22-10-2009, 02:15 PM
Certainly authority tries to dominate, and does, in many places outside of the US but the US does seem in many ways designed to produce obedience in people. From the children pledging their allegiance to the flag, the 'my country right or wrong' to 'the boss will look after me' mentality. I'm not sure if all that is directly relevant to this event. The people in the sweat lodge most likely were well off middle class looking for a peak experience of some kind. Certainly this ritual is not a part of their cultural experience and being greenhorns at it they need the guidance of some authority figure. It seems like the authority figure may have been more of a businessman than a shaman. Fifty people times$9,695 = $484,750 Teepee hire is not that expensive. Not bad for 2 hours work and a bit of admin.
"The philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways. The point, however, is to change it." Karl Marx
"He would, wouldn't he?" Mandy Rice-Davies. When asked in court whether she knew that Lord Astor had denied having sex with her.
“I think it would be a good idea” Ghandi, when asked about Western Civilisation.
"He would, wouldn't he?" Mandy Rice-Davies. When asked in court whether she knew that Lord Astor had denied having sex with her.
“I think it would be a good idea” Ghandi, when asked about Western Civilisation.