How do you see culture?

Culture. Some may think it’s a natural amalgamation of tradition, taste, history, and perspective. I believe it is something that is inherently learned and reinforced by those around you.

There is no way to escape culture. But it doesn’t have to define your life or how you do things. Many times, culture can be a barrier, the grounds on which offence is taken, and the scapegoat for disagreement – in Africa especially. How we have learned to think, respond, feel, and express does define a lot of what we look like to the world and to ourselves. But it is not who we are. It is the context of who we are.

Racism has been a growing topic in my country, South Africa. After the initial silence once Apartheid ended, people are beginning to become vocal about it’s repercussions in life today. Many people have allowed culture to be defined by colour, but there is nothing more incorrect. I have heard first-hand how the difference of culture within the same race has resulted in atrocious mistreatment as well. Xenophobia is a very real monster in Africa and even Donald Trump’s radical views are becoming more popular in the USA.

So if race cannot tie down culture, then could your area do it? Maybe one hundred years ago it could, but with the improvement of transport, and the internet redefining where people can work and how people can learn, culture is becoming more dispersed. This means that there are more people with different cultures in closer proximity – which could result in a higher amount of tension, as seen is South Africa.

But I have also had a different experience. I visited my family in Canada a few years back and was confronted with a completely different approach to culture. Getting into the taxi at the airport, a Pakistani emigrant asked me where I was from. When I said “South Africa”, he responded by asking where I was really from. For a second I was offended. I am a proud South African. My family has lived here for many years and although we have benefitted from a horrible regime, my love for my nation and its people is definitely a fundamental part of how I live.

After I had my moment of offence, I allowed myself to continue the conversation – only to hear the taxi driver’s story of relocation. He mentioned how most of Canada’s population is originally from somewhere else. And there is a mutual respect and genuine interest in everyone else’s cultures. This was enforced further when, arriving at my cousin’s school, I was met by a huge fair where every child was encouraged to showcase their culture – with food, clothing, traditional games, and historic moments from their families’ upbringings.

Culture was being celebrated! People were not defensive or ashamed of where they were from or how they see life. They shared it enthusiastically. Some of the things I tasted were horrific to me, but other things were surprisingly scrumptious. But no matter what my personal response, all of the different elements – the clothing, the language and the food – painted a clear picture of how a certain group of people lived, enjoyed themselves, and even how they thought about life.

I believe we need a whole lot more understanding and openness when it comes to culture. Culture can be celebrated and appreciated when there is respect for each differing party. What is personally experienced by someone of a certain culture can never be completely replicated in someone looking in from the outside. But people can still identify and learn from each others’ way of life and thinking.

Every culture is defined by how it is different to another. But with the world converging in so many different ways, I think it is high time we put down our defences and pick up our notepads. Let’s take note of the way we live and of those who live differently. Let’s celebrate culture, valuing the person above it all. I hope this made you think!