1). Do you agree with anthropologist Ruth Benedict that we are "creatures of our culture" and that our habits, beliefs, and impossibilities are shaped by our culture? If so, how can we break through the limits of our cultures?
I completely agree with anthropologist Ruth Benedict when she says that we are “creatures for our culture” and that our habits, beliefs, and impossibilities are shaped by our culture. The reason I agree with Benedict is because I myself rely on my culture to make a lot of my decisions. My ethical questions are answered based on my culture. I am currently taking an ethics class and my professor is constantly stating that our upbringings and our morals are based on culture itself. We identify ourselves with what our culture is and that is the main reason as to why our decision making is based on our culture—it defines who we are as a person.
When trying to break through the limits of our culture, I believe that the only way is to be associated with people outside of our culture so that you are able to get a view/feel of their feelings/thoughts as well. When influenced by other people who are outside of your culture, I believe that decision making is a bit different because you see another perspective.
Hi Goober,
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoyed your Spring Break as much as I did. I have to agree with you when you say as Ruth Benedict states; we are “creatures of our cultures.” I grew up as a Japanese American. My parents spoke only English. Our habits and beliefs reflected the Japanese culture, whereby during the holidays such as New Year’s, my mom would make sushi for New Year’s Day. As I got older, I used to help her with the preparation. Even today, I make different versions of sushi throughout the year. On the other hand, one of our beliefs is that if you give a gift of money, for a birthday or wedding you must give an odd amount like $75. However, it is most proper to give an even amount such as $40. if you were to give a monetary gift for a person who passed away. So, yes, we are a creature of our cultures.