Rough Draft

After given the chance to reflect on chapter fourteen of Conformity and Conflict by Lee Cronk and chapter five of Northern Passage by Robert Jarvenpa, reciprocity was a huge theme and Mr. Jarvenpa continued his participant observation as well. Reciprocity was understood all the way back when the earliest white settlers established homes in New England. However, over time, the meaning of the word reciprocity has been lost. Furthermore, many modern Westerners such as us are not truly aware of what the purpose of gift giving is. For instance, we tend to use gifts to maintain long-term relationships and also because we feel a mutual obligation. By not fully understanding the meaning of reciprocity, we also run the risk of being misinterpreted and even causing harm. Also, the idea that gifts usually carry obligation with them is instilled early in life. Lastly, this chapter discusses how we have come to always expect something in return. Whether it is a gift of equal value or simply a word or two of gratitude, we expect something in return and we use these gifts to establish friendships and manipulate our positions in society. Ongoing, chapter five in Northern Passage consists of Mr. Jarvenpa continuing his fieldwork journey. First, Jarvenpa, and his crew of Antoine and his brother August, set up camp in the ‘big muskeg’ hunting for beaver. August demonstrates to Robert how to set up a trap consisting of steel jaws and a wooden stake that would assist them in catching a beaver. Essentially, what is established during this chapter is that August is in charge of the group, while Antoine and Robert observed him and followed any commands he made. However, most importantly, Mr. Jarvenpa and Antoine were in charge of gathering wood, setting up camp, cooking food, and help August to make his current task as efficient as possible. Overall, these two chapters were interesting because I was able to connect to the point of reciprocity which we have been discussing