Ethnic Identities

Jane Addams clearly had ethnic diversity in mind when establishing Hull House. It was meant to serve all people, regardless of what race they were. Looking at the map illustrating the different ethnic groups at Hull House, we can see that this endeavor was successful. While there were large sections of one ethnicity, there were still others interspersed throughout it and throughout the rest of the locations.

Having a place where all cultures could mingle together was most likely a response to the segregation found in Chicago and other parts of the country. The U.S. is still a "melting pot" nation, just as it was then. Different nationalities naturally clung together, and as a result were not exposed to people who might be different from them. Addams thought that learning from the experiences and intellect of other people was what made us whole as human beings, and so seeing a community where everyone kept to themselves probably looked particularly foolish to her. Having a place where everyone could be exposed to different cultures and learn from them was not only a way to keep racism, etc from developing, but was a way to help more people become the best they could be by learning from the experiences of different types of people.

We still see geographical segregation of different cultures, today, unfortunately. I come from a town not too far from Milwaukee, and there is a definite area there where only blacks live. If you are any other race, you are looked at funny for being in that area. There is also an area where Hispanics are the only people residing. Even in my little po-dunk town there is an area made up of several blocks where only Hispanic people live, and everyone knows where it is and that you don't live there unless you are Hispanic. This is truly unfortunate. Even overlooking any racism this situation might imply, there is no way for people to be exposed to other cultures if they are separated from one another. It is a situation that Jane Addams would clearly frown upon.

Jane Addams - Religious or Not?

In reading about Jane Addams and the establishment of Hull House, it seems difficult to see religious or spiritual undertones in her work. She certainly had the best interests of humanity in mind, but clear evidence regarding religious is lacking.

I feel that the reason questions of religious undertones are probably asked regarding Jane Addams is because the type of work she did is commonly associated with the work of outwardly religious people. The typical reasons for being completely selfless and working for the common good of people lie in religious beliefs. For example, if one had no fear of repercussions for selfish actions, why wouldn't they just act in their own interests all the time?

For me, Addams' work brought to mind that of Mother Theresa, an incredibly religious woman. Both women worked to better the lives of the less fortunate and did so simply to aid humanity as a whole. As I said earlier, this type of work is commonly associated with someone such as Mother Theresa - a very religious person - so when someone else is known for the same kinds of actions, we tend to think there must be religious undertones even though that might not be the case in reality.

SOME keep the Sabbath going to church;
I keep it staying at home,
With a bobolink for a chorister,
And an orchard for a dome.
Some keep the Sabbath in surplice;	5
I just wear my wings,
And instead of tolling the bell for church,
Our little sexton sings.
God preaches,—a noted clergyman,—
And the sermon is never long;	10
So instead of getting to heaven at last,
I’m going all along!

One of my favorite poems is by Emily Dickinson (posted above). The main idea behind it is that she does not need to have an institutionalized religion to be religious. She has a personal relationship with God, and she worships him in the setting of nature. (This poem likens nature to a church, calling an orchard the dome of the church, etc.)

The idea behind this poem reminded me of many of the beliefs of the Rastas. Most obviously, both have a connection with nature and all things organic. We saw in the video on Rastafari that at least that group of Rastas lived in a very natural setting, getting everything they needed from nature. This is something Dickinson surely would have appreciated, given what she says in this poem.

Dickinson focuses on a very personal relationship with God, and while Rastas have a strong sense of community and other such things, they also seem to have the same type of mindset when it comes to religion. They want to go back to Africa, back to their natural setting, and back to a way of life that does not have someone telling them how to do things - including how to worship God.

A Rasta Community

I felt that our readings from Edmonds' book has helped to prepare us for what a Rasta community really is, or at least how it is depicted in the video presented.

Given what we have read, the main concept I had in mind surrounding a Rasta community was one which rejects European culture and goes back to African roots - utilizing natural resources for everyday needs, etc. This was exactly what I saw in the video.

The one thing that does confuse me regarding Rastafarianism, which was also depicted in the video through signs in the village, is the racism Rasta express towards the white man. Yes, it can be understood that they might hold harsh feelings because of historical oppression, or "downpression" as Marley puts it, but it seems as if Rasta people would want to be more accepting of others than they seem to be. They are all about freedom, going back to their roots, escaping oppression - but are only black people supposed to have these things? I am sure there is more to the Rastafarian side of this argument, and it is certainly something I feel would be worth looking into at more depth.

Religious Music

What is the difference between Bob Marley's music and Christian rock? During class one big difference that was brought up was the styles of music. Reggae and rock are clearly stylistically different. The idea that Marley's music is directed more pointedly at the people than at praising God was also brought up.

The biggest difference I see, however, is that Marley seems to focus much more on historical events than Christian rock does. Granted, I am no expert on Christian rock, but from what I have heard, the lyrics consist much more of concepts surrounding faith and beliefs whereas Marley's music focuses on historical people and events, tying them into the main message of his music.

Kebra Negast and Ethiopia

This text begins by tracing the bloodline of Adam throughout time. The detailed account ends with Solomon, at which point the details of Solomon's wisdom are given and the story of the Queen of Ethiopia is told. She is entranced by what she is told of Solomon's wisdom, and is even more impressed when she witnesses it in person. She is so impressed that she decides to stop worshiping the sun and starts worshiping the God of Israel instead.

What significance does this hold for the status and value of Ethiopia? The Queen of Ethiopia conceives and bears a child which is King Solomon's son. Solomon, as we recall, is a direct descendant of Adam. This holds great importance for the people of Israel, for Adam was the man initially created by God Himself. The son of Solomon and the Queen of Ethiopia is now a direct descendant of Adam, and as the Queen says to Solomon, "only seed of thine shall reign and his seed after him from generation to generation." (page 39) This places value upon all who reign over Ethiopia for the people of Israel.

Christian Tradition and Symbolism

Christian churches are a prime example of a "system of symbols" created by religious tradition. This photo is of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, and has arguably more different religious symbols than most other churches (at least Catholic ones). St. Peter's has a variety of symbols including statues, frescoes, paintings, altars, monstrances, etc, all of which represent a part of Catholic traditions, both old and new.