Why bother with myths & traditions ?

Understanding Concepts, Definitions and Scope:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tradition


http://mythsdreamssymbols.com/importanceofmyth.html







Examples & Case Studies:


Some Trivia:
http://remembersingapore.org/2012/06/29/singapore-legends-and-myths/




Perceptions towards the family as a traditional institution:
http://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/traditional-view-of-family-likely-to-persist-in-Singapore









Identity, Traditional Practices and Rites:
https://soch.wordpress.com/2006/07/09/dialect-has-made-singapore-chinese-culture-rich/
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/keeping-singapore-s/1877476.html
http://www.eurasians.org.sg/eurasians-in-singapore/eurasian-culture-lifestyle/


http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/072709p56.shtml


http://desinema.com/hindu-traditions-scientific-reasons/

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2010/jul/29/lasting-power-oral-tradition

 

 

 

Place and Space: 


http://www.asianurbanepicenters.com/?p=1734


http://blogs.wsj.com/indonesiarealtime/2011/11/09/singapore-graveyard-stirs-lively-debate/
http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/pulau-ubin-far-from-a-dying-town
http://remembersingapore.org/2015/05/26/provision-shops-stand-test-of-time


Nuance and Critical Thinking:
Note that there is nothing traditional or mythic about places like Bt Brown cemetery and Pulau Ubin.
Tradition is about inherited practices transmitted over time.


In this context, the rites, practices and social memories associated with these places. They give them meaning and value. These could include anything from traditional trades to dialects to places and even burial rites.

 

Underlying Issues: Costs, Benefits and Controversies

 

1. Tradition has been seen as the bedrock for social stability for many cultures in performing their unique traditional practices and maintaining a sense of identity.
http://blog.artweekenders.com/2015/07/06/folklore-folk-art-in-modern-society/

2. Traditions also reinforce values and practices that are often acknowledged to be good, for example, showing respect for elders.
 https://www.sfcca.sg/en/node/62


3. However, tradition can tie individuals and societies to practices that are archaic and problematic, like foot binding and child marriage.
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2008/aug/07/religion.women


4. Traditions have even been manipulated by stronger groups to maintain their economic and social positions. This can also include political power.
http://www.richmond-news.com/news/discrimination-disguised-as-tradition-in-richmond-1.660333


https://bpphumanrightsunit.wordpress.com/2013/12/16/fear-and-loathing-in-moscow-traditions-of-discrimination-continue/


5.Traditional taboos have kept certain members who violate these taboos on the fringe of society.

 http://www.rethinkreality.com/civilrights/discrimination/art10.php

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/stanley-knick/traditional-culture-and-m_b_655992.html