One of the more difficult categories on The Slow Bleed Web site, “Culture” has been defined as “the customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group.”
People should have the right to practice the beliefs, etc. associated with their individual cultures.
Unfortunately, many people believe they have right to practice their own beliefs but don’t have to allow others the same right. Sure, there are fancy words for that type of behavior, but let’s just call it hypocritical.
For a society to function and grow, it is essential that we bring ideas from different individuals and cultures. However, the reverse seems to be happening.
The destruction of individual cultures falls mainly under the guise of “political correctness,” and frankly, some people are just too damn sensitive.
For example, I am not Jewish. I have never been offended by someone who places a Menorah (I hope I spelled that right) in his or her window. Conversely, I would hope that someone who is Jewish is not upset by a Christmas tree in someone’s front room.
But in the name of political correctness, an individual can step forward and “feel” offended, not by someone slandering their opinions but simply by someone practicing something different from him or her.
Come on, are you really personally offended that some churches have a Nativity scene during the holidays? (I meant Christmas — see, I just did it). Just go build your own scene reflective of your religion — whatever it may be.
As long as one’s actions do not harm someone else, who cares? Well, apparently a lot of people do. It seems there is always some group boycotting or protesting anything another culture does.
Christmas Break (some people who don’t celebrate “Christmas” were offended) became Holiday Break (some people don’t celebrate Holidays), so it then became Winter Break (I’m just waiting for Summer or Fall to get upset).
So, what am I going to do with this category? Use it as examples of what I call “clash of cultures” or instances where we are just going too far in our political correctness.
Feel free to share your favorites!
Fine, I suppose this is where you look for some witty insights to my mind. A "bio" of sorts. Here is the deal... I ride motorcycles, smoke cigars, golf, kayak, fly, race my car through the mountains, write (a lot), and travel extensively. I am almost old enough not to care what other people think about me...almost. ~Godfadr
It’s funny people often charge Evangelicals with wanting to deny people their rights, but most Evangelicals I know want everyone to have the right to express his or her religious beliefs in public.
renaissanceguy, I’m sure they do…….it’s the rest of your life they want to curtail……LOL