BLOG POST #4!

There were many chapters to choose from in the book Strangers From Their Own Land, but I chose to go more in depth on chapter 12 of the book entitled “The Cowboy: Stoicism.” I chose to read this chapter because the name of the titled caught me eye.  Once again, the author of this book, anthropologist Arlie Russell’s goal is to compare and study difference of opinions in different areas. The setting for this chapter is primarily around a dining table. As Russel dines, she sits at the ‘guys’ table where she watches an interaction between two males; Donny McCorquodale and Mike Tritico. The two speak about many controversial topics such as pollution, and the EDC leak as to who should be president. Although the two are good friends, the discussion becomes rather hostile at some point, being described as a ‘showdown’ in the book. Important topics were talked about in this chapter, but one part of this chapter that caught my attention was the discussion of pollution. Hochschild notes that the debate between Donny and Mike was reflecting Louisiana’s fears of pollution. More specifically when the quote “white males stood out from all other groups as being less likely to see risk” (referring to pollution) I can definitely see that in today’s society.

Firstly, something that caught my attention in this chapter was the onion on the dining table during the luncheon. I was left wondering, why was there an onion? I soon realized that the onion serves the purpose of demonstrating balance between a community and politics. Secondly, the fact that there was a ‘guys’ table and a ‘girls’ table in this chapter was compelling to me. It was compelling because I was used to that idea as a child (kids tables vs adult tables) but never gender segregation like that. Lastly, I was compelled by the fact that those who wear gas masks to protect themselves while working with chemicals (sulfuric acid in this case) are considered ‘corporate sissys’ by those who have obvious damage to their teeth and body from this chemical. This is a concerning stereotype that caring about your body and health makes you weak and I think that stereotype needs to go down the drain right now.

One part of the chapter I would like to focus on is the aspect of Donny and Mike arguing. Although their argument turned rather vile, good points were discussed and issues were backed up with not only opinion, but facts as well. I would not like to carry out this way of discussion with the person I have chosen to spend time learning about because we are both rather calm people, but I can respect the way that even under frustration, both do not lose their sense of thought to back up their arguments. I also think this aspect of the book will help me understand the person I have chosen to study because it will give me inspiration to keep calm during debates we do not necessarily agree on.

Works Cited:  Hochschild, Arlie Russell. Strangers in Their Own Land. New York; London: New Press, 2016.