ON PEPSICO AND PIETY IN A PAPUA-NEW-GUINEA MODERNITY

Exploring global processes of ''modernity'' as they engaged Chambri of Papua New Guinea, we examine two locally salient discourses, presente d by PepsiCo and by Antioch, a Catholic youth organization. These were employed by rebellious youths and more conservative elders to debate the appropriate relationship among ''traditional'' and ''modern'' selv es and socialities. Both of the discourses into which the debate was c hanneled were concerned with ''self-creation.'' This meant that ''mode rnism'' was more consolidated than challenged. Consequently, even for its most vigorous proponents, ''tradition'' became progressively less compelling (or binding) in any of its particulars and increasingly dev eloped as a form, of self-expression-of personal choice and appreciati on.