Write a short essay addressing the following questions:
"Arrival at adulthood is measurable in terms of a threefold alteration in status which - to put it in our terms - comprises biological development, intellectual capacity and emotional stability." (Garland, 163). The main difference between childhood and adulthood is responsibility for one's own actions. An adult chooses who they want to associate with, provides for their own livelihood and is responsible for their own shortcomings. When there isn't a distinct recognition of the change of status, a child will sometimes hide what they have done wrong when they don't understand that their parents will help them learn from their mistakes. On the other side, a young adult will sometimes do what they know is wrong in the belief that their parents will take responsibility and make things right again.
With a coming-of-age ritual to clearly mark the dividing line, everyone involved knows where their responsibilities begin and end. Parents can still help their children in times of need but in the way of friends and mentors rather than protectors.
"By moving from the oikos to the polis and then from the polis to the greater world that lies beyond the confines of Ithaca he is discovering and defining his identity in terms of an everwidening and ever more challenging social milieu." (Garland, 172). The coming-of-age ritual not only marks a change in relationship between parents and children but also a change in status with the community. For this reason, it should be held to emphesize the responsibilities and prililedges of adulthood such as being able to vote, drink, sign contracts, etc. Instead of abusing the right to drink as soon as they become of age (which is a type of coming-of-age ritual in itself), a more responsible type of coming-of-age ritual for one who can legally drink could be a symposia where everyone drinks the same amount mixed with intellectual conversation. (This would also be a good time to demonstrate the importance of libations in our religion.)
"The attainment of adulthood articulates, reinforces and 'justifies' sex distinctiveness by requiring boys and girls, young men and young women, to perform rituals which prepare them for sex-specific roles in adult life." (Garland, 163). In our modern society, we try very hard to remove any gender bias from adult roles so the coming-of-age rites should not be gender specific. However, by this time in their life the young adult should have an idea of what adult role they want to fulfill and the coming-of-age rite should formally start their preparation for that role and should be unique to each person's desired adult role.
- In what ways might our modern circumstances change the focus or meaning of coming-of-age rites for our young people and for the community?
"an Athenian was expected to know the laws of the polis and to be able to distinguish between right and wrong, having arrived at the age of discretion." (Garland, 182). Responsibilities and benefits of being a member of the community has also changed since ancient time. The participant should demonstrate basic knowledge of these modern responsibilities and benefits such as procedures to get a driver's license and social security card, procedure to register and vote, procedure to create a budget and support themselves, etc.
"There are military overtones in the gift of an army uniform and corporate-convivial ones in that of a drinking-cup. The imagery seems to suggest that manhood was most importantly indicated by eligibility for military service and the right to attend the symposium or drinking-party." (Garland, 176). Finally, the participant should demonstrate the knowledge and desire to be a responsible member of society, responsible for their own actions to society and to their religious beliefs.
Works Cited
- Garland, Robert (1990) "The Greek Way of Life" Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press. ISBN 0-8014-2335-X
Approved
4-May-03.