Why Is Any Criticism Of Culture Considered Racist?
By eunixia
@eunixia (387)
Philippines
January 31, 2007 7:22am CST
Is it not possible for a culture to be backwards and immoral? I understand the importance of respecting the rituals and nuances of other cultures but some beliefs/behaviors are immoral any way you try to spin it.
Why do you have to a practicing member of a culture to pass judgement on it? It baffles me why criticism of aspects of other cultures is so taboo.
Here's an example...
The other day I was discussing the continued plight of African Americans with my friends. At one point in the debate, I began putting some of the blame on the immature/regressive culture of African American youths. Specifically, the culture is extremely materialistic, mysoginistic, and violent. My friends immediately jumped on me and called me racist and ignorant which is absurd. Obviously, this is a personal anecdote but I've witnessed similar events in public venues and on TV.
1 response
@camille101 (1025)
• United Arab Emirates
31 Jan 07
Criticism is healthy as long as it will not be used judgmentally. It becomes a very delicate matter especially when you throw it (criticisms) to a certain culture, race or belief. No matter how civilized the world had become since the evolution of man, we couldn't ignore the fact that there are people we called "backwards" who still holds on to their old beliefs and tradition who denies change and progress. Thinking that if they welcome development coming from the outside of their community will be a trespass to their authority. It would be wiser for everyone if these backward people themselves will discover and learn to change their ways and belief by themselves.
@camille101 (1025)
• United Arab Emirates
31 Jan 07
We could help them to see, but we couldn't force them to change by our ways. In the end it will be their decision.
