Bill Braun asked for more development of why using the talking stick, or
another symbol from another culture, might be problematic.
Maybe Rick's reference to an earlier comment is all that was needed, but
here's my take on it. My sense is that many members of minority groups
understand their history to be filled with instances of the majority group
arriving, liking, and simply TAKING for their own use whatever from the
minority group they felt would benefit them. And so the appropriation of
a religious/ spiritual/cultural symbol for use---particularly in a
business setting---triggers a response for 2 reasons: same-old-same-old
pattern of "taking" (and I think that's where the idea of imperialism
comes in), and particularly because the religious/spiritual arena is so
close to the center of a people that its appropriation feels particularly
violating.
This response probably varies from culture to culture. As I understand
it, the rituals of some native groups are very public, and outsiders are
welcome; for others, rituals are very private. I would assume the latter
groups would find appropriation of their symbols much more offensive.
Bill, I hope this adds some clarity, and maybe challenges all of
us---when/if we use symbols like the talking stick---to introduce them
with care and honor to the traditions they come from.
Jean
Jean Alvarez
Organizational Leadership
1439 Marlowe Ave.
Lakewood, OH 44107
(216) 228-8253
(216) 941-3430 FAX (flag for Jean Alvarez)
jxa27@po.cwru.edu
--jxa27@po.cwru.edu (Jean Alvarez)
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