CULTURE IS A WAY OF LIFE

Women in veils around the world

Notice that the word ‘Culture’ is the same as that of the word 'cultivate'. Meaning, culture is a socially constructed and a developed practice by people of a society. Culture includes what we think, how we feel, how we act and what we own, often wrongly described as "human nature". The beauty of culture is the variety of it, how it differs from one place to another. People of a certain culture may share specific language, traditions, behaviours, perceptions and beliefs. Standards of beauty, including the colour and design of the surrounding, vary significantly from one culture to another. For example, "thumbs up" may mean "good job!" in one country and "up your a*s!" in another! Culture gives them an identity which makes them unique and different from people of other cultures.

This can get you into trouble in Greece, Iran and some
other countries.

Then again, there are certain elements of culture that are universal. They are known as cultural universals, in which there are certain behavioural traits and patterns that are shared by all cultures around the world. For instance, classifying relations based on blood relations and marriage, differentiating between good and bad, having some form of art, use of jewellery, classifying people according to gender and age, etc are some of the common in all cultures of the world.

Some people believe that humans are the only living beings who have a culture. However, animals too have certain social rules which they teach their young ones as a medium for survival. Culture is necessary to establish an order and discipline in the society. It is not only the means of communication between people, but also creates a feeling of belonging and togetherness among people in the society. 

The Ndebele Women of South Africa's home decorating sense
is as colorful as their fashion sense

How many of our lives is as colourful as the Ndebele people? Ultimately, every culture is special including our own. Once we learn to understand ourselves, our culture and roots, then we will be able to appreciate others. 

Let's celebrate our differences, or even better our uniqueness. :)