1). Do you agree with anthropologist Ruth Benedict that we are "creatures of our culture" and that our habits, beliefs, and impossibilities are shaped by our culture? If so, how can we break through the limits of our cultures?
I think it is accurate when Ruth Benedict says that we are creatures of our culture.
What else do we know than what we were taught or what we have seen? Just as objects do not randomly appear into space I think likewise that “other-cultural” ideas do not also.
In order for there to be a cultural shift there must first be an exposure to ideas and imaginations outside of one’s own culture. If someone asks how cultures originated the answer may be that environments caused them to form. Look at the clothing comparison between Eskimos and Bedouins, one dresses warm with fur and animal skin while the other has to dress with loosely fitting, breathable linens. Their environment shaped their cultural apparel.
I think if we are to break through the limits of our culture we must travel. Exposure to other ways of life provides life experience and worldliness (the good kind).
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I very much agree with what you said in your comments about creatures of our culture. We are only surrounded by one culture most of the time. We only know this culture because we start to get used to it over time, and eventually we just take it for granted. There is an exception in the fact that the bay area is very much a culturally diverse area. We are exposed to other cultures on a regular basis. At the same time these people are trying to adjust to our own culture.
ReplyDeleteIn order to get a real feeling of other culture I agree with the fact that you must experience these cultures primarilt in their place of origin. This is the obly way to truly become intercultural.
Vai tomar no cú nada a ver!!!!
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