Friday, April 1, 2011

melting pot. firstQ

What should we do when we are confronted with other cultures?

Okay, what should we do when we are confronted with other cultures? 
Culture is a sensitive topic to touch over because it brings up so much controversial issues
First of all, here's another thought that came across my mind. 
 What do we usually do when we are confronted with other cultures?
I know I'm always thinking "Ugh, why are they naked? What are they eating? Why are they making such ugly faces? What are they thinking?!" and on and on and on. 
I know it's kind of a judgmental kind of thing that I'm doing, but I'm pretty sure everyone is like that. 
It's 'human instincts', as we call it, and you know sometimes you can't help but be judgmental about certain things that you don't agree with or you just don't value as much as others.
Everyone is comfortable and accustomed with their own cultures and traditions 
and so when they see other people doing something different, they start criticizing, judging, and rejecting.
Those are the first few things we start doing.
We tend to only see the differences that separate us, instead of appreciating and accepting
all the things that we have in common, the things that bring us together.
We are so involved in ourselves and our own cultures and only the small picture,
that we can't see everyone equally and that all we need to do is learn to accept.
I mean I can't imagine myself out in the wet, humid forests running around barefooted and covered in nothing but leaves. I can't imagine myself doing that. And I can't even imagine cutting off my fingers one by one when someone dies. Of course, these are just a few examples from the book. But, worldwide, it's really hard to accept some cultures because they are so extreme in some ways compared to the ones that we are comfortable and familiar with.
However, no matter what extreme or how different some other culture is,
we should learn to accept it, appreciate it, and come to respect each other.
We all came from the same place, yet we're so different.
No one is better than the other or is the "standard" culture.
Hurting each other with mean words about the different cultures would just bring wars.
What we need to do is not only accept, appreciate, and respect,
but also see it in a different perspective and that can change one's attitude.
All I'm saying is that we shouldn't hate each other and judge.
We should learn to accept one another and learn new things.
It is because of our differences and different cultures, that makes this place so special.
Without the differences, where would this world be?
We need to appreciate everything and open our eyes to new things.
If we can do this, it will bring us together in harmony and peace and that's what matters.






























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