The answer to this question comes from chapter 6 of Gladwell's examination of why certain people, ideas, or organizations are successful when others are not.
In this chapter, Gladwell describes how the Southern culture of honor explains why certain violent trends in the American South persist in contemporary times. Gladwell explains how family feuds are a pattern in rural Appalachia, illustrating how a distinct culture of honor took shape.
Gladwell states that the early settlers in this region of the United States were direct descendants of Scotch-Irish herders, who used fear and respect to protect their livestock from those who might dare to try stealing from the herders. This cultural inheritance affect modern-day mountain inhabitants.
Similarly, cultures of honor often take root in places that are isolated, like the Appalachian South. Gladwell says that when individuals feel their reputation is their only valuable possession, they are often willing to defend any potential attacks against it, even resorting to violence.
Gladwell explains that the South boasts the highest per capita murder rate of any region of the United States, despite having lower instances of robbery. Gladwell suggests that this is due to the culture of honor in the South. He posits that violent offenders in the South are not motivated by economic forces but rather by self-preservation or tribalism. In this way, the Southern culture of honor is directly connected to violence.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
How does Gladwell link the idea of culture of honor to crime in the American South?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
What is the theme of the chapter Lead?
Primo Levi's complex probing of the Holocaust, including his survival of Auschwitz and pre- and post-war life, is organized around indiv...
-
It seems most likely you are asking about Michael Halliday's theories of language. He argues children have seven main functions they use...
-
Note that these events are not in chronological order. The story is told by the narrator, looking back upon her life. The first notable even...
-
In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry has his first lesson in chapter eight of the book. While Harry has many other classes before...
-
A Dog’s Purpose is a 32 chapter novel narrated from the perspective of a dog who is repeatedly reincarnated, with his ultimate goal of disco...
-
Auggie’s first day of school is rough, but it could certainly have been worse. When he gets to school, he attempts to maintain a low profile...
-
Pluralism implies that different communities and cultures that enter a foreign one will hold on to their culture and traditions. This will l...
-
Meg Meg is the central character in the novel, and we see the action through her eyes. She is important to the novel because she, along with...
No comments:
Post a Comment