Cultures of Pakistanis and Native Americans - Essay Example

Introduction: This research is a comparative study focusing on two out of the numerous cultures subsisting in the present day world and especially inthe Kentucky region. "Culture" is a collective term signifying all the aspects of lifestyle for a particular community. With the passage of time, homogeneities are generally observed among the different groups of people dwelling in a particular geographical area - especially with regard to beliefs and ritualistic practices. Geographical and meteorological factors are also quite influential for the development of cultures everywhere on this planet. Different combinations of these factors have resulted in each culture of the world being distinctly identifiable from one another. In fact, they are influential towards every key identifiable of a particular culture. Nevertheless, similarities are often observed among cultures situated in different geographical areas - especially in thoughts and rituals. Needless to say, differences do exist to make each culture distinct from every other. The two examples adopted in this paper are the cultures of Pakistanis and Native Americans. Pakistan is a South Asian country situated adjacent to India and China. Pakistani "culture" has been hugely impacted not just by weather and topography, but also by arrays of traditions and historical events (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pakistan). Then again, "Native American culture" is the phrase used to designate the culture of the so-called "Indians" of America - indigenous inhabitants of the two Americas. This essay highlights some of the key themes including traditions, religious beliefs, arts, foods, family and entertainment in each of these cultures. Pakistani Culture The rich culture of Pakistan can be observed in the Western zone of the subcontinent of South Asia. Densely populated, this developing country happens to be an important agricultural center of the world. The culture exhibits evidences of historical and natural influences. (Malik; 2001) The European intrusion into the South Asian subcontinent owed itself to the productivity of the region when it came to spices, thereby offering prospects of trade. It is therefore understandable why Pakistanis generally prefer spicy food. The prosperous agriculture of the country has resulted in fresh vegetables and bread made using wheat flour being widely consumed. The community being largely Muslim, mutton and beef are widely preferred as well, but fish and chicken are also consumed. In fact, meat is often an essential component of everyday meals in a Pakistani household. Typical Pakistani cuisine can be quite oily and substantial emphasis is laid on the richness of taste. Entertainment as an industry is yet to thrive in Pakistan, since performing arts face receive little praise as careers from the predominantly Muslim community. However, different kinds of sports including squash, wrestling, shooting and lawn tennis are quite popular, the country having national cricket and hockey teams as well. Singing and dancing are encountered, but not popular owing to the Islamic prohibitions. The impact of Hinduism and Hindu culture are negligible in the Pakistani community. (http://www.infopak.gov.pk/) Owing to recent political developments, many restrictive regulations have been relaxed - music, theater and movies becoming quite popular hence. However, conservative Pakistanis still refrain from pursuing them as career options. Painting is also strongly opposed by Islamic fundamentalists - painters being very few in number as a consequence. The prominent contrast is worth mentioning in this case, since Islamic thought is the sole influence for few fundamentalists. Then again, the history of the previous civilizations in the region has also resulted in some appreciation of entertainment and fine arts as industries. Joint families supporting numerous generations have long been prevalent in Pakistan. Most households still have grandfathers and grandsons living together. After all, the consideration of the family as the most significant unit in the Pakistani society is a distinctive aspect of Pakistani culture - even though it bears the consequence of conservatism becoming prevalent as well. The opinions of elders are decisive in every event of the family owing to the high degree of respect paid to them. For example, arranging marriages is also a responsibility of the parents. It is rare to witness any Pakistani opposing the decision of his parents or elders - regardless of whether the decision maker is right or wrong. Guests receive much respect from the hosts. Women, on the other hand, are respected and considered as precious possessions. Men bear the responsibility for the well-being their women and are expected to accompany their sisters, wives and daughters when the latter wish to go somewhere. This respect for women has made it rare to encounter a Pakistani woman alone on a travel. Superstition is somewhat prevalent in the nation. The majority of Muslims in the Pakistani community is the reason why Islamic traditions have been so clearly influential on the Pakistani lifestyle. Customs include fasts in the month of Ramadan and five daily prayers at masjids. The religion is monotheistic. Urdu being the national language is understood and even spoken by the entire community. Sindhi, Baluchi, Punjabi and Pashto are local languages spoken alongside Urdu in the four provinces of Pakistan. Native American Culture Also called Indians, Native Americans (otherwise referred to as Amerinds, First Nations and American Indians) are the indigenous inhabitants of the two continents today known as the Americas. "Original Americans" is another term used to designate them (Smith, M.W., 1940). This culture is observed in a number of geographical areas - with minor differences existing between them. In actuality, the concept of the Native American culture is an umbrella term that encompasses a number of sub