Professional Anthropologist vs
Professional Anthropologist vs. Professional Comedian When one compares Clifford Geertz, PhD anthropologist, to Eddie Izzard, British transvestite comedian, one would think they would share absolutely nothing in common. However the two men's professions aren't all that different when "everything is laid out on the table." As a project Clifford Geertz and his wife traveled to Bali in order to study the culture of the Balinese but, more importantly, the cockfighting that means more to the Balinese people than just a sport. As part of this project Geertz reported his findings in an essay titled "Deep Play: Notes on the Balinese Cockfight," which he would later read as a speech at a seminar. Eddie Izzard is a world-renowned comedian known for his high heels, lipstick, and knee slapping shows. In a recent show "Dress To Kill," Izzard, like Geertz, travels to places both familiar and slightly foreign from his own. Although Izzard's projects and shows are laid back and entertain many with comedy, his shows are more than for comedic purposes but political reasons as well. Izzard's shows and especially "Dress To Kill" demonstrate his intelligence and ability bring to light matters that others may ignore or never realize
[his] co-villagers" (308), and become a part of the life of the Balinese. Izzard, whether an outsider or an insider of the culture of discussion, still observes the people's way of living and how each of them live, works, think and have fun. Izzard at times pokes fun at a culture that one might normally consider to be offensive, but rather then the person becoming upset or enraged with anger, Izzard helps the audience laugh about themselves and their culture, country, history, etc. Geertz and Izzard differ dramatically in the way they study a culture and how they later theorize about the society, or do they? Geertz "submerses" himself in the daily lives of the Balinese people, studying and gathering information from communication with natives and observations of their lives and the cockfighting ritual. The audience for which Geertz' "Deep Play: Notes on the Balinese Cockfight" and Izzard's "Dress to Kill" were generated for decided how each would be constructed. "Deep Play: Notes on the Balinese Cockfight. Foreign or familiar with a culture, insider or outsider, Geertz and Izzard are able to overcome difficulties and succeed in achieving their ultimate goal, to enlighten people about cultures. " Ways of Reading an Anthology for Writers. Izzard simply conveys his viewpoints by juxtaposing the various appearances of different cultures and countries and at times their ridiculousness. Geertz' claim is that the cocks are "symbolic expressions or manifestations of their owners self" (311) and that in caring for the bird with extravagant attention, the Balinese man can in some way face "what he most fears, hates. Izzard's audience for "Dress To Kill" are there for comedy and entertainment, and therefore Izzard incorporates history, western culture, the royal family, etc.
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Acceptance Essays
