Scribd
Upload
11 views2 pages

The Term Culture Is Commonly Define

The document discusses culture from several perspectives. It defines culture and discusses how culture can provide both a sense of identity and belonging for some, or distress for others. It emphasizes that appreciating and respecting diverse cultures is important. It also provides the author's personal experience growing up with exposure to both Maranao and Christian cultures, which shaped an open-minded understanding of different cultural perspectives. While culture can unite groups through shared values and traditions, it also has the potential to divide through rigid norms, biases and misunderstandings. Navigating cultural differences requires open-mindedness, understanding and acceptance of other cultures on their own terms over time.

Uploaded by

Faharra Vamenta
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as TXT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
11 views2 pages

The Term Culture Is Commonly Define

The document discusses culture from several perspectives. It defines culture and discusses how culture can provide both a sense of identity and belonging for some, or distress for others. It emphasizes that appreciating and respecting diverse cultures is important. It also provides the author's personal experience growing up with exposure to both Maranao and Christian cultures, which shaped an open-minded understanding of different cultural perspectives. While culture can unite groups through shared values and traditions, it also has the potential to divide through rigid norms, biases and misunderstandings. Navigating cultural differences requires open-mindedness, understanding and acceptance of other cultures on their own terms over time.

Uploaded by

Faharra Vamenta
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as TXT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

The term "culture" is commonly defined as the customary beliefs, social forms, and

material traits of a racial, religious, or social group, according to Merriam-


Webster. However, culture is more than just a set of beliefs or social norms; it is
a profound sense of identity that originates from within. For many, culture
represents a sense of belonging and comfort, yet for others, it can be a source of
distress. It's important to recognize that culture is not a linear process;
instead, it is a continuous and ever-changing aspect of life. Each person's
cultural experience is unique, and while certain customs may seem unfamiliar or
strange, it's crucial to appreciate and respect the beliefs of others. This is
where cultural appreciation comes into play.

Cultural appreciation is a significant topic worldwide and can manifest in various


ways. It might involve simple changes in aesthetics, such as hairstyle or clothing
choices, inspired by a particular culture. Verbal appreciation is also a form of
cultural appreciation. For me, cultural appreciation means actively learning and
remaining open to other cultures without passing judgment. It's an opportunity to
show honor and respect for different cultures, understanding that diversity does
not imply inferiority. Appreciating and respecting different cultures is essential
because it reflects an openness to others. Our respect for diverse cultures not
only demonstrates our positivity but also mirrors the values instilled in our own
upbringing. By showing respect to other cultures, we are simultaneously honoring
and preserving our own. It signifies that respect knows no cultural boundaries and
that embracing diversity enriches our collective human experience.

Providing some background, I am a child born to a Maranao and Christian parentage,


exposing me to a rich tapestry of cultural beliefs from the moment of my birth. The
coexistence of these two distinct cultures, often perceived as opposites in norms
such as food and dress, has never posed a challenge for me; rather, I consider it a
blessing. Growing up surrounded by diverse cultures has been a valuable experience.
It has offered me a unique perspective not confined to a singular belief system,
revealing the distinct ideas and beliefs inherent in both religions. This exposure
has significantly influenced the person I am today, fostering a deeper
understanding of each culture's points of view.

Contrary to the perceived differences, I have come to recognize the interwoven


nature of these cultures. What may appear as opposites to some, I view as a
harmonious intertwining of ideals and beliefs that demand respect. This upbringing
has shaped my personal beliefs, providing a foundation that allows me to appreciate
and comprehend both cultures. Having both cultures behind me has influenced my
mindset, fostering a broader and more open-minded approach to other cultures. The
diverse ideals I've encountered have contributed to shaping my understanding of the
world, instilling in me a profound respect for the richness that different cultures
bring to our collective human experience.

As previously discussed, culture plays a multifaceted role in individuals' lives,


offering a sense of belonging and comfort to some while presenting challenges for
others. The analogy of culture as a double-edged sword emphasizes its dual nature,
encompassing both enriching and complex side. On one edge, it functions as a
cornerstone for identity, tradition, and shared values, providing individuals with
a foundation of belonging and continuity. This aspect fosters a collective
consciousness, strengthening communities and safeguarding cultural heritage.
Conversely, on the other edge, culture can morph into a divisive force, giving rise
to ethnocentrism, stereotypes, and misunderstandings.

When cultural norms are rigidly adhered to, they have the potential to constrain
individual expression and impede societal progress. While cultural values may unify
a group, they can simultaneously erect barriers that contribute to conflicts and
discrimination. Therefore, while culture serves as a vital foundation for shared
experiences and understanding, its capacity for exclusivity and inflexibility
underscores its dichotomous nature, a force that can either foster unity or
division, contingent on how it is embraced and navigated.

A poignant example of the negative repercussions of cultural biases is evident in


the recent issue in Marawi City. Even before suspects were identified, individuals
harbored preconceived notions, attributing blame not to specific individuals but
rather to an entire group. The disheartening aspect is that this "group" comprises
innocent people. The premature formulation of narratives fueled by cultural biases,
such as assigning blame to Muslims based on their religion, beliefs, and culture,
epitomizes the adverse aspect of culture—the negative blade. These stereotypical
thoughts are rooted in the beliefs individuals have cultivated. If one has grown up
perceiving "Muslims" as intimidating or dangerous, they have been influenced by the
unfavorable side of culture. Recognizing the undeniable influence of beliefs on
ideas is crucial. For instance, the thought that "Ay muslim delikado" (Muslims are
dangerous) may sometimes be attributed to the ideals ingrained during upbringing.
It is essential to acknowledge that culture, however, is not inherently negative;
it possesses the transformative power to positively influence individuals. It can
shape not only how we dress and speak but also our personal identity, serving as a
profound connection to who we are as individuals.

To navigate away from the challenging side of culture, a constructive approach


involves making an effort to comprehend and explore other cultures as if they were
our own. Although easier said than done, we cannot ignore the potential challenges
that may arise, particularly when adapting to new cultural norms that differ
significantly from what we consider "normal." However, the uniqueness of each
culture does not render them inherently wrong; rather, they contribute to the rich
diversity of human experiences.

When seeking to understand a culture, acceptance does not have to happen


instantaneously. It's common to experience what is often referred to as "culture
shock" – a sense of confusion, uncertainty, and sometimes anxiety when exposed to
an unfamiliar culture or environment without adequate preparation. Embracing a new
culture may initially leave us feeling detached and disoriented, and that's
perfectly normal. Granting ourselves the time to absorb and accept everything is
essential, recognizing that understanding a culture is a gradual process. This
holds true even for individuals who have lived their entire lives within a
particular culture, let alone outsiders attempting to understand a new one.

Overcoming the challenges presented by cultural differences opens the door to new
ideas and perspectives distinct from our own. This, in turn, serves as a key not
only to understanding the culture itself but also to comprehending the individuals
within it. This transformative journey not only enriches our knowledge but also
creates opportunities to form connections with people from diverse backgrounds.
These connections can evolve into deep and meaningful friendships, offering a sense
of "home away from home" and fostering a greater sense of global unity.

You might also like