In preparation for tomorrow’s long weekend trip to Nawlins with my wife, I thought I would give myself some cultural education. I have spent a fair amount of time in New Orleans…it’s one of my favorite cities just about anywhere – in no small part because of the street culture, the music culture (whcih isn’t too far removed from the former), the food culture and the ghosts that remain for era upon era past. I don’t think I ever knew the difference between Cajun and Creole cultures so am pleased to find this blog. And also pleased to say I have learned something new about my Canadian friends and colleagues….especially my buddy Brian who hails from Acadian roots….
If you’re reading or following this blog, you have probably picked up on a few subjects that recur throughout the posts. Two of them are fairly well-known, yet also widely misunderstood: Cajun and Creole. Both cultures have been associated with Ascension Parish, Louisiana since the early days of the colony. For those of you who haven’t grown up in, around, or with either culture, you may assume that they are both the same. Folks, these terms are not one and the same; they are two entirely different cultures that happen to reside in close geographical proximity to each other. Both cultures share some commonalities, which can confuse those who don’t fully understand them: they share the French language (although different dialects), have an affinity for spicy food (although Creole food has much more West African influence), and a joie de vivre not found in other parts of the United States.
Most…
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The Narcissistic (American) Anthropologist 