Tag Archives: environment

Always Bring a Litter Bag

Nationality: American
Age: 59
Occupation: Psychology Professor
Residence: Forest Falls, CA
Language: English

Text:

“‘Always –‘ no wait, it was ‘Never –‘ no, wait, it was… ‘Always take a litter bag in your car. When it gets full, you can just toss it out the window.'”

Context:

When I had originally asked the informant, KB, if he knew any proverbs, he grinned and recited this one to me. KB was paraphrasing American comedian and actor Steve Martin. The original quote is:

“I studied with the Maharishi for many years, and really didn’t learn that much. But one thing that he taught me, I’ll never forget: ‘ALWAYS…’ no, wait– ‘NEVER…’ no, wait, it was ‘ALWAYS take a litter bag in your car. It doesn’t take up much room, and if it gets full, you can toss it out the window.'”

Analysis:

This is an anti-proverb and meant to be humorous on multiple levels. The original quote, as performed by Steve Martin, plays on the audience’s expectations of hearing a wise guru’s advice, to instead receive the apparent recommendation to litter. KB’s recitation of the quote subverted my own expectations of hearing a regular proverb. We also have a shared knowledge of Steve Martin’s comedy acts, so he knew I would understand the reference.

If it were to be performed as a regular proverb, KB suggested, “You would say this proverb when you’re in a car with your friend and there’s trash on the uh… on the floorboard, and you’re doggin’ him about the trash in his car.”

Flourishing despite circumstance – Mexican Proverb

Nationality: Mexican
Age: 72
Occupation: N/A
Residence: Guadalajara, Mexico
Performance Date: 03/24/19
Primary Language: Spanish

Main Piece:

“El que es perico donde quiera es verde.”

Transliteration:

The one that is a parrot wherever he wants is green.

Translation:

Someone that is bright will flourish despite any circumstance he might find himself in.

Background:

Informant

Nationality: Mexican

Location: Guadalajara, Mexico

Language: Spanish

 Context and Analysis:

I asked my Informant, a 74-year-old female if she knew of any sayings that have stuck with her throughout her life. At first, she answered she didn’t know any and after I told her one of the proverbs I knew she said she remembered this one. I asked what the proverb meant to her, and she responded that it means, someone smart would thrive in any situation he is placed in. She says her husband has many friends that came from very little and with their merit were able to become very successful people in their lives. These people were not handed anything, everything they have they earned. 

I agree with my informant’s interpretation of the proverb. Parrots have a very vibrant green color that stands out wherever they are.  I believe the proverb uses this identification to compare it to the stand out character of a person who is intelligent and full of personality. Someone that has charismatic and unique qualities will stand out wherever he is. Just like the parrot’s color will not change despite his environment this bright person will stand out despite his background. I also see this proverb as having implications to status and wealth. The proverb in english, “born with a silver spoon in your mouth” is often used to refer to those that were given everything and therefore naturally thrive. On the contrary, the proverb “El que es perico donde quiera es verde” speaks to being able to flourish despite the environment someone is in and what is given to them.