I think culture is one of the most beautiful gems that humanity possesses. It makes each and every one of us different and there really is not a better culture. All cultures are unique and mysterious because what is normal to one country is disrespectful in another. So the question is how do we all get to a midpoint?
A while ago I was asked to explain my political position. Of course I explained that I was neutral and that the government I support is not terrestrial, but it gave me something to think about. It was one of those moments where I just feel like thinking and rubbing those neurons of mine. I came up with a set of words to describe my way of thinking. ***Culturally speaking as well!<----
- Liberal
I follow two authorities. The holy and the head. The holy I follow out of love. The head I follow out of command. If I could I would probably be the most dependent woman alive. I do not like and have never liked to depend on absolutely anyone or anything. Not for money, not for rides, not for shelter, not even for my basic necessities. What is there now is gone tomorrow. Of course if I am made to be submissive I, in exchange, demand to be paid for. Literally. Not like I'm trying to be cheap, but, for example I am expected to help around the house (clean cook etc) as well as being a good student and Witness so I expect that I will not have to pay when we go out. I expect to be driven to where ever I need to go. Its a matter that I see it as if I give I get. When I am no longer expected to do all that then I will contribute to myself. Let this not be mistaken with greed because I also do not care how much I spend on gifts or when there is a need.
I think of it as a butterfly.
If I am kept in a cage I expect to have lots of room to fly freely, I expect to be fed and taken care of. I in return, I will not die. If I am expected to feed myself I will not hesitate to die. I am as free as my wings spread. If you tie my wings you will get a very vicious and angry butterfly that will fight to the very last breath for freedom.
- Social
This one is a little more complicated. As mentioned above, I love culture. I respect, value and learn from other cultures. There is not a single culture that I don't like. I adapt and that is the big issue here. Adaptation is part of the basics of humans; it keeps us alive. There are a lot of things that I am ok with and will not be offended by if another culture practices it. I however, do not like to be made to stop practicing my culture because it offends others. The information has been very clear when given to us. We need to respect. Some people, for example, are offended by women who greet men with kisses and vice versa. Or when dancing with people that you're not married with (in the case that it is a complete stranger I can understand, but when its someone you know well and have a long friendship with then that I accept). There is a difference of not doing these to not be a stumbling stone to the new and to be an excuse to be blamed on for an immature person.
Simply put, if people are gonna adapt to me, I will adapt to them.
Respect is the key. Think of the Scottish kilt. To the world, a kilt that is a skirt, and men are not supposed to wear skirts. Supposed to does not mean it must be that way. If the Scottish were to pay attention to the insults made by ignorant close-minded people, the culture would be lost. Strange things to the eyes of ignorant men should not demolish a culture.
"No culture is the best culture. Take the best out of all of them" and this does not make anyone any different.
