Influence of religion on LA cultures
In our city of Angels class, we recently read Raymond Chandler’s Red Wind, and although it would interesting to delve into Los Angeles’s noir period and the winds that could drive someone to murder, I felt that my blog post would become too similar to those from the past. However, I was interested in talking about our recent reading on Gil Cuardros’s “Holy” chapter from the City of God. This chapter focused on an old woman who constantly pesters Cuadros with religious alters and items. After reading this piece, I became interested in Los Angeles’s religious makeup and the influence religion has on Los Angeles cultures.
Similar to its demographic makeup, Los Angles is a melting pot when it comes to religion. Currently, the religion with the largest population is Roman Catholicism due to Los Angeles's high population of Latinos. Nevertheless, Los Angeles is home to the largest Buddhist population in the United States and the second-largest population of Jewish people in the United States. Along with these three major religious populations, Los Angles is home to sufficient members of Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, Sikhism, Bahá'í, various Eastern Orthodox Churches, Sufism, and other religions. I believe religion has become extremely important for certain groups to maintain their distinct cultures and not being thrown into Los Angeles’s melting pot of cultures.
I’m interested in your experience with religion and how it has impacted you if you are open and want to share it.
Do you think religion influences the Los Angeles culture? If so, how do you feel Los Angeles is influenced by religion?
Do you think religion is important for different groups to maintain their ties to their cultures?
Would it be more beneficial for Los Angeles to become one big melting pot of cultures, or is it important for cultures to stay separate from one another.
I don’t really exercise religion, but I’ve grown up exposed to a lot of different religions. My dad is also non-religious, but my mom is Catholic. I was baptized as a baby and went to a few sunday school sessions, but that’s about it. I went to a Jewish montessori preschool. I think religion could definitely be important for different groups to maintain their ties to their cultures. Religion and culture go hand in hand whether it affects the food you eat to the clothes you wear, basically things that one does on a daily basis. I think it’s more beneficial for Los Angeles to stay separate from one another because that’s what’s unique about Los Angeles. The fact that there are so many different kinds of cultures is a trait that can not be found anywhere else. I think because there is such a diverse group of religions in Los Angeles there’s more religious tolerance. People are way more accepting of all different religions, especially because it’s more “normalized” here in Los Angeles. At my old school, each one of my classmates identified with a different religion, and I doubt there are many other cities that have schools like that.
ReplyDelete(Since my left thumb is incapacitated and in pain, I will be typing less than I normally do. Feel free to ask me to verbally elaborate.) I believe that religion influences the culture of Los Angeles less significantly than it does in other cities. Of course there are those places like Salt Lake City, known across the world as being significant to Mormonism. Then there are places like New Orleans, with more subtle religious beliefs and practices. But since there are so many religions significantly represented in Los Angeles, and with those ratios constantly changing, there does not seem to be one religion dominating cultural life. Nonetheless, given LA County's large Hispanic population, many Angelenos are exposed to Catholic beliefs and practices such as Dia de Los Muertos, Quinceañeras, and top deck seating at Dodger Stadium. I would certainly argue that it is important for people and populations to view religion as a way to maintain ties to their cultures. Few social beliefs have brought strangers closer together than religion. Not only can religion influence your sense of self, but of your parents and ancestors. It can also cause people to build bridges of empathy and compassion with others for no other reason than "God would probably like this." While I see why some people might come up with reasons why cultures and religions should not intermingle, I think that it is of the upmost importance that people understand their neighbors to the best of their abilities. Therefore, I smile every time Los Angeles is referred to as a melting pot, because my family and I have been around here long enough to see the proof.
ReplyDeleteI have been very vocal about my experiences with religion in the past, and very specifically at Poly. This blog post is a little short to share them all, but if you would like to hear more, just let me know! In short, I have observed a lot of stereotypes and prejudices that are learned from the media, generalized and applied to people of faith. This sometimes creates problematic situations. I think LA culture is definitely tied to religion. I think that the culture of individual communities is very influenced by their faith tradition or lack thereof. Those culturally distinctive communities then influence the larger cultural makeup of LA. I think the role of religion in staying connected to cultural ties is something that is only decided on an individual basis, however, I have found that culture is so rooted in religion that many people do stay connected. Whether or not it is necessary or “important” is not for me to determine.
