitat of the group that had inhabited the region Megallion. Throughout this report I will explain the cranium, the pelvis, and the two hands I had uncovered along with my team. These structures were chosen from the overall skeleton to compare the structural aspects to the modern human. Additionally, these hominid remains provide insight into the various species leading to the modern human species and in this report, I will explore these comparisons.

We discovered the cranium of Earthensis megalisis first. The cranium featured a sagittal keel, which is a “raised area in the mid-cranium” (Welsch, Vivanco, Fuentes, 2017). The sagittal keel has become even less-pronounced in the modern human, perhaps only viewed by the sagittal suture. I have learned from my anatomical coursework that the sagittal suture connects the bones of the two halves of the cranium. I chose the cranium, specifically the sagittal keel, to examine because of the possible connection between the structure of the sagittal keel and the present sagittal suture. The possible connection seen in the example, “Homo erectus exhibited sagittal keels in some of the fossils found. These fossils were discovered in Africa and among many other regions of the world” (Welsch, Vivanco, Fuentes, 2017). Although the cranium may suggest the species relates to Homo erectus, the pelvis discovered may suggest another relative.

The pelvis recovered from the site exhibited a pronounced iliac crest. I recalled from my anatomy coursework the pelvic bone exhibits certain differences in features such as width and overall size. The width and size contrasts between males and females. “Modifications to the pelvis creating a stabilizing pelvis” (Welsch, Vivanco, Fuentes, 2017) have contributed to the movement of the species as well. These pelvic modifications aided in the ability to move more efficiently. The sexual dimorphism present suggest the relation to Australopithecus africanus, which had, “a pelvis better for bipedalism than that of Australopithecus afarensis,” (Welsch, Vivanco, Fuentes, 2017). This provides evidence for improvement in mobility with the change in pelvic structure. Australopithecus africanus additionally possessed, “pronounced sexual dimorphism,” (Welsch, Vivanco, Fuentes, 2017). The present pelvic structure also includes differences in males and females. My anatomy coursework noted the key factor in the differences are the ability of women to bear a child and the structure in the pelvis of women supplements the child-birth process. While examining the pelvis Australopithecus africanus may seem to be a distant relative to Earthensis megalisis; nevertheless, the hands must be examined to ensure this species can be considered a distant ancestor to humans.

The hands were discovered after the pelvis in the excavation process. The hands most importantly suggest dexterity improvements among various lineages. The hands produce the ability to hold items, create objects, and much more. Homo habilis could relate to Earthensis megalisis possibly because they featured, “a gripping hand for tool use,” (Welsch, Vivanco, Fuentes, 2017). The ability to hold a tool suggests the dexterity improvements I had discussed. The present hand structure consists of carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges according to my anatomy coursework. These divisions lend to the overall dexterity and ability to perform multiple tasks such as writing and playing an instrument. I should note Homo habilis is among the various species which posses the advanced capabilities of the hand. Australopithecus sediba whose, “grasping hand suggests possible tool use,” (Welsch, Vivanco, Fuentes, 2017). The hands discovered from Earthensis megalisis could relate to either Homo habilis or Australopithecus sediba; however, further investigation and discovery of fossils will provide more definite answers.

In conclusion, many fossils led to the recovery of Earthensis megalisis. The cranium, pelvis and hands were examined further to find distant relations to other recorded hominid characteristics. The sagittal keel of the cranium reminded me of the sagittal suture of the present. Homo erectus possessed the sagittal keel in some of the fossils uncovered. Next, the pelvis provided insight into sexual dimorphism and contrasting abilities due to pelvic structure. Australopithecus africanus possessed sexual dimorphism characteristics and greater mobility. Finally, the structure of the hands provided clues to understand the advanced dexterity. Homo habilis and Australopithecus sediba had the ability to hold objects. The fossils were chosen to suggest Earthensis megalisis may be a distant relation to the present human.

Reference

Welsch, R. L., Vivanco, L. A., & Fuentes, A. (2017). Anthropology: Asking Questions About Human Origins, Diversity, and Culture. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

Spotlight on Students: The Effects of Heavy Metal on Listeners

The following is a post written by a student,  Cinthia Ochoa.  This post highlights her work that she completed as part of her requirements in Ant 411: Culture Areas of the World.  Students have the opportunity to explore material through their own research.  Please show your appreciation for her work through the comments.

By: Cinthia Ochoa

Many people have tried to stop heavy metal music. Groups have worked to censor the lyrics. Other have stopped musicians from performing. Parents and politicians swore that metal music would make teens violent and would use drugs. This leads to my curiosity question: Did heavy metal cause many individuals to fall victim to drug use, violence and devil worship?  

    In the article The Fate of All Metalheads, the author explains her experiences as former groupie of metal bands and someone who has an interest in heavy metal music. She explains that as someone who would do anything to go backstage with the band” she was around a lot of sex, drugs and rock n roll. That was in her youth. Now in her older years things have change. She is a psychology professor who conducted research to find out if metal heads around her age turned out to be productive members of society.

    According to her research many metal fans did engage in risky behaviors like, drug use and sex. A factor that must be considered is that these individuals were dealing with external turbulence. When metal heads were compared to other groups, metal heads reported to be happier. Other groups were more likely to seek counselling for emotional support (Howe 2018). This could because in the metal scene fans can release all the anger and tension they may have been holding inside them. It would not be socially acceptable for someone kick and scream while they scream lyrics of songs.

    While many adults (in 1980) fear the worse for their youth, this study indicates that metal heads were just as productive members of society as other groups who preferred other music. Usually individuals who did poorly did come from dysfunctional families and their inability to cope led to poor adjustment later in life.  In the end many of the individuals who listen to metal music had some similarities. They claimed a sense of freedom when they listen to metal music. Metal heads felt a sense of purpose, by being part of a social movement and standing up for what they believe and not conforming to the status quo. Being with likeminded people allowed them to feel a sense of comradery. For many of them it allowed them to face difficult situations.  Being able to release internal frustration and allowing the individual to express themselves. It can help an individual thrive. Unlike what was believed allowing metal heads to vent can not only be healthy for that individual but for those that surround them.

Citations

Howe, T. R. (n.d.). The Fate of The Metalheads. Retrieved October/November, 2018, from https://theconversation.com/the-fate-of-the-metalheads-44876.

Stacy, B. (Director). (2012, July 23). Metal: A headbanger's Journey [Video file]. Retrieved October 01, 2018, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7q1W0OD0uE&feature=youtu.be

Varas-Díaz, N., Rivera-Segarra, E., Medina, C. L., Mendoza, S., & González-Sepúlveda, O. (2014). Predictors of communal formation in a small heavy metal scene: Puerto Rico as a case study. Metal Music Studies, 1(1), 87-103. doi:10.1386/mms.1.1.87_1