Reading in Global culture

Understanding Culture

• Definition of Culture

  • Culture is a complex and multifaceted concept that is challenging to define.

  • Defined by Edward Hall as an iceberg, consisting of:

    • Visible Culture (Surface Culture):

      • Examples include food, festivals, flags, and fashion.

    • Invisible Culture (Deep Culture):

      • Includes disposition, values, attitudes, and beliefs.

  • The iceberg model highlights that the most significant parts of culture are hidden beneath the surface.

Perspectives on Culture

• The Six Blind Men and the Elephant Parable

  • Illustrates the perspective-based nature of culture, emphasizing:

    • There is no absolute cultural truth; each individual's experience is valid.

    • Culturally correct practices for one may be inappropriate for another, highlighting the need for cultural relativism.

• Cultural Relativism vs. Ethnocentrism

  • Ethnocentrism: Centering one's culture as superior.

  • Cultural Relativism: Recognizes the relative nature of cultural practices, beliefs, and behaviors.

Complexity of Culture

• Multicultural Context

  • Society is multicultural, where various cultural systems interact.

  • Cultural relativism is crucial for fostering understanding and acceptance.

• Geographical Influence

  • Globalization has diminished geographical boundaries, leading to intercultural interactions.

Types of Cultural Perspectives

• Cultural Sameness vs. Diversity

  • Cultural Sameness: Seeks cosmopolitan citizens with a homogeneous culture, often visible in Moroccan homes.

  • Cultural Diversity: Celebrates the differences in cultures across various practices and traditions.

• Cultural Perspectivism

  • Emphasizes understanding cultures from individual perspectives to promote effective intercultural communication.

Cultural Conflict and Hegemony

• Conflictual Nature of Culture

  • Cultural interactions can lead to conflicts, often described by Geoffrey Hartman as antagonistic.

  • Hegemony refers to stronger cultures dominating weaker ones, creating ongoing struggles for cultural dominance.

Key Cultural Concepts by Influential Thinkers

• Raymond Williams:

  • Culture is a complex and fuzzy term; defines culture through:

    1. Individual habits and behaviors.

    2. Intellectual growth of society.

    3. Anthropological aspects of how people live.

• Street Brian:

  • Views culture as a verb; culture is defined by actions, not just beliefs or artifacts.

Influence of Global Culture

• Globalization

  • Distinction between local, national, and global cultures has blurred, leading to a consumption-oriented society.

  • Global ideals such as gender equality are becoming more prominent worldwide due to globalization.

Religion and Culture

• Mutual Influence

  • Culture and religion are intertwined, shaping and influencing each other.

  • Emile Durkheim highlights that religion includes beliefs, practices, and sacred things.

• Religious Diversity in Africa

  • Africa hosts a rich tapestry of religions, primarily Islam and Christianity, alongside traditional folk religions.

African Cultural Practices and Values

• Focus on Community

  • African culture values community, with practices emphasizing respect for elders and family structure.

• Marriage and Family Dynamics

  • Marriage is a significant cultural institution; variations include monogamy, polygyny, and hybrid marriage forms with diverse cultural practices.

• Religious Practices

  • Important religious customs like libations and respect for the mysterious relationships with ancestors.

Cultural Myths and Traditions

• Dogon and Dinka Myths

  • The Dogon myth explains the origin of the universe, highlighting the spiritual worldview of the Dogon tribe.

  • The Dinka myth depicts creation through clay, emphasizing communal responsibilities among genders.

Cultural Sensitivity and Interactions

• Intercultural Awareness

  • Essential for understanding and avoiding conflicts in multicultural environments.

  • Each culture has specific metaphors that enhance understanding, e.g., American football as a cultural metaphor in the USA.

Conclusion

• Dynamic Nature of Culture

  • Culture is not static, evolving with technological advancements and societal changes.

  • Emphasizes the importance of recognizing cultural diversity to promote peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding.