Rhythms of Connection: A Call for Feeling in Anthropology

I’m pleased to announce the inclusion of my article, "Rhythms of Connection: A Call for Feeling in Anthropology," in Goldsmiths, University Of London’s Anthways Journal, Vol 4, Issue 1: Reworlding Anthropology. I consider rhythmic attention through the body as an anthropological method in this piece, contributing to the broader conversation on Donna Haraway’s call of ‘reworlding’ anthropology.

This issue explores significant themes that aim to reshape traditional anthropological perspectives. I encourage readers to explore all the articles in this edition. I feel privileged to be included with this provocative group of thinkers.

I have deep gratitude for the Anthways team and for their support and commitment to publishing forward-thinking research. 📖 Click on the image above or here

How Japan stayed fit: Radio Taiso

Edited from The Mind Body Moderate Archives, March 10, 2010

Every morning in Japan before heading off to school, sparse piano music would play on the radio. Over the thin piano music, a bold voice would count: "Ich! Ni! San! Shi!" It was odd sounding, as though this program had existed for a hundred years. In fact, it almost has. This is Radio Taiso. The 6:30 am national exercise program of Japan. Radio Taiso is an integral, if not widely known, part of Japanese culture.

             The first American cultural reference to Radio Taiso, that I am aware of, is the 1986 Michael Keaton movie "Gung Ho."  The cringe-worthy title is indicative of another era in American culture, as "Gung Ho" is a Chinese derived phrase and yet, the movie centers on Japanese/American culture clashes at a Midwestern auto plant in the 1980s, but I digress. To express the different work cultures, at one point in the film, we see the Japanese auto executives attempting to lead the American employees in the collective morning exercises. As expected, it doesn't go over so well. 

The irony is, like the automobile industry, the morning radio exercises began in the United States. In the 1920's Met Life Insurance would sponsor a 15-minute radio exercise broadcast in major cities throughout the country, helping people stay fit while promoting health and life insurance. Across the world, during this same time, Japan was struggling with a health crisis. The average lifespan of a Japanese man during the 1920s hovered around 40 years old. The Japanese government decided they had to find ways to help people be healthier and live longer. One thing they determined would help is exercise. Japan took the 15-minute exercise plan from Met Life and made it their own. In 1928 the first Radio Taiso exercise broadcast aired.

After World War II the Allies banned public taiso. The large exercise gatherings appeared militaristic to the Allies, but by the 1950s, after the reverberation of war began its retreat, the exercises reemerged. Seventy years later, they are still going strong. Children and older people alike go to local parks in the summer, office workers gather outside the office, and others turn on the radio at home and go along as they have for decades, starting their day with these exercises, building strength, work ethic, and unity within the community. The average lifespan has jumped from 40 in the 1920s to almost 86 today. Japan, in fact, now has one of the highest populations of seniors in the world. There are two sets of exercises, the second being geared more towards young people. The simple calisthenics promotes increased energy, circulation, and improved flexibility. Here they are, complete with the same piano music. Being stuck at home is the perfect time to try this short little energizing workout.

Maybe now’s a good time for a Radio Taiso revival. A new collective exercise program, helping to build health, well-being, and community across diverse backgrounds and ages. It might be time for a music change though, and perhaps some new leotards. And let's all definitely say “Ganbatte!” rather than “Gung Ho”.

がんばって!!!

Americans gyms: A brief history

From the Archives of TheMindBodyModerate, August 9, 2011, Edited

Funny how the meaning of words changes over time. For example, the term salon commonly referred to a gathering of intellectuals to discuss issues of the day, and yet most of us now can’t help but think of the place we go for haircuts.

Another word that’s evolved in meaning is gym. From ancient times up until even the past 50 years, gymnasiums were considered higher institutions of training the body, mind, and spirit. Like a Western equivalent of the Shaolin temple, gymnasiums encompassed not only fitness but; philosophy, community, the arts, and social and political change – a bit different than the current health club down the street.

