Simple Object Chosen: A Magnetanthropology Analysis ✓ Solved

Simple Object Chosen A Magnetanthropology Analysis Of The

Choose a simple, common object found in US Culture today and analyze it using the 5 main characteristics of Culture. Write an analytical essay, using complete sentences and double-spacing, and number your answers without including the questions. You should demonstrate your understanding of the 5 traits of Culture.

1) Explain how the object is learned about by individuals in US Culture.

2) Analyze how the object is shared throughout the US.

3) Describe how the object is based on symbols.

4) Discuss how the object is integrated with other things in US culture.

5) Explain how the object has changed or is changing over time.

Additionally, condense your subjective opinion about the object into a personal commentary.

Paper For Above Instructions

For this analysis, I have chosen a magnet as the simple, common object found in US culture today. In contemporary households, schools, and workplaces across the United States, magnets serve both functional and symbolic roles.

Part 1: Description

1. The specific object chosen is a refrigerator magnet. This object is typically small, most commonly circular or rectangular, and made of a flexible and lightweight material that comprises rubber, plastic, or a magnetic strip. They often feature colorful designs, images, or slogans. Standard dimensions of a refrigerator magnet can range from two to four inches in size, making it easy to handle and place on metal surfaces.

2. The purpose of a refrigerator magnet is not only to hold notes, reminders, or photographs onto the refrigerator door but also to add a decorative element to a kitchen's aesthetic. Magnets help keep essential information visible, supporting organization and communication within households.

3. Recently, I used a refrigerator magnet to display my daughter’s school calendar. This occurred last week when I was in the kitchen preparing dinner. The magnet holds the calendar securely in place, making it easy for my family to glance at upcoming school events or activities while they grab snacks from the fridge.

Part 2: Objective Anthropology Analysis

1. Learning about refrigerator magnets often occurs during early childhood. For example, a child may learn about magnets from a parent, such as when a mother named Sarah introduces her two-year-old boy, Jake, to their colorful array of magnets at home. This could happen during a Saturday morning when Sarah explains that these magnets can hold pictures or notes on the fridge. Here, Jake learns not just how to use them, but what they are and their importance in daily life.

2. Refrigerator magnets are shared throughout the entire US, showcasing a common cultural practice. For example, the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, Illinois, contains educational magnets that demonstrate scientific principles. Likewise, in a casual diner in San Francisco, California, patrons can often witness a collection of humorous magnets adorning the establishment's fridge, illustrating the unifying presence of this object across different regions.

3. Refrigerator magnets are integrated with various aspects of US culture, particularly family communication and art. For instance, magnets serve a practical role in displaying children's artwork, creating a personalized gallery wall that encourages artistic expression within the home. Additionally, magnets often feature images of popular cultural icons, such as the Statue of Liberty or Disneyland, linking them to national pride and identity.

4. Symbolically, refrigerator magnets represent the concept of home and family. They encapsulate memories and milestones, such as displaying photographs of birthdays or vacations. This symbol of domestic life connects to broader themes in US culture, where family and home are central values. The visualization of these cherished moments on a commonplace object reinforces the American ideal of personal expression within the household.

5. Over time, refrigerator magnets have evolved not only in design but also in technology. Initially, magnets were simply utilitarian and bland, often plain in color. However, modern magnets are colorful, artistic, and sometimes technological, with digital options that use LED lights or can play music. This change reflects the US culture's growing emphasis on personalization and technological advancement, driven by desires for uniqueness and improved functionality in everyday objects.

Part 3: Subjective Opinion

One of my favorite aspects of refrigerator magnets is their ability to evoke fond memories each time I see them. For example, I cherish a magnet showcasing a family beach vacation captured through a photograph. It is my favorite part because it reminds me of joyful times spent with loved ones, emphasizing the connections we make as families and the importance of memorializing those joyous moments in our living spaces.

References

• Geertz, Clifford. (1973). The Interpretation of Cultures. Basic Books.
• Harris, Marvin. (1979). Cultural Materialism: The Struggle for a Science of Culture. Random House.
• Kottak, Conrad. (2007). Cultural Anthropology. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Mintz, Sidney W. (1985). Sweetness and Power: The Place of Sugar in Modern History. Viking Press.
• McGee, R. J., & Warms, R. L. (2016). Anthropological Theory: An Introductory History. Altamira Press.
• Turner, Victor. (1969). The Ritual Process: Structure and Anti-Structure. Aldine Transaction.
• Sherry, John F. (1983). Gift Giving in Anthropological Perspective. Journal of Consumer Research, 10(2), 157-168.
• Wolf, Eric R. (1982). Europe and the People Without History. University of California Press.
• Appadurai, Arjun. (1986). The Social Life of Things: Commodities in Cultural Perspective. Cambridge University Press.
• Bourgois, Philippe. (1995). In Search of Respect: Selling Crack in El Barrio. Cambridge University Press.