Gender+and+Sexual+Expression+in+Mardi+Gras

=Introduction= In New Orleans, Mardi Gras is an annual festival event that occurs the day before Ash Wednesday, which is also considered the first day of Lent (Kinser, 1990). Considered one of the best known carnival festivals in the U.S., Mardi Gras attracts millions of visitors every year. In addition to celebrating the culture, history, and food of New Orleans, participants have an opportunity to engage in playful deviance when Mardi Gras officially begins (Milhausen, Reece, & Perera, 2006). Most of the festivities are localized to the Bourbon and Royal Streets within the French Quarter. These condensed areas are usually filled with paraders and observers, where street dancing and other behaviors typically deemed as “deviant” to the outside world are permissible within the confines of Mardi Gras culture. =Disrobement and Playful Deviance= Festival participants engage in various types of behavior that would be considered taboo if the actual event was not taking place. Such behaviors include exchange rituals where nudity and gifting of beads are considered symbolic currency during the festival (Shrum & Kilburn, 1996). Disrobement, which Shrum & Kilbrun refers to as “the exposure of intimate body parts in social actions”, is highly prevalent during the festival season (p. 424). Much of the disrobement is brief and usually aimed towards strangers. Disrobement allows for individuals to undress for strangers anonymously because the culture allows for it to take place where individuals do not have to fear judgment and ridicule. Others who choose to disrobe do so in “time out” areas and “backspaces” for fear they would be criticized (Milhausen, Reece, & Perera, 2006). Further lack of responsibility to the outside community leads to such deviant acts that allows an individual to pursue things that they would not otherwise do in the normal everyday lives. =Exchange of Beads as Currency= The exchange of beads during Mardi Gras is very prevalent. Beads symbolize the history of New Orleans when the aristocrats lived in luxury and decadence. As previously stated, beads serve as a currency in exchange for behaviors. Shrum and Kilburn (1996) further elaborate by stating that “in the sacred world of Carnival, the motivation is transferred to the accumulation of a ritual currency that has special value for a limited time.” Those that engage in the exchange and gifting of long strands of beads continue to do so for the duration of Mardi Gras. Those that adorn themselves with beads are seen as active and willing participants during the event’s festivities (pp. 428-429). Beads ranging in various lengths, colors and sizes symbolize different things. Those that acquire beads that are large, long, and bold in color are considered to be the richest within their social groups in that bead color and size carries a certain value within the currency system of Mardi Gras celebrations (p. 435). =Gender Dynamics of Gifting and Bead Exchange= With relation to gender, traditional patriarchal power dynamics are almost non-existent. Women are more so seen as having more power than men. This is especially the case with regards to gifting. According to Shrum and Kilburn (1996) “while the street [during Mardi Gras] is the domain of men, balconies are the domain of women.” Due to this elevation, women assume the role of being the powerful leaders who are gifting their “subjects” below. Gifting of beads primarily takes place from the balconies and is subjective based on whether the females deem their “subjects” worthy to receive such gifts. Therefore, an exchange is necessary is order to receive such coveted prizes (pp. 438-439).

Submitted by Shayla Benson

media type="custom" key="25731618" width="458" height="251" =References= Kinser, S. (1990). //Carnival, American style: Mardi Gras at New Orleans and Mobile//. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.

Milhausen, R. R., Reece, M., & Perera, B. (2006). A theory-based approach to understanding sexual behavior at Mardi Gras. //Journal of sex research, 43//(2), 97-106. doi: 10.1080/00224490609552304

Shrum, W., & Kilburn, J. (1996). Ritual disrobement at Mardi Gras: Ceremonial exchange and moral order. //Social Forces, 75//(2), 423-458. doi:10.1093/sf/75.2.423