The Sharer: Friends and Family of Ola Belle Reed

Friday, April 10, 2009

Friends and Family of Ola Belle Reed

A Saturday afternoon in Elkton, Maryland spent sharing stories and music inspired by Ola Belle Reed. Produced by Shane Carpenter in collaboration with Aaron Henkin of WYPR, and Cliff Murphy of the Maryland State Arts Council.

This is a special companion piece to Episode #27 of Tapestry of the Times. And for more information on Ola Belle Reed’s recordings, check out the Smithsonian Folkways website.

You may first need to download the latest version of Flash HERE for a consistent playback experience.

*In the bottom, right corner of the video, there are four little arrow dealios that will expand the display for a higher quality version.

The Sharer

"The surest way for individuals to minimize the risk of not having enough to eat on a bad day was not to save what they gathered or killed on good days for later use by their 'own', but to pool and divide the whole harvest among the entire group every day. With few exceptions, hunting and gathering societies throughout history have emphasized sharing and reciprocity. Band-level societies put extraordinary time and energy into establishing norms of sharing. People who share gain status, while individuals who refuse to share are shunned and ostracized."

In an attempt to avoid famine, bad harvests, or worse, I pledge to be a better sharer and bring what inspires, perplexes, and entertains me to my fellow hunter gatherers. Forgive my hoarding.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Friends and Family of Ola Belle Reed

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