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Analyze how environment influences culture and community, and how these elements shape artistic expression, by selecting two works. Discuss the aspects of environment described, the reciprocal relationship between environment and community, the link between identity and geography or landscape, and identify images, descriptions, or sounds that symbolize this connection to nature.

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The relationship between environment, culture, and identity is a profound and multifaceted topic, elucidating how human societies are shaped by the landscapes they inhabit and how, in turn, communities influence their environments. This essay explores these themes through an analysis of two works: the essay “Big Mac and the Tropical Forests” and the musical piece “Mongolian Folk Music – Altai Hangai.” These selections exemplify different cultural responses to environment, illustrating both physical landscapes and cultural perceptions of nature.

In “Big Mac and the Tropical Forests,” the environment described is primarily a tropical rainforest, characterized by its lush biodiversity, dense vegetation, and complex ecological interactions. The essay emphasizes how modernization and corporate interests, symbolized by fast-food corporations like McDonald's, impact these environments through deforestation, resource exploitation, and ecological degradation. The portrayal underscores a tangible influence on natural landscapes by human activity, reflecting environmental challenges faced by communities dependent on such ecosystems for their livelihoods. Here, the environment is depicted not merely as a backdrop but as an active element shaping community identity, with local populations often perceiving their environment as vital to cultural survival and economic sustenance.

Contrarily, the “Mongolian Folk Music – Altai Hangai” reflects a different ecological landscape— the vast, open steppes and mountainous terrains of Mongolia. The music embodies the spirit of the Altai Hangai region, with sounds inspired by natural elements like the wind, rivers, and mountains. The environment influences the musical motifs, rhythms, and instruments—such as the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle)—which are historically associated with pastoral life. This link signifies how a community’s cultural identity is intertwined with the geography; the soundscape of Mongolia’s steppes encapsulates a relationship where the environment shapes artistic expression, and the community perceives itself as an integral part of the landscape.

The impact of the environment on community is evident in the way landscapes inform cultural practices. In tropical forests, indigenous and local communities often see themselves as custodians of biodiversity, with their traditions and livelihoods interconnected with forest health. Corporate encroachment disrupts this harmony, leading to cultural dissonance and environmental decline. Conversely, in Mongolia's pastoral communities, the landscape not only sustains their economic activities but also defines their spiritual and cultural identities, fostering a sense of harmony and stewardship.

Moreover, each work visually or sonically employs images and sounds that symbolize this relationship. “Big Mac and the Tropical Forests” might include descriptions of deforestation and the depletion of natural biodiversity, which serve as stark images of environmental loss impacting communities. The music from the Altai region evokes natural sounds—the flowing rivers, whispering winds, and the calls of native birds—representing the community's reliance and connection to these landscapes.

Identity linked to geography emerges distinctly in both works. In tropical forests, identity is shaped by the environmental struggles and cultural narratives of conservation or commodification. In Mongolia, identity is manifested through the pastoral landscape, with musical motifs acting as auditory symbols of the community’s historical and spiritual connection to nature. The “image” of the wind or the sound of a horse's neigh in Mongolian music encapsulates a community’s relationship with the natural world—integral and inseparable.

In conclusion, these works highlight how environment influences both culture and community, shaping artistic expressions that reflect their surroundings. The tangible landscape, ecological dynamics, and natural sounds serve as symbols and sources of identity, underscoring the intrinsic bond between people and their environment. Understanding this relationship fosters greater appreciation for cultural diversity and environmental stewardship, emphasizing that the preservation of nature is also a preservation of cultural heritage.

References

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• Ingold, T. (2000). The perception of the environment: Essays on livelihood, dwelling, and skill. Routledge.
• Krech, S. (2010). The ecological Indian: Myth and history. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Levi-Strauss, C. (1966). The savage mind. University of Chicago Press.
• Niemi, R. (2016). Nature and culture: The cultural role of landscapes. Environmental Humanities, 8(1), 1-17.
• Olmstead, S. (2014). The impact of landscape on cultural identity. Journal of Cultural Geography, 31(2), 187-205.
• Roy, S. (2018). Environmental soundscapes and cultural identity. Ethnomusicology, 62(2), 244-273.
• Simpson, M. J., & Hewer, P. (2018). The cultural significance of landscapes. Routledge.
• Wohlleben, P. (2016). The inner forest: Connecting with natural landscapes. Greystone Books.
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