Introduction
Matters revolving around cultures worldwide have always fascinated anthropologists, scholars, and culture connoisseurs. Consequently, literature is abundant on the unique features and peculiarities of various communities and nations. For example, in Clifford Geertz’s essay “Deep Play: Notes on the Balinese Cockfight,” the author discusses the concept of symbolic forms and how they can influence cultural interpretation.
Through a symbolic process of cockfighting, the writer focuses not only on the local tradition but also on its impact on identity formation. When compared with the 1984 and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, one can see a parallel with the Balinese cockfight in how the events shape identities, bring people together, and transcend geographical boundaries.
Dramatization
The first aspect evident through Geertz’s lens is the subjectivity of the community’s lifestyles and unique values. As mentioned by the author, “the cockfight is the Balinese reflection on theirs: on its look, its uses, its force, its fascination” (Geertz, 27). The author then emphasizes that, by drawing on nearly every aspect of the Balinese experience, it unites themes such as “animal savagery, male narcissism, opponent gambling, status rivalry, mass excitement, and blood sacrifice” (Geertz, 27).
These themes are united by their shared experience of anger and fear of anger, and enforcing a set of rules that both contain and permit them to play, it creates a symbolic framework that repeatedly makes the reality of their inner belonging understandable (Geertz, 27). In this sense, one can see how such a Balinese tradition manifests in the formation of collective mindsets and perceptions of local values. The given event, more specifically, cockfighting, demonstrates the dramatization of these people’s identities.
When applying the given perspective to the Los Angeles Olympics, many sources highlight the events’ grandeur and significance in the history of the Olympics and the municipality. As mentioned in “Highlights,” “The Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games were a landmark in the Games’ recent history.” Despite criticism at the time, the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles served as a model for subsequent games, especially after it was discovered that they had made a profit of $223 million (“Highlights”).
The given outcome illuminates the grand narrative and its role in locals’ aspirations. There were multiple reasons why the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles were noteworthy. Since these were the first privately sponsored Olympics in history, the organization and implementation of the games, particularly the opening ceremonies, remained more in the hands of the organizers (“Filming”). Such elements greatly contributed to demonstrating local values and heritage. Moreover, athletes set numerous records during the 1984 Olympics, such as Carlos Lopes, Michael Phelps, and gymnast Mary Lou Retton’s gold medal-winning exploits (“Filming”). Consequently, given the event’s scope, it serves as the foundation for dramatizing local identity.
Social Organization and Representation
Moving forward, in his article, Geertz delves deeper into the notion of symbolic forms and how they help build social organization and enhance representation. The author quotes, “The mass festivals at the village temples, […] mobilize the whole local population in elaborate hosting of visiting gods, songs, dances, compliments, gifts, assert the spiritual unity of village mates against their status inequality and project a mood of amity and trust” (Geertz, 29).
Just as bullfighting is not the ultimate secret to Spanish culture, cockfighting is not the secret to Balinese life (Geertz, 29). What it says about that life is not unconditional nor unassailable in the face of equally persuasive cultural judgments (Geertz, 29). It conveys calm rather than unease because it is set in the static, passionless matrix of heavenly cognition rather than in the dynamic emotionality of animals (Geertz, 29). By discussing cockfighting and other events, the writer highlights that they go beyond mere repetition of actions and instead focus on the spiritual component.
Similarly, the 2028 and 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles have more to them than just the competitions. In “Filming,” it was mentioned that during the 1984 Olympics, “the opening ceremony highlighted the cultural diversity of the city and celebrated the arts, including a performance by Lionel Richie and a dance number by the Joffrey Ballet.” The social organization of the event is evident in its ability to bring together people from all backgrounds.
For example, aside from the athletes and managers, volunteers and spectators completed the picture, reinforcing the event’s diversity. In this case, the symbolism of the event lies within its mission to present a vision of unity in the face of struggles and misunderstandings. As Geertz discussed the collective sensibility of people in Balinese villages, the 1984 Olympics also served as a means of connecting with a wider community.
Universal Humanity and Cultural Identity
Finally, specific events and traditions can contribute greatly to universal humanity and cultural identity. For example, in his article, Geertz mentions that “enacted and reenacted, so far without end, the cockfight enables the Balinese, as, read and reread, Macbeth enables us, to see a dimension of his own subjectivity” (Geertz, 28). In his story, the writer recalls visiting the village with his wife, exploring its local culture, traditions, and values (Geertz, 1).
However, as one becomes familiar with cockfighting, one learns what the game says to them as he observes fight after fight under the watchful eyes of an owner and a bettor (Geertz, 28). As a result, through such an experience, the author learned that cockfighting is not much different from croquet or dog racing (Geertz, 28). Thus, through his recollections, Geertz highlights the importance of various events and how they can be adopted in other cultures. At the same time, greater emphasis is placed on understanding the essence of such traditions and their meanings.
Conclusion
In the case of the Los Angeles Olympics, the main idea is to move beyond competitions and reach wider audiences. As was said in “Design,” “This is about making the world a better place and helping to bring people together, and understanding that it isn’t just sports that does that, but culture and art” (0:30). In other words, the Olympics in 1984 were the foundation for the celebration of various cultures and identities.
At the same time, it was crucial to retain local identity and reinforce its role. Now, for the Olympics 2028, it is highlighted that “Los Angeles is more than a city. It’s a mindset. A movement.” (LA28). Once again, it is emphasized that the event is not aimed at providing a theatrical spectacle but at fostering intercultural communication and understanding, and at appreciating differences around the world.
Works Cited
Design. “Los Angeles 1984 – The Design that Helped Unify the Diverse Neighborhoods of So.Cal.” YouTube, uploaded by Olympics, 2018.
Filming. “Filming The 1984 Olympics Opening Ceremonies Made Me Cry. LA At Its Finest.” YouTube, uploaded by David Hoffman, 2023.
Geertz, Clifford. “Deep Play: Notes on the Balinese Cockfight.” Daedalus, vol. 101, no. 1, 1972, pp. 1-37.
Highlights. “Amazing Classic Highlights – Los Angeles 1984 Olympics.” YouTube, uploaded by Olympics, 2012.
LA28. “Creating What’s Next.”