How and Why Cultural Groups Tend to See Themselves - Essay Example

? The boundaries which are created in the world and culture are defined to create a sense of identity. The division which is created is based on perceptions of cultural groups as well as ways in which individuals chose to see themselves. The approach which is taken allows individuals to continue to hold onto a sense of identity. However, by doing this, there is a loss of learning and ability to understand and accept the mechanics of other cultures. The opposition which is created further creates divisions that do not allow others to have the right perception and insight into creating and integrating solutions and needs within society. Examining the perceptions by Kwame Appiah from “Moral Disagreement” and Franklin Foer’s “How Soccer Explains the World” provides further insight into why the boundaries among groups are considered important and the ways in which this develops and changes the cultural groups in an emerging global society. The work of Foer is based on the division between pro – soccer and anti – soccer Americans. The division is one which works as an analogy in understanding the difficulties that are created in terms of boundaries and identity between two groups. The boundaries which Foer identifies move further into those who have this identity because it relates to nationality, ethnicity, culture and deeper issues which prevail among those in society. One is able to instantly create a space which they can relate to and remain safe in while those on the outside are kept as unsafe and should not be associated with the group (Foer, 12). The association which Foer creates to this and the idea of safety that comes from various cultural groups is then questioned by the author. While there is a sense of protection and safety in this regard, there is also a lack of being able to work effectively in various areas. Foer creates an analogy to business in which the customs and traditions have to be left aside to complete the end goal. However, this also becomes a threat to other cultural groups that do not recognize this practice, leaving a lack of identity and understanding and causing the boundaries to heighten instead (Foer, 140). The analogies which Foer examines in terms of us versus them and the boundaries of culture are further identified through Appiah’s “Moral Disagreement.” The theme which is called upon shows that cultural groups have different perceptions of themselves that they do not equate with groups outside of themselves. The cultural groups that are created are defined with the need to carry a similar identity and understanding of where one belongs and the practices they take part in. If one is outside of this group, they may carry a lack of being able to have the same perspective or beliefs. To many, this becomes threatening and causes disruptions in the practices, traditions and beliefs of many. Even more than this, the morality and the actions of groups which do not understand the practices of another can become disrespectful to the other group and the deeply embedded religious, moral or traditional beliefs which are continuously practiced. This particular threat builds even more boundaries among groups and creates a perception of one group holding a sense of ignorance toward another (Appiah, 6). Both of the associations with identity, cultural groups and morality become questionable because of the way in which the world is beginning to change and develop. The move into globalization is leading into all areas of life beginning to break boundaries in terms of sports, business, culture and exchanges which are occurring. This breaking of boundaries is one which is becoming a threat to many, specifically because of the perspective that the other cultures will also break the practices, rituals and beliefs of alternative cultures. This develops more boundaries between both sides and is creating conflicts and disagreements between both sides. The belief in threatening identity and the associations with the problems of culture are then creating even more groups and problems related to the relationship to identity, security and keeping traditions and beliefs. This creates a loss in not being able to understand the cultural groups and differences or in exploring the way in which each can contribute to a larger and more valuable approach to the world. While there are threats based on the groups and differences there are also gains which are created from seeing the world from this perspective. When the boundaries between two groups are strong, there is the ability to have cultural development and alternative perspectives in specific groups. For instance, if one is able to move into a different cultural group without the boundaries, then learning and development can take place. The ability to relate and associate with the group and to offer initiatives in terms of projects which are required to be placed then develops a different relationship to the cultural groups that are created. These developments are then based on breaking the boundaries specifically for moral and global development which is able to change the way in which each thinks based on the cultural and social affiliations. The ability to overcome and understand differences remains the main challenge, specifically because of the movement into globalization. Asking cultural groups to change beliefs, traditions and ideologies is one which only creates more conflict and misunderstanding because it poses a threat to identity (Foer, 139). Instead of seeing the various behaviors as a threat, there is the need to begin to understand the customs and traditions and to accept that these differ from other cultures. Education about the other identities and cultures in the world can create and define a deeper understanding of what is required in society. Combining this with showing a sense of respect toward various groups and continuously learning about culture is another approach which can be taken. The ideology is to continue to learn and understand various cultures without feeling a sense of loss of identity or in changing the boundaries. With this step, there is the ability to lower the boundaries that are created while working together, despite the differences which are created. This particular approach is one which can stimulate the identity of others while developing a sense of appreciation and respect toward cultural groups without one losing their identity. The concept of boundaries between groups is one which has accumulated through time. The development of groups and cultures as well as the need to have boundaries with the us versus them attitude remains as a main problem within society. When looking at the different associations with cultural groups, it is seen that the boundaries between beliefs, traditions, rituals and other concepts continue to be problematic. The perspectives which individuals see themselves as from a cultural group forms as the main identity which one associates with. However, this identity often becomes threatened when a different cultural group develops a threat against others. Changing this is reliant on educating and understanding various cultural groups without creating a threat to one’s identity. By doing this, there is the ability to begin developing a different relationship with those that need to work together or create affiliations and associations. Combining this with changing the level of threats toward one’s identity and belief system can further develop and create changes required at this time for the movement into globalization. References Appiah, Kwame. Moral Disagreement. Harper Collins: New York, 2009. Foer, Franklin. How Soccer Explains the World: An Unlikely Theory of Globalization. Harper Collins: New York, 2004 . Read More