Quote:
Originally posted by ThurgreedMarshall
I think that there is value in maintaining certain cultural differences. The problem is, the people who are not in power have to constantly reaffirm their cultures for fear of them being swallowed into the dominant one (which is why there are so many pride parades and home-country flag waving, etc.).
I don't think it's possible to create one all-encompassing shared culture. I believe that the U.S. does a better job than most other places in recognizing other cultures and to a certain extent our American culture consists of many different cultures. But it would be impossible to include everyone's traditions, cultures, heritages, etc. The goal is to avoid losing important cultural distinctions that make people different and interesting.
The problem that I and many other minorities face is the unwillingness (in the example we've been discussing so far) of the people we work for to recognize (and maybe even adopt) some of the differences we have. At the same time, I must fashion who I am to fit with those differences that exist on the other side. I am not talking in absolutes. I don't think all white partners and associates ignore and shun everything that makes me black and I don't adopt everything about them that will help them accept me. But I do a lot more reconciling than they do.
So, you're right. It works better when people combine. And I think this is happening slowly. Hell, today's younger generation is proof of that (I look at the interactions in high schools between races with envy). But we shouldn't go overboard to the extent that interesting things about certain cultures are lost in favor of what the larger group finds the most interesting.
TM
|
If youworked for me,I'd let you shave your head.
I'd tell you you looked silly, but I'd let you do it without your career suffering. At least because of that.
