After reading the article, “The Challenge of Cultural Relativism”, written by James Rachels, I have to say I agreed quite quickly with the ancient Persian King Darius.The difference in behaviors for specific cultures is tremendously fascinating. Why are we, as humans, so quick to judge others that speak or behave differently? Each individual was raised thinking his or her ways of life are right. What we think is morally right, is only what are parental guardians have taught us to believe is right. Nurture. Right or wrong can be defined in any culture, but when generalizing for every culture, it is much harder to pin point any specifics. When focusing on cultural relativism, I have to say I agreed strongly at first. I mean, how can there be a universal truth when not one man’s truth is the same as another’s? The more I read though, the more I found contradictions to this claim. For example, I still think each individual should follow the morals presented in their specific culture. However, if one culture condoned murder, I would certainly not say that it should still be an accepted custom within their nation. As I continued to read I saw myself slipping away from the culture relativist assertions that I, moments ago, supported passionately. These concepts of cultural relativism relate to the novel “Things Fall Apart” written by Chinua Achebe. The main tribes of some nine Nigerian villages believe strongly in honoring spirts and obeying their many gods. When strange white men begin to imperialize on their home, the two groups and their conflicting views on religion and morals begin to clash. Some conform, whereas others, like the protagonist Okonkwo, fight the change because they cannot accept that another culture could be right. The examples someone decides to use to support or oppose culture relativism is very crucial to accepting it or denying it. Also, our deepest morals that lie so innately within us influence how we perceive right or wrong in any culture and how we might act upon it. Thus, it is hard to agree on any exact belief. In conclusion, without further evidence, I don’t think anyone can say cultural relativists are, and I do apologize for the repetition, right or wrong.
Sunday, November 30, 2014
The Moral Code: Right or Wrong?
After reading the article, “The Challenge of Cultural Relativism”, written by James Rachels, I have to say I agreed quite quickly with the ancient Persian King Darius.The difference in behaviors for specific cultures is tremendously fascinating. Why are we, as humans, so quick to judge others that speak or behave differently? Each individual was raised thinking his or her ways of life are right. What we think is morally right, is only what are parental guardians have taught us to believe is right. Nurture. Right or wrong can be defined in any culture, but when generalizing for every culture, it is much harder to pin point any specifics. When focusing on cultural relativism, I have to say I agreed strongly at first. I mean, how can there be a universal truth when not one man’s truth is the same as another’s? The more I read though, the more I found contradictions to this claim. For example, I still think each individual should follow the morals presented in their specific culture. However, if one culture condoned murder, I would certainly not say that it should still be an accepted custom within their nation. As I continued to read I saw myself slipping away from the culture relativist assertions that I, moments ago, supported passionately. These concepts of cultural relativism relate to the novel “Things Fall Apart” written by Chinua Achebe. The main tribes of some nine Nigerian villages believe strongly in honoring spirts and obeying their many gods. When strange white men begin to imperialize on their home, the two groups and their conflicting views on religion and morals begin to clash. Some conform, whereas others, like the protagonist Okonkwo, fight the change because they cannot accept that another culture could be right. The examples someone decides to use to support or oppose culture relativism is very crucial to accepting it or denying it. Also, our deepest morals that lie so innately within us influence how we perceive right or wrong in any culture and how we might act upon it. Thus, it is hard to agree on any exact belief. In conclusion, without further evidence, I don’t think anyone can say cultural relativists are, and I do apologize for the repetition, right or wrong.
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Very good Jen! For future blogs, don't forget to make a specific societal/world connection. :-)
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