Analysis Of Clifford Geertz's Deep Play: Notes On The Balinese Cockfight

Different cultures have their own symbols which have specific meaning that pertain their traditions and way of life. Clifford Geertz's Deep Play: Notes on the Balinese Cockfight manifests the notion that cultures possess rituals that are implicit, resulting in anthropologists attempting to interpret the importance of customs embedded in specific cultures. In the article, it is emphasized that cockfight is one of the significant rituals in the Balinese culture. While being perceived as a simple activity within the community, it holds a much complex meaning that is distinct to the Balinese culture. In the beginning of the article, it displayed the difficulty that Geertz and his wife experienced due to being perceived as outsiders in Bali. They were unable to connect to the locals …show more content…
In reference to Bentham's idea of "deep play" in his work The Theory of Legislation, he implies that "deep play" is irrational because uniting with motivation of gambling with more at stake will merely result in pain rather than pleasure. Therefore, people who participate in such act are illogical beings. However, the Balinese negates such ideas by implying that in this play, money is not measured as a source of utility, but "a symbol of moral import, perceived or imposed". Since bets are typically even in deep plays, money is not the central motive of the occasion, but status is. In cockfights, bets are merely a physical confirmation, while status is the deeper motivation in play. Moreover, cockfights often occur between opposing groups such as families, and functions as a method of approaching disputes. Overall, Geertz’s thesis implies while deep play in cockfighting is a method to keep the fight engaging, the highly competitive nature of the game in which “the stakes are so high” is an irrational system for men to participate