Culture is a unique characteristic that a particular people has. Many are sensitive when it comes to cultural differences, because they tend to be proud of their own culture, even though it is not necessarily right.
For this reason, dealing with cultural differences is sometimes difficult. However, there are several ways to minimize the conflicts and to lead to harmonious intermingling of cultures. First, before trying to judge its morality or propriety, we should "put outselves in their shoes." Every culture has its origin and purpose, and it requires some efforts to understand it. By looking at the culture in view of others, we can find out what virtues their culture has that ours do not.
Also, we should not assume that our culture is always right. The Sawi, for instance, once believed in things that do not really make sense to us. Before they were taught about Christianity and how Christians lived, their faith in superstitions, like natural spirits or existence of souls, was so strong that, to them, their belief was absolute. We, too, cannot be sure whether what we believe and practice is always right, because culture has its own meaning and purpose to the people who live in that culture. To force other cultures to take what we believe without considering their views can aggrevate them, whether or not they express being offended.
Understanding is the key. It is natural that there are cultures different from ours. When we do get to face with the differences, we have to treat them just like the way we want to be treated by others.
7 comments:
I think that when we are confronted with different cultures, we should carefully defend our faith with the respect of the other person's religion or culture. Rather than forcing one to change their tradition and religion, I think compromising between the two is the better way of effectively dealing with cultural clashes.
I agree James. Excessive pride in one's culture usually stops one from becoming closer to or intermingling with other cultures; it only causes disputes. I think Don Richardson was successful in incorporating Christianity in the Sawi culture, because he did not force the Sawi to believe. Rather, he understood the culture of the Sawi, and earned their respect of Christianity as he was able to make connections between Christianity and the Sawi culture, as can be seen in the analogy of Jesus to the Peace Child concept.
Is it fair to say we should begin by recognising that cultures other than the one we are raised in, are neither wrong nor inferior, but simply unfamiliar? Stephen Covey writes "Seek first to understand - then to be understood." Often problems between people raised in different cultures begin with a lack of understanding. It is common to focus on the differences between cultures and let these differences divide people; surely it is better to recognise the things we have in common and focus on values that are shared? By discovering shared values a foundation can be established on which unity between people of different cultures can be built.
As you have said, culture is definitely a "unique" attribute of a group of people. Therefore, any culture is worth protecting and should not be devastated simply because it does not “fit” to one’s eyes. However, the case of Sawi is different. The practices of cannibalism only lead to endless revenge among tribes, leaving behind many casualties. Thus, I say that if a culture has an attribute that will most likely lead to its own devastation, it will lead to no good, and therefore is subject for alteration. Every culture should be appreciated for its uniqueness, but no culture should remain fatal to others, or even itself.
It does seem that many are really sensitive with their ideas. Lol I just point some idea out and I'm a public enemy now. Culture seems to be relied much on the environment that it was created. Howeverm sometimes it seems to be necessary by use of force to change cultures. Culture is dead when it does not change. People in that culture should continue to find new ways and make new tradtions while getting rid of the old ones. It is true that understding is a key but it's not always the case both sides understand each other especially with exotic culture like Sawi. By creating balance of power between cultures and letting everybody to express their view freely will be the way to communicate between cultures.
James understanding is the key and I am delighted that Mr.Van Der Walt commented on your site. He is a highly intelligent and extremely successful businessman in Botswana. You have galvanized not only your peers but adults too. Terrific work! Mrs.Mc.
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