The Analysis of
Geertz Reliance on Thick Description
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The Analysis of
Geertz Reliance on Thick Description
In his essay,
Geertz thoroughly offers an archetypal instance of interpretive approach. He comprehensively
examines commonplace practices of gambling and gaming to create an account of
prominence hierarchies and machismo in Bali (Geertz, 2008). However, he uses
the analogy to explain how the humanity culture develops as an ensemble of
texts that people find hard to read. In comprehending, how the essay relies on the
thick description, it is imperative to highlight its meaning. The approach
evaluates behavior that uses practices initially developed for examining
literature (Selby, 2017). In this regard, the paper discusses the
anthropological importance of Deep Play as occurring in The Balinese
Cockfight as well as its parallelism to the thick description.
The interpretive
approach involves the infinitesimal analysis of a precise framework in a highly
participatory manner. By using specific examples of gambling, Geertz manages in
offering explanations on the social change of gaming as well as how numerous
casual elements interrelate. Thus, for people to interpret a culture, they
should first detach its components, identify internal linkages, and illustrate
the system in a universal manner according to signs around which it exists. In
fact, his reliance on thick description arises when he posits that his
evaluation is not experimental but interpretive (Selby, 2017).
The concept of
“deep play” offers him a way of elucidating the representative dimensions of
money and status as entrenched into the configurations of the Balinese cock
fight. In this society, people risk honor, status, demonstration, and money for
a game of cock fight (Geertz, 2008). However, considering the gains that one
might attain, the stakes of the contest are high. Geertz’s reflections of the
betting index the explanatory turn in anthropology, as they contain too much
textualism. In fact, his use of details when he recounts the heart-throbbing
pursuit, the cockfights, and the appearance of the police draws the reader into
the community. The event of the cockfight helped Geertz transition from a
stranger to a partaker and his comprehensive account makes the audiences feel
as if they are active contributors in the performance. Moreover, it helps to
establish a subjective authority, which means Geertz appears as knowledgeable
in telling the story.
According to the
analogy, Bali people form a most interesting society based on a culture that
they seem to seek to uphold through tooth and nail. Notes on the Balinese
Cockfight offers critical insights into the aspect of Deep Play relative to
the deep description Geertz offers in the Bali people narrative (Geertz, 2008).
From the narrative, one comes to embrace the Balinese as a people whose culture
has thrived even in the face of domination by others. To do so, the society has
incorporated deception or deep play deeply into its cultural fabric such that were
it not for an opportune moment, quick thinking, and application of
anthropological knowledge the author would not have had the opportunity to be
exposed to the culture. Geertz provides that the people of Bali normally desist
from any form of interaction with foreigners to the point that visitors feel
invincible (Geertz, 2008). However, the big cockfight transformed the author’s
experiences in a manner that naturally amazes audiences. By opting to employ
ethnographic know how and doing as the Roman’s would do, the author and his
wife opt to follow one of the society’s members in running away from a police
swoop. Upon reaching the Bali man’s home, his wife swiftly sets up a table for
three and serves tea which totally confuses the Japanese police officer hot on
their heels.
The deep play
of the cockfight incident is that it is a practice the Balinese hold dearly
that no amount of intimidation would commit them to disregard it. Being a
hierarchical society, the cockfight arrangements are organized by the respected
chief who has bribed Dutch officials to turn the other cheek. The cock fight is
essentially held resulting from a shortcoming by the colonizing administration,
failure to avail fund to construct a school. The event is, therefore, of far
reaching social benefits, as it attracts the concerted efforts of the Bali
people. The author has taken upon a microscopic lens to make a viable analysis
of the unique society. These people take the risk to uphold centuries old practice
but are keen to put structures in place to mitigate reprisals by the colonial
administration. For instance, the chief who initially arranged the public event
rushes off to a nearby river to fake bathing; thus, support his ignorance of
the event. He is, however, caught by the administration and fined an amount
which the society members are very happy to contribute towards the considerate
leader’s release.
Conclusively, by
playing along with what the Balinese do, Geertz is accorded even very rare opportunities
to meet very significant members like the old sage. The deep play of things is
portrayed in a very entertaining manner. The writer who was at first an
invisible physical being is in an instant transformed into the most sought
after, and an amusing member of the Balinese (Geertz, 2008). The entire event
enabled the anthropologist to understand the intricate deep play of things that
appear normal but are essentially a simple but confidently planned artistry of
deception. Balinese culture, therefore, has remained closely knit because of using
astuteness to ensure survival and to eliminate unwanted interferences.
References
Geertz, C.
(2008). The interpretation of cultures: Selected essays. Basic Books.
Selby, D.
(2017). Lecture on Clifford Geertz Thick Description: Toward an Interpretive
Theory of Culture. PowerPoint Presentation. College of Staten Island.
