The Cajunization of French Louisiana: Forging a regional identity.
Authors: Trepanier, Cecyle Source: Geographical Journal; Jul91, Vol. 157 Issue 2, p161, 11p, 2 charts, 10 maps
Trepanier's article is really good. CT explains how the Acadiana region was created and unified under the Cajun label. This unification, however, left other groups out that greatly contributed to the culture or at least made them feel "awkward."
CT describes all of the major ethnic groups and then asks three questions:
"Why is French Louisiana revealing itself under the Cajun label,...."
"How have the recent changes in the image of the culture region ... react to the word Cajun..."
"What is the role and influence of the French subcultures..."
CT goes on to tackle all those questions.
Interesting facts learned from article:
Governor McKeithen encouraged lawmakers to promote the French area of Louisiana because tourism was big at the time and he knew he had a good sale.
The State created CODOFIL in 1968 to promote tourism and foster learning.
But there was no popular base for promoting. The different subgroups each had their own thing.
CT explains the history of labels Creole and Cajun. It's the same explanation seen in article's by Henry, Deville (Winston), Brasseaux, Sexton (Rocky), etc.
CT explores the White =Cajun and Black=Creole situation.
CT suggests that Cajun was chosen over Creole because a White identity was desired.
Then, the "beautification" of the word Cajun was worked on.
One main goal was to tie Cajun to Acadian. This caused some confusion for many groups, especially Blacks and Native Americans, into the new cultural area. (Created by the State for tourism)
Cajun started becoming popular and even hip. Cajun/Kajun was starting to be seen everywhere.
It's really good and informative. CT's article has maps of primarily Creole and Acadian settlements and how that Acadiana formation changed people's perceptions of their own history and culture. It also explains how other groups felt when the State and CODOFIL chose one ethnic group to speak and represent everyone. Now some were "real Cajuns" and many others were half, cultural, neo, etc etc. As if these other people didn't have a real culture themselves!
Creole could have represented everyone because it's an inclusive word. Cajun is connected to one group - Acadians.
I couldn't get this article online and requested it through interlibrary loan. It took about 2 weeks and cost about a buck .25. It was worth the wait and my Dad was simply amazed at it. His Dad (my Paw Paw) was making sense long ago in L'Anse Grise and Ville Platte! Didn't know all the facts but he did know that he wasn't Cadien or Cajun and probably didn't want to be considered "like something else" - He was a real white rural Creole. And when he was called Cajun, they were saying he was a poor country French person - and not said nicely to.
It's different now but I like knowing the history behind it all.