Reading Journal 5
Quote:
Representation-Reality By, Mike Crang
“Different cultures have different ways of seeing the world and representing it. For
example, twisted and notched sticks formed maps for travelling in the Arctic for the Inuit.
Even colours can shift between cultures, so that we read Homer's wine dark sea,
because he did not clearly distinguish blue and green”
Why you chose the quote:
I chose this quote because it shows how cultural viewpoints differ in how they
perceive and represent the world. It presents instances such as the Inuit utilizing twisted
sticks for maps and Homer's description of the "wine dark sea," demonstrating how
different civilizations bring different lenses to their view of the world. The essence is
represented in the notion that the beauty of understanding originates from appreciating
the diverse viewpoints and colors that other cultures provide to the worldwide tapestry
of human experience.
What you learned from the complete source that you have quoted.
This reading taught me the complexity of cultural identity. This reading shows how
cultural identities are multifaceted and can manifest in various ways, from navigation
techniques to the naming and perception of colors. It teaches us that cultural identity is
a complex interplay of practices, beliefs, and symbolic representations. The reading
also teaches you to acknowledge and appreciate the diversity of cultural perspectives.
This reading suggests the value of cultural exchange and cross-cultural understanding.
It encourages us to engage with and learn from different cultures, fostering mutual
respect and broadening our own perspectives.
Why you think this source was selected for this week (how it connects to Cultural
Geography themes examined in this course)
Crang's writing explores the representation of space and how the Inuit were using
twisted and notched sticks as maps in the Arctic highlighting how different cultures
develop unique ways of representing and navigating through space. Cultural geography
explores how societies conceptualize and organize their physical surroundings, often
resulting in distinct mapping and navigation techniques. Plus, the a difference of cultural
perspectives on nature. This reading underscores the idea that cultures have unique
perspectives on nature and the world. Cultural geography examines how different
societies interpret and interact with their environments, including their views on
landscapes, bodies of water, and natural phenomena.
