Tricksters figure prominently in the mythologies of many cultures. These individuals are often comical and clever individuals who violate cultural norms and play tricks on other people. Besides being entertaining, these stories help enculturate people and encourage them to abide by the cultural norms of their society. Students will analyze these three trickster stories from to compare and analyze for their paper.
https://www.omfrc.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/issue21-feb2011.pdf
https://www.indigenouspeople.net/rabbcoy.htm
1. Define the concept of culture from an anthropological perspective.
2. Identify and describe the social context (physical and social setting) in which trickster stories are told, and by whom, in these three cultures. Apply the concept of culture in order to analyze and compare similarities and differences between trickster stories in these three cultures.
3. Identify and describe how the trickster uses shape shifting, ambiguity, humor, or rule breaking to challenge or reinforce established power structures and systems (such as social or economic class, sexism racism, or patriarchy), in these three stories. Provide a concrete example to support your view.
4. Identify and describe how the trickster challenges or reinforces established social institutions such as religion, marriage or kinship in these three stories. Provide a concrete example to support your view.
5. Critically reflect on the function and value of trickster stories in these three cultures. How do the actions of the trickster provide comic relief as well as transmit important cultural lessons.? How are the tricksters in these three stories similar to well-known real life tricksters in historical or contemporary U.S. society such as comedians or political commentators? Provide a concrete example to support your view.
6. Personally reflect on and compare popular trickster stories in your own culture that have impacted or influenced you. Who are some historical or contemporary tricksters in politics or the entertainment industry that have impacted you or shaped your values? Do you think you have a trickster personality? Provide a concrete example to support your views.
