Humane receptiveness
In the mid-18th century, a German philosopher Johann Gottfried von Herder wrote, "Everyone loves his own country, customs, language, wife, children, not because they are the best in the world, but because they are his established property, and he loves in them himself, and the labor he has bestowed on them." This sentiment has always been true, yet men of all times have tended to sometimes misunderstand different cultures and people. Without understanding, we are quick to dislike.
Likened to the above quote is the adage "Home is where the heart is." This, of course, means one’s true home is where one feels happiest. Usually, this is where one is born and raised, forms emotional bonds and experiences significant life events.
Nations that have exceptional power, authority or influence have spread and sometimes pushed their culture upon others. This has been so since the beginning of civilization and it continues today. When nations do this, they need to keep in mind Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Considering others’ comfort is important. Also, “soft power” should be advantageous and beneficial to all parties.
Were I born and raised in South Korea, there is no doubt that I would probably practice taekwondo, consume kimchi, attend a hagwon to study English, and love K-pop at a certain time in my life. Were I born and raised in Iran, there is no doubt that I would probably play football or volleyball, voraciously consume the traditional ice cream bastani sonnati, identify as a Shia Muslim, and own a Quran and a prayer mat.
Most peoples’ conscience, habits and opinions originate and rise from convention, and they embrace the steady assurance and confidence offered by the consensus established by their nation’s citizenry and originally conveyed to them either directly or indirectly.
We are who we are a bit by chance, and each of us has won the lottery of individuality. Each of us is important. Each of us has dignity and deserves respect. In earlier times, one half of the world’s population would not know how the other half lived. Now, we can know if we have the internet. We can rethink and set aside our arrogance and haughtiness and understand why others are the way they are.
I do not espouse the tendentious defenses for transculturalism, cosmopolitanism, universalism or global citizenship. However, I’m all for coexistence and respect for multiple cultures. I do not align with sociobiologists, theorists, philosophers, theologians or activists on the idea that our action, behavior, thoughts and feelings are rooted solely in the birthright of heritage traditions.
I always keep in mind, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do," and behave however the people around me behave, adapting to the customs of the place I'm visiting. Concerning other cultures, I keep what I like and decline what I don’t — perhaps without giving due attention, or passing over something of great worth or significance. Personally, I’m a bit altruistic, but with the advantage and benefit of great friendships.
The author (wrjones@vsu.edu) published the novella “Beyond Harvard” and presently teaches English as a second language.