Different cultures have different moral codes, and no moral code of a certain society is of special status are claims made by the theory of Cultural Relativism. In James Rachels' essay, The Challenge of Cultural Relativism, he examines the theory and its validity. In the end he rejects the theory on the basis that no culture's code is greater than another's, and most that cultures believe some form of the same fundamental tenets, even if they are practiced in differing ways. However, Rachels' also makes a point of endorsing the directive to keep an open mind and not be arrogant in thinking that one society's practices are superior to another's.
This is very prominent in the novel, Things Fall Apart, by Chinua Achebe. The story chronicles the life of a revered man, Okonkwo, from the Igbo tribe of Nigeria. European missionaries come to the tribe in the effort to convert the people to their religion and western way of life. The invasion of these "paramount" people provides a glimpse of the horror than can ensue when one culture does not extend respect to those who are different from them. The interesting thing is that both cultures have a common goal, to drive out evil and ignorance. The Igbo believe that acts such as throwing away twin babies are good things and that they please the gods and goddesses, therefore keeping away evil. Contrastingly the Europeans believe that the tribesmen are committing a great atrocity and must be stopped.
The same can be seen today in the war against al-Qaeda in Afghanistan. The civil war in this country is due to the fact that one group views their own moral code and set of beliefs as so much higher than all others that it must be exacted upon those who do not wish to ascribe to it. This has resulted in the collapse of a country and an innumerable amount of deaths. On the other hand, some might believe that the countries that have intervened in Afghanistan are just as much at fault because they are commanding that a group act a certain way. Examples can be found throughout the world and time.
I understand that different cultures believe different things, and that they must be allowed to do so in order for our own culture to have the same privilege. I also understand that our moral codes are based upon what we have been taught to be good, true, and right. However, I do not believe that there are no definite rights or wrongs. Certain actions can be made more understandable if you examine the motives of the people, like eliminating evil, but certain things, like death, can never be truly justified. I am not an intolerant person, but I do not believe that a person cannot be fully devoted to their own religion without considering it to be the only true religion, or wanting to convert others. The problem arrives when people are forced to accept and practice something that they do not wish to.
Very good Braise!
ReplyDelete