how would you feel if someone rejected you just because of what you believe in? What if they rejected you with no valid reason, but with only assumptions made by our culture and never got to know the real you? Cultural Relativism explores the idea of experiencing a differing culture before making biased assumptions about it. In James Rachels' essay, The Challenge of Cultural Relativism, Rachels pursues the theory and rejects it, stating that all cultures differ, though they all have some beliefs that link them together.
I believe that the novel Things Fall Apart, by Ochinwa Achebe, portrays a powerful example of two races disputing due to cultural differences. This book offers up a look into a warring battle between the white Cristian population and the African Igbo tribe. The Christians believed in worshipping one God and strive to convert the Igbo people to their religion. Though the Igbo people had strange beliefs, such as discarding twin children or fearing snakes, both strived for the same goal: to banish the evil things in the world to please their God(s). Had they carried out the cultural relativism theory, things would have not fallen apart. The two sides could have seen the similarities between them and come together peacefully.
"Don't judge a book by its cover." How often do we hear that? This phrase is what comes to mind when I think of Cultural Relativism and its impact on our society. Just because a book is tattered and dog-eared doesn't mean it isn't full of exciting and wonderful stories. Same goes for a culture. Though you might hear certain stereotypes and biased views upon a certain way of life, nothing should be assumed unless you've gotten a good look at the way the group functions and lives. It is so wrong to stay immersed in the opinions of others rather than using your own judgement through experience. Our generation lives in technology and absorbs information through social media. Our perspectives change as the media fills our head with biased opinions. How I wish for a world where all of the people in it understood one another and lived together in unison.
