Question

Focusing on the concept of cultural relativism, do we as Americans have the right to morally judge another culture? While noting the merits of cultural relativism, do you feel there are any limits to these merits? Are all cultural values and practices equally valid? Can you imagine any acts that a group of people can do to its own members that cross the line of human decency? If so, who gets to draw the line and what should the response be? Be sure to substantiate your answer with facts and examples.

Answer 1

Cultural relativism says that we should not adopt a judgmental attitude for someone's traditions and cultural beliefs. We should develop a knowledge about someone's cultural background before making any remark. A person's belief should be considered based on the knowledge of that person's own culture.

Thoughts of other persons should not be employed in creating an assumption about someone's culture. It can be understood through an example. We can not blame a Hindu student for not accepting non vegetarian food. Being vegetarian is of prime importance in Hinduism and Jainism.

We can not claim an aspect to be universally true. If something is illegal in a society then it may be acceptable in some other society. Drinking wine is prohibited in many Islamic societies but it is appropriate in many other cultures.

Our main focus should be on developing knowledge. We can adopt good habits of other cultures. We should keep morality above all the aspects. Human life should not be deteriorated in any culture. If a culture/tradition/religion restricts basic human rights like education then it can not be considered right.

Such practices should be avoided and a voice should be raised against such activities because denying someone's basic right is an evil gesture in every corner of this world. If a cultural practice promotes violence then such practice can not be claimed appropriate only because it is a part of someone's culture.

Basic nature of morality should be preserved in any case. Human sacrifice can not be called as an appropriate cultural practice. Such inhuman/violent/immoral/uncivilized practices should be abolished through strict implication of law.