ReplyDeleteAs I have spoken about in the past, I think a large cultural “melting pot” is not ideal as cultural individuality helps people stay connected to their heritage. However, I don’t think “staying separate” from each other is a better option. I think at the end of the day, the most important thing is respect.
I don't actively practice any type of religion right now, though I was baptized as a baby and went through quite a few years of Sunday School and had some of the Catholic milestones like my first communion and reconciliation. My mom was Catholic and tried to practice as much as she could, but when she got sick it was harder and harder to get to church so we (she and I) eventually stopped going. My dad is Presbyterian though he hasn't gone to church in the time I've been alive. I have also been exposed to Buddhism as one of my closest friends is Buddhist (went to Dharma school with her one time — it was interesting). My elementary school was Episcopal (I don't even know what that means), and I remember going to chapel. I definitely believe in some sort of higher power and heaven, and I (roughly) know some of the Bible stories/prayers, but I am hesitant to call myself any type of religion. I think Los Angeles culture, like a lot of American culture, is influenced by Christianity/Catholicism, likely because that is the religion of the majority of the population. You can definitely find pockets of LA that are more influenced by a different religion, but Christianity I think is definitely the dominant religion. We explored the pluses and pitfalls of LA becoming one true melting pot earlier this year, and I don't quite remember what our class's decision was, or if we even came to a decision? Regardless, I think it is a significant part of LA to have different, distinct cultures present. I guess in a way we are a melting pot — the fact that so many different cultures can live so close together is impressive in itself. But I wouldn't want any aspects of any one culture to be lost in the melting pot, so I think the way LA has managed to have distinctions is valuable.
ReplyDeleteMy experience with religion is a complicated one. Since I can remember, I've been raised in a Jewish household; although we don't go to temple often, we celebrate the major holidays and attend services during the High Holidays. I had a Bar Mitzvah and learned Hebrew in preparation. However, I've always thought about how much I would engage with Judaism if it was completely up to me. At this point in time, I don't think I would engage at all with it. But it brings up the question: how much do I know about myself and how religion affects me? Is this a case where I'll end up regretting a rash decision I make regarding my engagement with religion? Should I just give it more time and make a decision later in life? All very complicated stuff.
ReplyDeleteMuch of my parents' lives have revolved around religion, and so, Christianity has been a major part of my upbringing. My mom's family fled Iran after an anti-Christian Assyrian genocide, and my Dad moved to the States with his family so that his dad could pursue a career as a pastor. In each instance, major sacrifices were made in the name of faith and America was able to offer the haven to practice proudly. Freedom of religion has always been a foundational pillar of this country, one that my family values personally, though I know that this liberty isn't extended so enthusiastically to Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, etc. Despite all this history, I struggle with religious doctrine, the church as an industry, and the Bible. For now, I consider all religious or spiritual practice sacred and see the value in faith.
ReplyDeleteBecause most practices that are not Christianity are widely misunderstood and foreignized, religion in America isolates populations. Eastern denominations in particular are considered tribal, bewitched, or primitive. I think of religious with visible religious iconography. The hijab or the turban, both widely misunderstood, are targets for faith-based discrimination along with ethnic discrimination. We know that the United States, and Los Angeles in particular, is becoming less Christian and more agnostic/atheist with an additional increase in the populations of religious minorities. Oftentimes, minority groups hold more closely to their religions in response to a hostile political or social environment, whereas WASPs may not hold so closely religious doctrine and the oversight of a higher power.
We should maybe talk about how all religious symbols are banned in French schools. Forced secularism is not religious tolerance!
Religion influences culture in general and the cultures within Los Angeles are no exception. The cultures that make up LA show us varying religions unlike other places in the world. While Los Angeles is over 60% christian or catholic, Angelenos are still able to witness other religions regularly in LA.
ReplyDeleteI don't think religion is essential to maintain cultural ties, but I do think it is important in maintaining those cultural ties- if that makes any sense whatsoever. What I'm try to say is that individuals can change, modify, or abandon their religious beliefs and still be connected to a culture, but there are many aspects of culture which relate to religious practice that can be secularized or modified to fit someone's belief. Religion will always be a part of the culture but you don't need to practice the religion to identify with culture. - kind of like a rectangle/square relationship.
