An Analysis Of Sam Patch's 'Leap At Passaic Falls'

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In “Base and Superstructure in Marxist Cultural Theory,” Williams describes the existence of “residual” and “alternative” cultures within the dominant culture of the modern era. According to Williams definition of “residual” and “alternative” culture, Sam Patch’s leap at Passaic Falls on July 4th, 1828 was indeed a form of residual alternative culture. The term “residual alternative culture” can be defined as an alternative cultural practice to a modern dominant culture that is influenced by old cultural practices. Sams 4th of July leap represented a cultural alternative to the residual practice of excluding lower-class citizens from Independence Day celebrations in Patterson. Sam was trying to incorporate the plain people of Patterson into …show more content…

Sam was trying to incorporate the people into the arts. He was opposing the dominant society by leaping for those lower class individuals that were neglected from the festivities. Johnson stated “the plain people of Paterson, absent as usual from the ceremonies at the church and hotel, had been excluded from the planning, denied the civic fireworks show, denigrated in the parade, and ignored by the toastmasters. They marched in battalions to the falls to see Sam Patch” (66). The quote “the plain people of Patterson, absent as usual from the ceremonies…” is an example of residual culture. The plain people of Patterson being excluded from the festivities as usual is an example of an old cultural practice being passed down to modern society. The time scheduled the leap is an example of alternative/oppositional culture. Sam scheduled the leap at time when the town’s merchants and manufacturers were at the banquet celebrating progress and patriotism. His leap represented an alternative to the residual culture of excluding the lower-class people of Patterson. He wasn’t leaping for the upper-class citizens; his leap was a way of including the lower-class people of Patterson into the arts. Even at his death, his legacy represented an alternative to the dominant society. He proved that anyone could be famous. Even though he didn’t possess the virtues of a hero such as education or social status he was still able to become

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