In this society in which we live in there is no such thing as a "free gift". Whether it's a birthday parties, weddings, baby showers, graduation parties and other holidays, gifts are given as obligation. With obligation, gifts can be given to express rank or provoke jealously amongst others. Like America's traditions, the article refers to two other tribes that share similar reasoning's for giving gifts.
"America Northwest, Melanesia and others, where emulation is more moderate but where those entering into contracts seek to outdo one another in their gifts."
Sharing the holiday's with a mother and father whom are divorced will find that competition between gifts is likely. This results into their childhood choosing whom they like more based on the value of a gift. Like the tribes in the article, gift giving has resulted into killing one another. While giving gifts can cause controversy, so can receiving them. Like the article states,
"To refuse to give, to fail to invite, just as to refuse to accept, is tantamount to declaring war; it is to reject the bond of alliance and commonality."
In the household I've grown up in, when receiving gifts as a child I would be greatly appreciative. As I've grown up I've veered away from personally expecting gifts. I do give gifts only to a few of my loved ones with only good intentions.
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