LA's melting pot of cultures is really special but it is important to preserve the cultures that make it up. Like a slightly melted melting pot- cultures are mixed in places and can live harmoniously but also cultures don't completely combine and disappear altogether.
I think any conversation about Los Angeles’s founding and early history is inherently going to involve some aspect of religion, simply because Los Angeles wouldn’t even exist if it wasn’t for Christianity and the importance it played in the area once the Spanish arrived. Los Angeles owes itself to things like the Spanish mission system in California (lead by Father Junipero Serra), the Spanish conquistadors (like Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo) who explored, adventured, conquered, and subjugated to spread their religion (Christianity) in the New World in the name God himself, and the original church of Los Angeles, “Iglesia Nuestra Senora Reina de Los Angeles.” And, if you think about it, I’m not sure that this characteristic of Los Angeles — being a historically religious city — is entirely unique for an American city, let alone a city anywhere in the world. Think about Florence or the Vatican City or Jerusalem or Rio de Janiero; these cities all have one important, powerful thing in common: their historical (and, for some, contemporary) religious significance. I don’t want to make any blanket statements that I can’t support with evidence/research, but I definitely would argue that the majority of cities in the world can trace their history back to a time of religious activity and/or religious significance.
ReplyDeleteI am definitely aware of the fact that I am most likely biased in saying this as a non-religious person, but I wouldn’t characterize Los Angeles as a “religious city.” In fact, as a resident of LA, I hardly interact with religion at all, at least on a daily basis. Yes, I see churches, synagogues, crosses, and symbols, but I personally do not feel as though there is a strong religious presence in this city, from an external perspective. But of course, that doesn’t mean that religious life and activity doesn’t exist in LA. Religion in LA to me feels pretty kept away and out of plain sight, and I’m not inserting an opinion about this observation, I just am frankly stating my experience as an Angeleno. In other cities that I’ve visited, especially big cities in the South like New Orleans or Atlanta or Charlottesville, religion seems much more visible and out in the open. I’m wondering if anyone has had a similar experience to me or a different experience in regards to LA’s religious identity/appearance.
Lastly, Scientology is a huge huge huge deal in Los Angeles. A Vice article that I found referred to Los Angeles as “the Scientology Capital of the World.” As I have mentioned before in class, I literally could go on and on about Scientology, especially in regards to its presence and activity in Los Angeles and in broader Souther California. What experiences have y’all had, if any, with Scientology in Los Angeles? In Pasadena? Do you think it should it be treated/viewed as a religion? Why do you think Scientology has formed such a strong presence/base in LA specifically?
I do believe that religion influences some parts of LA culture. For example, many areas which have a predominant Latinx (specifically Mexican) population often have murals of Santa Maria on the wall. As a child, I had no idea who Santa Maria was, but I always associated her with the areas I have grown up in because of the plentiful wall painting depicting her. Santa Maria murals are only one example of how religion has influenced Los Angeles culture.
ReplyDeleteReligion brings people together during hard times and often provides hope when there does not seem to be any. It only makes sense that religion is extremely relevant in Los Angeles as plenty of people have come from other countries and struggled to acclimate to Los Angeles and its culture. Religion is universal, and it has the ability to be transported to a country which prides itself in "freedom of religion" easily.
I have grown up in a non-religious household which I appreciate. A non-religious household has allowed me to make my own beliefs and find my own faith without having certain abstract beliefs down my throat. On the other hand, I envy people who have been brought up in a religious household because of the community it builds. While, yes, religious communities can be extremely toxic and backwards, plenty of religious communities are lovely and do wonderful things. As my friends will tell you, I always jokingly say that I want to marry into a religion. Why? I'm not really sure. I guess I've always wanted the positive communal feeling that religion makes.
I have been raised as a Roman Catholic and I do consider myself religious. I have seen my religion affect the way I approach certain and the things I believe in. That being said, I do not believe everything in the old and new testament. I think people assume that all catholics are homophobic and that is not the case with my upbringing. I also think that a lot of people don't know that Pope Francis has said that he doesn't consider being gay a sin and that he is in no place to judge.