The original Latin gymnos literally means “naked” because what better way to show off athletic prowess in ancient Greece than in the buff? More likely, however, it refers to laying bare the individual spirit in pursuit of excellence in both body and mind. It then stands to reason the word gymnasium would later refer to public run high schools in Germany.

Gyms, as we know them in the United States, evolved from Turnvereins. The Turners were a political movement in Germany during the early 1800s. It was their view that a healthy mind and body would instill patriotism, a belief in liberty, and unify Germany into one country. Thanks to the Turners (meaning: one who does gymnastics), we have parallel bars, horizontal bar, the side-horse, and most gymnastic events still popular in the Olympics.

Large numbers of Germans emigrated to the US in the mid-1800s, the Turners included. They fought with the Union army in the Civil War. But with the end of the war, the Turner’s political edge – their main driving force in Europe- faded in the United States. Their focus shifted to creating and establishing Turnverein, community centers that mixed social consciousness and fitness. In areas of the country with historically sizeable German immigrant populations, you can still find Turnverein in existence today. The Turnverein inspired the creation of organizations such as the YMCA.

World War I and II took a toll on the image of German culture in the US, and most Turnvereins disappeared. Yet, since the Industrial Revolution, Americans have embraced the idea of fitness clubs to occupy expanding free time. Gyms have continued to thrive and evolve through the 20th and 21st century until we have the spots of today – places lighter on social or political importance, but major on the fitness and fashion spectrum.

We have much to thank the Turners’ for, not only for Olympic sports, but for inspiring the popular fitness regime of Pilates, bringing aspects of yoga to the Western World, and yes, to those scarring junior high physical education classes. They were big advocates for physical education in schools.

Maybe it’s time for an evolution in fitness centers, bringing back a holistic humanistic approach of creativity, education, and physical health, helping foster a stronger sense of immediate community. Gym? Turnverein?…maybe it’s also time for a new name.

Sidenote: If you happen to be in St. Louis, MO, there’s a memorial to Frederic Jahn, The Father of the Turner movement, within Forest Park. It features a large bust of Jahn in the center of an arc of stone, with statues of a male and female gymnast, one on each end of the arc. The monument is on the edge of Art Hill next to the path running north and south along the western edge of Post-Dispatch lake. It is directly north of the St. Louis Zoo.

Milwaukee Turner Hall in the 1900s (source:Wikipedia)



Start Your Own Squad

Inspired by an archival post of The Mind Body Moderate, July 2009 ( you can see it below).

I knew a group of coworkers who would come to my pilates class once in awhile. They developed a plan where every week they took turns choosing an exercise activity. They’d mixed it up between spinning, pilates, yoga, walking, cycling, hiking, dancing, and on and on. Their creative movement opportunities were endless, and most importantly, they had their crew - that group that supports you and holds you accountable when you’d rather hide on the sofa.

It reminds me of the beloved LA Municipal Squad. They are creating inspired workshops and performances that celebrate social dance, new movement rituals and personal empowerment. They warrant their own post, but suffice it to say here, it started as a group of women who enjoyed dancing and each other, and for years they get together every week and work it out.

LA Municipal Dance Squad

Building your own squad is a creative way to get out of your comfort zone and try new things, in more ways than one. Finding your team might be the hardest part, but it’s also a chance to make new friends. If you can’t imagine who would want to join you on your adventures, try asking a co-worker, neighbor, or post a “wanted ad” on social media and see which friends might bite. It’s a little scary to put yourself out there, but you’ll be surprised how many people would be just as excited. A group of anywhere from two to four people would be easiest to manage, unless you have some very organized friends. Having a group means the onus is not always on you. Being a “team player” makes it easier to commit to keeping it up.

The laughter alone in trying new things is certain to put you in a better mood, enhance your creativity, solidify friendships through experiences, and yeah, burn a few extra calories along the way.

Original Post From The Mind Body Moderate is here.