1
Eating Christmas in the Kalahari Analyzation
Student's Name
Institutional Affiliation
Course Number: Course Name
Instructor's Name
Date
2
Eating Christmas in the Kalahari Analyzation
Richard lee spent some time with the Kung bushmen of Africa, after his time with them he
wrote the “ Eating Christmas in the Kalahari” article, recounting his interaction with the Kung
bushmen over this celebration. The article depicts the surprise which he was meet with, in regards
to how his generous actions would be received by the Bushmen. His article major lies in the
sociocultural branch of anthropology. This is because it speaks of the difference that is found in
different cultures. Richard after spending his time with the Bushmen bought a most excellent ox
to show his appreciation to the Bushmen. Contrary to the west, where people thanked or praised
another after they do a good deed for them, here his gift was insulted and the Bushmen mostly
complained (Griffith, 2012). This he learned, was a measure that the Bushmen employed to keep
people in check and not feed their ego. A social aspect that was unique to them.
The articles also falls in the linguistic branch of anthropology, in that is show how language
affects that aspects of culture and the variations or differences it has from one culture and another.
Unlike in the west where insults specifically aimed at a person may be viewed as a negative thing
with negative outcomes, the Bushmen employed it in a way to bring out positive outcomes. A way
to keep people humble in all their deeds and hunts, and something which was quite normal to them.
This article relates to the class lecturers in that it highlights some of the teachings that are being
given. An example is the social dynamics found in different places with different views on
particular topics. The Kung Bushmen viewed the Christmas celebration as a party/feast held in
celebration the birth of a white chief’s son, and there may reason for participating it was the ox
slaughter that happened annually (Lee, 1969). To them with seem as a yearly practice of showing
gratitude and goodwill. This articles sheds lights to the truths of the world that what we view may
be different from others. This enables us to keep an open mind with the world views and helps us
3
to try and understand people’s perspective. By implementing this is our own daily lives were are
able to relate well with other, as we understand why they act or behave in a certain manner. What
I found most interesting about the articles was the fact the Bushmen did not want Richard lee to
go. In his stay there he had made certain commodities to be accessible, such as tobacco and was
relied upon. However their tactic of insulting his gifts and putting him down rather than praise
him, is quite interesting. In their perspective, this way of belittling his actions would entice a person
to stay and try to gain approval from them. A way that is quite contrary in the west, where people
often praise and exalt people they desire to stay, as they will feel loved and appreciated a feeling
that every human constantly craves.
4
References
Griffith, L. M. (2012). Course Portfolios as Evidence‐Based Reflection. General Anthropology,
19(1), 1-7.
Lee, R. B. (1969). Eating Christmas in the Kalahari (pp. 60-63). New York: American Museum of
Natural History.