Importance of Culture

[Anonymouse]

And it should be noted that whatever Armenians stick to their little niche and boundaries do so primarily based on recent history, due to the behavior of the Young Turks during World War I, and the aftermath of constantly being exposed to "they tried to wipe out Armenians". This is perhaps an unconscious act that one cannot be blamed for, simply a part of the culture reacting differently to unintended consequences.

[spiral]

I don't know much about our history, but im going to take the class this Spring.

I shall pay attention.

[loseyourname]

I'm speaking of clinging to outdated and archait traditions that no longer have any relevance to the individual simply in the name of "culture." I'm not speaking of any one culture in particular. Let me give an example from Native America. Those native Americans who cling steadfastly to tribal traditions are stuck on reservations doing little for themselves or their children. Those who adapted to the times and adopted whatever they needed to suit their individual needs, rather than the needs of their tradition, have ended up successfully breaking the mold and have become important members of the modern world, much as I one day hope to be.

Love of culture is one thing. Cultural obstinance is quite another. The only thing I'm really ranting about is clinging to group needs, trying to keep old group traditions and colloquialisms alive at the expense of individual freedom.

[Anonymouse]

Originally posted by loseyourname I'm speaking of clinging to outdated and archait traditions that no longer have any relevance to the individual simply in the name of "culture." I'm not speaking of any one culture in particular. Let me give an example from Native America. Those native Americans who cling steadfastly to tribal traditions are stuck on reservations doing little for themselves or their children. Those who adapted to the times and adopted whatever they needed to suit their individual needs, rather than the needs of their tradition, have ended up successfully breaking the mold and have become important members of the modern world, much as I one day hope to be.

Love of culture is one thing. Cultural obstinance is quite another. The only thing I'm really ranting about is clinging to group needs, trying to keep old group traditions and colloquialisms alive at the expense of individual freedom.

So by your logic, the Amish are backward peoples right? Why is it that certain cultures tend to stick to the past and not want to make the break into the "modern world"? So because the majority of the people are "progressing", those that don't want to 'progress' are backward? So what the majority do is right eh? This is the thinking that is implied by your reasoning, that what most people do is somehow right and this is the barometer of judgement. If you had your chance, the logical ramifications of your thinking would be to make all these people change into the "modern world", whatever that means. You might not like it, but then again, why would someone that is Amish tend to scoff at the "modern world"?

[loseyourname]

Originally posted by Anonymouse So by your logic, the Amish are backward peoples right? Why is it that certain cultures tend to stick to the past and not want to make the break into the "modern world"? So because the majority of the people are "progressing", those that don't want to 'progress' are backward? So what the majority do is right eh? This is the thinking that is implied by your reasoning, that what most people do is somehow right and this is the barometer of judgement. If you had your chance, the logical ramifications of your thinking would be to make all these people change into the "modern world", whatever that means. You might not like it, but then again, why would someone that is Amish tend to scoff at the "modern world"?

I have no issue with the Amish. You're misunderstanding me. The Amish are perfectly happy people that do not exist in poverty and suffer from very few problems compared with other groups. Now, if the Amish moved to Los Angeles and attempted to retain the same customs, we would have a problem, as their way of life would not work here. All I'm saying is that every culture and every individual needs to adapt to the circumstances they live with to better their chances for success.