Ownership

Ownership traditions

To own something is to have it become a part of your identity. The thing that you own does not have to be physical; it can be an idea, trait, or tradition. All of these things come together to become part of your character and define your personal self. There are many examples of ownership in literature and our everyday surroundings.

Traditions that occur throughout history become a part of your character. There are holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas where you form memories, and rituals such as church where you are taught how to conduct your life. These traditions change and enhance your identity. In The Jungle by Upton Sinclair the emigrant family clings to a Lithuanian wedding tradition, the veselija, that costs hundreds of dollars. There is a large feast held and no visitor is turned out. Free beer and food is costly for the hosts and even though they may go broke from the event they still do their best to uphold this age-old ritual.  This form of loyalty and devotion to an idea causes a person to own the tradition.

An American tradition that brings many families into the home to surround the television is Super Bowl Sunday. This observance of the champion football game entails many masculine characteristics in the form of yelling, drinking beer, gambling, and competition. Football and the manly connotation of watching football have become an essential part of American nature. By watching the Super bowl Americans are characterizing themselves as the stereotypical jock; tough, manly, and (in their mind) superior.

Another habit that has become part of the American culture is education. While many students see this as mandatory and not enjoyable it has become one of our basic rights to be educated. This sets us apart from other countries such as Somalia where only 10% of the children go to primary school, who have very limited education systems. (theguardian.com) By completing the traditional high school education young adults in America have changed their identity to informed, and prepared for the real world. 

An object, an idea, a human, these can all be owned. They must be incorporated into the owner’s character and personage. Traditions and habits define who we are and give us guidelines for how to conduct our lives.