In truth, people are simply afraid of acculturating to new things. People fear being rejected themselves so they target others and get others to agree that they don't belong. This is the cruel reality of society. We want to say that we aren't hypocritical and that everyone is unique in their own way but on the inside we have all judged others for being different. The media says that everybody is different and special in their own way but at the same time, they try to twist people's minds into thinking that there is only one specific figure and look that is defined as pretty. If a native Indian girl moves to the United States and attends an American high school this girl will feel pressured and insecure from the moment she steps into the campus. Why? The reason is because there are so many other people who are different from her and she doesn't know how to behave so that she can fit in easily and so that she will find a friend and not feel like an outcast. If the Indian girl comes into the school, even the American students will look at her and immediately think that she is different from. Both sides show how people shut down when confronted with new cultures and therefore it is difficult for people to open up to each other.
SO WHAT SHOULD WE DO WHEN WE ARE CONFRONTED WITH DIFFERENT CULTURES?
We accept. We must accept new things and different cultures because that is reality and that is the only way it will be. All people are unique and discrepant and no one can do anything to change that fact. Therefore, we must accept and let in variety and uncommon aspects. We must understand that our cultures are not the only ones that exist and that no matter how different another culture might seem, everyone is equal and no one has the right to judge anything or anybody else. One culture is no better than another culture so why would anyone think that they can make another person a loner or outsider. When we are confronted with different cultures, instead of rejecting it wholly and without second thought, we need to learn it, understand it, and accept it.
Hey Christina!
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with what you have written on this post. When we encounter different cultures, we tend to judge and label them instantly as something completely strange or distinct. As you already mentioned, the media today indeed stresses only one of the many beauties of people as something pretty or beautiful when in reality, everyone is different and contains his or her own unique colors that define a specific personality. I completely agree with you that we should at least try to accept these cultures that seem extrinsically different from our own cultures in order to understand. Like Don Richardson had done in Papa New Guinea with the Sawi, people should attempt to learn and understand cultures before judging and influencing them.
Nice post! :)
Grace
Hey Christina!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, I could really relate the things on your post to what I am thinking about. When we encounter something that is foreign and alien to us, we tend to abandon it and label it as 'useless' or 'harmful'. I think that we should try to learn and adapt to their cultures just like Don Richardson has done so
Hey, Christina
ReplyDeleteI gotta say, I disagree. While yes, people have to accept others, people can't truly understand things that are completely different from them. A big part of understanding one another is compromise. An outsider has a certain obligation to learn and adopt at least some of the customs of the people around them. Of course, compromise does not mean to conform to that culture but it is always a good idea to pick up on a thing or two to fit in.
I think a key concept is "empathy". Only when we are empathetic towards others can we really understand and accept each other. Compromise can lead to resentment but God's love overcomes all - and enables us to walk in the shoes of another.
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