Traditional Culture, Popular Culture and the Global Connection, pages 72-74
Many people from the east coast of Canada have a rich traditional of storytelling. At gatherings, people often can be found sitting around the kitchen table sharing stories about our past. The customs, beliefs, opinions, and stories passed down from one generation to another are known as traditions. These traditions are a key to our past, and teach us a lot about our history. The sharing of these traditions, in whatever form (orally, written, through music or art) is called transmission.
Some people in Cape Breton speak Gaelic in their homes, make perogies at Christmas, head to the
Farmer's Exhibition in August, celebrate Canada Day at Petersfield Park, etc. All these are an example of
traditional culture, and have been established over many generations.
In today's society, a large part of our culture is made up of pop culture or popular culture. This is the culture shared by many groups in Western society, including North America. It is becoming popular all over the globe as technologies continue to create a more global community. Popular culture spreads through the media. Things like social media and television shows are constantly changing what thigs are popular! Things like music, television shows, movies, books, magazines are all examples pop culture.
Even the clothes we wear is an example of pop culture. Pop culture changes as new things become popular, and other things go out of style! Remember bell bottoms...they will probably make a comeback!
Questions:
1. Give some examples of traditions.
2. What is the difference between popular culture and traditional culture?
3. How is traditional culture transmitted?
4. What are rites? Have you experienced any rites in your own life? This may include attending others' rites or traditional ceremonies.
5. What is the mass media?
6. What country does most of the popular culture shared by the people in the world come from?
7. Think about a television show that is popular right now. Think about how that show transmits elements of culture. For example, what values are evident with regard to the following:
 the way people look
 their general lifestyle
 the way they interact with each other
 the way they solve conflicts or other problems
8. Do you think this television show is an accurate portrayal of real life?

9. How do commercials transmit elements of culture?
10. Think back to your own experiences of learning about your family history. How did you learn about where your family is from? If you don't know this information, how could you find it.
11. Discuss some reasons why it is important for us to keep records of our traditional culture.