This week, the readings were quite entertaining. Indeed, I really enjoyed readings some legends and stories. These legends are a part of folk culture and of popular culture too. What are the differences between these two terms?  Do they have the same meanings?

Folk culture is composed of myths and traditions. Generally, legends from folk culture are oral ones. But, as production processes and ways to communicate change, the ways to convey these legends also change. These modern legends published in 1997, are inspired by indigenous myths. So, folk culture is not only composed with the legacy of ancient civilizations, it renews it.

It deals with ancient Gods or mystic characters but it also conveys a message and some values. That’s why; I assume that it could be considered as apologues. Indeed, even if these legends look unreal, it deals with people and their culture. For example, in the legend of « The singing tablets », Utuquel explains that « to create is to steal. » What does it mean? Art is inspired by things which already exists and by common things. It inspired by ancient civilizations and influences by ancient values. Thus, there is no really pure creation. As we learn it in the text of William Rowe and Vivian Schelling, culture is influenced by progress, new processes of production and change of mentality. However, a culture keeps its heritage and transforms it, adapts it to new contexts. Thus, the process is not a creation but regeneration.

Moreover, I find some similarities between the last text and the text of Eva Perron. According to Eva Perron, the people who are humiliated and exploited are also the people of God. Similarly, in the text, Saint Francis seems to be on the side of the poor and humble people. The turns upside-down at the end of the text, illustrates that the situation must change. However, the main difference between the two texts, is that in Evita Peron one, the people have to fight for their rights, they are an actor, a force, whereas, in the text of José Maria Arguedas the people are submissive and seem to wait passively for their relief.

Finally, folk culture is composed of myths, legends and heritage of ancient civilizations. However, regarding the texts of this week, I have the impression that folk culture is only based on indigenous myths and tradition. Yet, I assume that folk culture is also composed with Spanish popular culture and African popular one.