cultures. The Native American traditional cuisine has a rich array of foods including acorn mush, smoked salmon, fry bread, corn bread, mutton stew and dry meats. Some of these dishes also exist today and are cooked for gatherings as traditions observe. Blueberry, cornbread, cranberry, mush and turkey are commonly encountered in this culture nowadays even. The cuisine of Native American culture in South America and Mexico is distinct from that observed in North America. Ingredients common to all regions include juniper, ramps, wild ginger and miners lettuce. (Carlin; 1997) Music is much appreciated in Native American culture, monophonic music being widely promoted. While drumming is common among many individuals, specially made Native American flutes are equally popular. The quality of the flute is an important factor that receives quite a lot of attention. The length of a player's hand is considered in determining how long a flute should be. Native Americans dwelling in Central America and Mexico have an affinity towards pentatonic music. Wind instruments are generally preferred to stringed ones in this culture. While carving and basketry happen to be the specialties of Native Americans, Jewelry making and sculptures are also quite popular. Performing arts has not been popular among Native Americans, but the culture has produced a number of excellent painters in the past, not to mention a few writers as well. An anonymous woman belonging to the Native American culture is known to have made the statement: "If you take [a copy of] the Christian Bible and put it out in the wind and the rain, soon the paper on which the words are printed will disintegrate and the words will be gone. Our bible IS the wind." The geographical differences have resulted in a number of religions in the culture. In fact, it is inaccurate to designate a dominant religion in any Native American community. While a large number of families are Christian, some still pertain to aboriginal rituals and traditions of the culture. The South Western region of North America observes this trend frequently, where Peyote used to be a prevalent religion previously. Native American churches can now be found not just in the United States, but also in other areas of the Americas. American Indians are commonly observed to live in familial togetherness. Various "Native American languages" can be encountered according to the geographical locations. (http://www.native-languages.org/) Development over time has now made English a commonly spoken language among most of these people. Conclusion Geographically, the regions of origin of the two cultures concerned are widely separated. Striking similarities are nonetheless observed. Since topography is a decisive factor regarding the aspects of any culture, similarities are observed in geographically separated cultures if the climatic or meteorological conditions similar. Similarities Restrictions imposed on the development of performing artists are a common factor observed in both the Pakistani and the Native American cultures. Interestingly, the unfavorable atmosphere in this respect bears different reasons for each of these cultures. While Islamic regulatory impositions forbid singing and dancing in Pakistani culture, this is certainly not the situation in Native American culture. Naturally talented individuals in both of these cultures are observed to learn instruments like sitar, flutes or iktara on their own accord - a personal development that the cultures do not influence. Local values and festivals resulting from the relationship of the land with its inhabitants is a second factor common to both of these cultures. Pakistani culture predominantly involves Islamic preaching, but local influences of Hinduism and other cultures not specific to any religious practices are also observed as local traits. For instance, localized festivals of local cultures disparate from the Islamic heritage are frequently encountered in different geographical areas where Pakistani culture is observed to thrive. (http://www.tourism.gov.pk/Index.html) For example, inhabitants of Punjab are seen to celebrate local festivals like Bessakhi (a wheat harvesting festival) and Basant (the Spring Festival). (Banuazizi, A, Weiner, M., 1988) All wheat growing rural settlements of Punjab are seen to celebrate these. Similar religious influences on the culture of Native Americans are also observed. However, the relationship between the people and the land is the main factor for majority of the festivals in that culture. Local festivals celebrated in relation to the rising sun or the moon are as numerous as they are common. In North American as well as Pakistani cultures, the family happens to be the most important social unit where many individuals live together. The household bears an equal degree of significance to the dwellers. Unlike most kinds of American populations, the unit of the family has a great longevity. However, differences do exist between the two cultures to make them quite distinct from one another. The eating habits, for instance, are different in each case. While Pakistanis prioritize the consumption of meat - especially their favorites like Beef and Mutton - and use vegetables, Native Americans are known to consume many varieties of bread as well. Pakistani cuisine is oilier than Native American cuisine, not to mention the fact that major differences exist between the procedures of preparing and consuming the food in each of these cultures. Religion, again, poses another difference between these two cultures. While Pakistani culture is predominantly Muslim (which involves monotheism mandating prayers in mosques), Native American culture has witnessed the people gradually moving towards Christianity from "aboriginal religions" (which in turn were entirely different kinds of spirituality adherent to the principle of the intricate bonds between man and nature). (http://www.religioustolerance.org/nataspir.htm) Some Native Americans still adhere to