ReplyDeleteI definitely think religion impacts LA culture. I see a big catholic influence in LA, whether it be street art or just the amount of catholic churches. There are around 5 million catholics in LA so there is bound to be an influence. I also see influences from the jewish community more on the west side.
I know that Latino culture has a specific tie to Catholicism but I am not really sure about other cultures.
As a Catholic, I’ve participated in Catholic ceremonies such as first communion and confirmation. I attended a Catholic preschool called Little Flower in Lincoln Heights, where I interacted with kind nuns daily. I also interact with a lot of Jesuit Institutions, like Loyola Law School and Dolores Mission School in Boyle Heights. Having my faith is so important to me. My faith gives me strength, hope, and peace. I find that some people tend to generalize all Catholics as conservative or close-minded, things that I am definitely not. This is why before I tell someone that I’m Catholic, I often preface by saying that “I’m an inclusive, liberal Catholic.” I look up to Jesuit priests, who happen to be family friends, like Father Gregory Boyle and Father Scott Santarosa.
ReplyDeleteI definitely think that religion is influential in different cultures. I know that in the Mexican culture, Catholicism can be very influential. I often watch Mexican telenovelas like “La Rosa de Guadalupe” and “Lo que la Vida me Robo,” where Catholic practices and religion are very evident.
Although I often feel like I am one of few Jews here in Pasadena, I often forget that greater Los Angeles is home to one of the largest diasporas of Jews in the world. I feel like my personal LA experience has been rather secular; perhaps this has to do with the fact that I have grown up in Pasadena and not in the city, but when I think about LA, I’d associate its progressive nature with secularism more than anything. Religious observance definitely varies from group to group, but depending on the community, religion can be a means of unification or division. I know that observant Jewish communities are almost religiously obligated to live exclusively around fellow Jews; since they can’t drive on Saturdays, they have to live near a shul, and since they all can’t drive on Saturdays, they all end up living near each other. They also have to buy kosher food and eat at kosher restaurants. Religious obligations like these isolate Jewish groups, and I’m sure the same can happen in other communities.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I am technically a Hindu, I was not really raised with the religion - or with much culture at all, and I think this is mainly due to the lack of representation of this religion and culture in Los Angeles (at least the areas I've grown up in.) But recently, I began to take dance classes at a Mandir (Hindu temple) in Pasadena, which has been my first exposure to religious practices here in America. I began to experience what it is like to be a part of your religious community when it is the minority, having been used to not being around those of the Hindu religion. I think these minority communities that can be found within large, diverse cities such as Los Angeles are so important for the minorities in order to maintain their culture and traditions.
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ReplyDeletePersonally, I am not a religious person at all however I was raised to be protestant by my moms side of the family, especially by my grandmother. While I do respect all religions and the ideals that go with them I do think that religion is simply a way to cope with the thought of death. That being said, I do think that religion has a massive impact on Los Angeles’s culture. Along with the effect of religion on Los Angeles, I would also agree that religion is important for different groups to maintain their ties with their cultures. Furthermore, I think religion is important especially for groups of people who were either prosecuted/racially discriminated against. For a lot of these people, their religion is what gave them hope and the strength/belief to overcome the adversity. Finally, I think that it is important that Los Angeles remains a melting pot for cultures as I think it is important to understand and respect all of the varying religions in Los Angeles and in the world.
(Continued from above, I accidentally posted.) If I had not began going to the Mandir, I would not feel nearly as connected to my culture and religion as I have began to feel in the past 6 months since joining this community. I am now surrounded by people who look like me, speak the same languages, listen to the same music, are of the same religion, etc. and for the first time I am able to celebrate these religious holidays that my family and I never had anyone to celebrate with! I can only imagine the feeling for religious minority people living in less diverse cities than Los Angeles, where they may be the only people of their religious background in their whole town. Not only does this feel isolating, but can cause one to loose touch with their traditions, and can also lead to discrimination towards minorities. I feel very lucky to live in a city with as much religious diversity as Los Angeles, and think that while it is important to mix and learn about each other's cultures, it is equally as important to keep these communities binded and maintain culture and tradition.
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