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Cuyamaca College Trobrianders and American Baseball Players Discussion

 

When Gmelch learned about the Trobriand Islanders, their beliefs in magic reminded him of his experience playing professional baseball: Like the Trobrianders, American baseball players use “magic” in specific situations and for certain ends.

In this GD, compare and contrast Trobriander magic and American baseball magic:

  1. Discuss one specific example of how the Trobrianders and American baseball players are similar in their magical beliefs or practices.
  2. Discuss one specific example of how the Trobrianders and American baseball players differ in their magical beliefs or practices.
  3. (Optional or if your response is less than 200 words): Describe one way that you or someone you know uses “magic” (e.g. ritual, fetish, or taboo) and explain its purpose.