aboriginal spiritualities. The languages of the Pakistani culture are also different from the languages spoken in the Native American culture. Apart from the use of local languages, Pakistanis fluently use Urdu, which is also understood by most Pakistanis. English is the second most preferred language. Native Americans, on the other hand, use their local Native languages - making it difficult to demarcate any common language, even though some are proficient in English nowadays. Using this information in Class room This data can be used to initiate discussions regarding the distinctive aspects of a culture that mold it through its course of evolution. This study can, therefore, be used to initiate a discussion to clarify to students how a culture does evolve. The inter-relationship between the population and the terrain is quite clear in this paper discussing the two cultures. The eating and dressing habits also attest the strength of these bonds between the people and the geographical locations of their respective cultures. While the Indus has facilitated fishing as an occupation, hunted game meat is preferred by Native Americans even today. Changes have taken place through the course of time and history. Therefore, such a rich debate can allow students to comprehend the trends of growth for a culture. The positives and negatives of each culture can also be compared for further discussion. The intricate bond between nature and people can be understood through this research. Almost every culture is greatly influenced by phenomena and calamities of nature that they witness or experience. How people belonging to a particular culture react to such phenomena or calamities can also illustrate their relationship with nature. Time has evidently been influential as well. In the past, Native Americans were known to be brave hunters who rode horses during hunting. Even though the bravery is still observed, horses are not necessary nowadays in order to procure food. Even though much of the rich culture is inherited, significant changes can be observed in the course of its evolution. Pakistani culture, again, bears the evidence of the reigns of several rulers in the geographical area during the last 500 years. Apart from the British rulers, the impact of Muslim families, Sikh rulers and the Mughals are quite evident. The impact of these reigns along with natural disasters like earthquakes and floods on the culture can be used as the substrate for a classroom discussion, in order to clarify to the students the effect of history and natural phenomena in the development of a culture. Many social sciences draw their theories on such concepts like possiblism from human power and environmentalism from natural restrictions. The resultant discussion can be fruitful for learners attempting to comprehend how environment influences the culture in a particular geographical zone. Using this material, the coherences and disparities between two cultures can also be discussed in the classroom in a purely Academic debate. The debate can encompass only the key disparities and coherences - factors and phenomena that have influenced and shaped each of the two cultures. This academic discussion requires for the students to learn much about each of the two cultures in order to comprehend and justify each of the salient aspects of the cultures clearly. Understanding the lifestyle of the population of a particular culture can be quite difficult, an in-depth study providing explanations regarding such aspects to the students. The lifestyle and behavior of a Native American, for instance, is affected by the development of the culture through time, the influence of the region and also the overall cultural trends of his race. An in-depth study performed through primary as well as secondary sources can help identify the developmental aspects of that culture. Another subject for examination can also be the influence of the prevailing social structure of the culture concerned. References: 1. Aboriginal Religions. (n.d) Retrieved July 16, 2007, from http://www.religioustolerance.org/nataspir.htm (Primary) 2. Banuazizi, A. and Weiner, M. (1988)The State, Religion, and Ethnic Politics: Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan. Syracuse University Press. (Secondary) 3. Carlin, George (1997). Brain droppings. New York: Hyperion. (Secondary) 4. Culture. (n.d) Retrieved July 15, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pakistan (Primary) 5. Entertainment Industry in Pakistan. (n.d) Retrieved July 13, 2007, from http://www.infopak.gov.pk/ (Primary) 6. Festivals. (n.d) Retrieved July 13, 2007 from http://www.tourism.gov.pk/Index.html (Primary) 7. Malik, H. (2001) Pakistan: Founders' Aspirations and Today's Realities. Oxford University Press, USA. (Secondary) 8. Native American Languages. (n.d) Retrieved July 10, 2007, from http://www.native-languages.org/ (Primary) 9. Smith, M. W. (1940) The Puyallup-Nisqually. New York: Columbia University Press. (Secondary) The research begun at the library of my University. Once a number of relevant books and journals were located, I utilized the data to browse for further information on the World Wide Web. The remarks made by actual members of the culture were treated with paramount importance, since only they can have the best understanding of the culture. Hence, the discussion forums relevant to this study have been important sources of information. Needless to mention, the books also constituted an authentic source. After the compilation of all the required information, the material in its entirety was read through and important points were noted down. Then the report was begun to be prepared. Additional research was required in some areas and that was carried out while covering that particular topic. The study has been informative and enjoyable for me, since I appreciate and bear deep interest in cultures and the relationship between human beings and geography. Concept Map of Pakistan Concept Map of Native Americans Read More