Homework 6

Stefano Pagani

Which segment did you find most interesting and why?
I found the section about special food that only the elderly can eat very interesting. More specifically, the part about the Arunta Aborigines, and how "The Arunta believe that eating parrots will create a hollow in a young man’s head, and a hole will grow in the chin" and the many other dangers if a younger person eats these special foods.

Which event(s) led to the passing of an Elderly Rights Law (Article 207 of the Civil Code) in France? What do you take away from this?
The Elderly Rights Law was passed due to a study that was showing many elderly suicides, specifily in France. I found it sad that there are so many elderly suicides, and that a law was needed to make people visit their elders. I think that it should be kindness that inspires someone to visit their grandparents, not the threat of jail time.

What are highly specialized skills and knowledge that come from old age? Give examples from at least 3 different cultures.
Hawaiian grandmothers have the skill to make unique ornate leis and feather accessories.
In Ecuador, elderly shamans have magical powers and are believed to transform into jaguars.
Age is typically associated with wisdom in western society.