Martinez 1

Robyne Martinez

Professor Burleson

PHIL2306.001IN

01 August 2022

Cultural Relativism as it Relates to My Life

Cultural relativism refers to not judging a culture to our own standards of what is right or

wrong, strange, or normal. Instead, we should try to understand cultural practices of other groups

in its own cultural context. For example, instead of thinking, “Fried crickets are disgusting!” one

should instead ask, “Why do some cultures eat fried insects?” You may learn that fried crickets

or grasshoppers are full of protein and in Mexico, it is famous Oaxaca regional cuisine and have

been eaten for thousands of years as a healthy food source!

My life has been mixed with culture for as long as I can remember. One example my

mom’s best friend growing up was a lady I called my aunt. She never missed a birthday and even

to this day still sends me birthday wishes. She happens to be of Mexican heritage. So, I learned

at an early age about diverse cultures because I was at her house almost every weekend. Her

husband used to make the BEST fajitas and we would sit in the back listening to Tejano music

while he was working the grill. My Auntie was my mom’s best friend before I was even born so

she is such a special part of my heart.

The next example of cultural relativism is the fact that I am Baptist but went to a Catholic

school for my entire elementary education. So honestly, I was influenced and taught by both

sides since I was so young. Both religions have similarities, but I also learned that there are big

differences also. I had an amazing Priest named Father John and he allowed me to participate in

all the religious traditions in the preparation room. He asked me and my best friend at the time
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Jessica who was also Baptist, if we would like to have a blessing and participate in communion.

We did and we also learned many other things that we never knew or did in a Baptist church.

Religion is especially important to me, and I love the fact that I grew up learning two different

types. I feel it really molded me into who I am today. I still find myself doing some of the things

that I learned in Catholic school to this day. I use a rosary when I pray at times, I do the sign of

the cross every time I pass a cemetery (which I am not sure is tradition, but we learned it at

school), and I find myself singing the hymns that we learned long ago. I was the only Black

student there but never felt different. Those were the best years of my educational experience.

The next example of cultural relativism in my life would be when I went to middle

school. I went to a public school for the rest of my education. So, I met a lot of different people. I

was always one to have several types of friends never just one race. I had a friend from Sri Lanka

when I was in sixth grade, and she was enriched with culture. I used to love going to her house

and trying all the different foods that her mom would make. She was 2 years older than me and

in the magnet program and Nasa program, so I learned a lot from her. Her mom used to wear her

hair wrapped but then stopped I never asked why because I felt that was personal. But soon she

went on to High School and we lost touch because I was still in Intermediate. She now works for

Nasa, and I see her parents from time to time and they are still so warm and loving.

I also learned from a friend that was from Jordan. She was my best friend in middle

school. We did everything together. Her mom would put Henna on my arm when she would put

it on my friends. I was like another child to her parents. They taught me how to cook traditional

food of Jordan. Her mom had the prettiest traditional dresses and shoes. I went to a few events

with them, and her mom ordered me, and dress and I was so proud to wear it. I remember it was

a beautiful red with shimmer all over. My friend would teach me about her religion. I of course
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was not trying to change mine, but I loved to learn about different cultures. She ended up moving

back to Jordan before High School started and I instantly lost my best friend. I am not going to

lie it hurt bad, but I will always cherish the memories that I have!

My last example of cultural relativism is close to my heart. It is my husband who is

Mexican, and I of course am African American. I have learned so much from my husband and

his family. I started dating my husband when I was nineteen and now, I am thirty-six, so we have

had a lot of time to learn from one another. I will never forget the day he told me about the fact

that some people in Mexico eat crickets and cow tongue. I was a bit shocked but then he started

explaining some health benefits and I understood a bit better. Now the funny thing is he would

not even think about eating it, but he knows of people that do. I have found that one thing that is

big no matter the race or culture is food. I love tasting all the different type of foods that different

cultures eat. My mother-in-law has shown me some recipes of favorites from Mexico, and I love

trying to make them! I have gotten good at the Mexican rice, milanesa torta, tacos al pastor,

elote, tostadas, and tamales. I love to hear all about the way the Mexico differs from the U.S. It is

more dangerous but there is so much culture in the country. I have not been able to visit because

she says it is too dangerous to go back. But once it gets better then we will go where my

husband’s family is from.

My husband also taught me about the negative differences in culture as well, but I just

hear and understand them without being judgmental because that is not my place to judge but I

question it to understand. Now that we have children, we try to make sure their lives are full of

cultural appreciation as well. I make sure they know all about both sides of their lives and how

important they both are. We also watch a lot of Ryan on kids YouTube and learn a lot about the

Japanese culture. So, my kids will teach me new words or something new they learned from
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Ryan that day. I want them to know that it is good to be around and learn from all types of

people. I do not want them to think that they can only know about their cultures. I want them to

expand their minds and that will help them in the future.

Anyone that is religious knows that God says that we should love one another and treat

each other with kindness. So, who are we to judge someone for their different cultures and

upbringing? But it is always a good thing to ask questions and get a better understanding of

people. I have never been one to be afraid of what is different. I embrace it and learn because

God would want us to. I learned long ago that just because something is different does not mean

it is a terrible thing. I think the reason some people do not want to understand is that they are

afraid of what is different. They think it is crazy or strange, but I can guarantee that other

cultures think some of the things we do is strange as well.

The biggest thing about cultural relativism in my life is the fact that I have so many

different cultures around me. I did not even include all the example of different cultures that are

or have been in my life. As I stated I have had several different race friends, from Black,

Mexican, Asian, Hawaiian, etc. I cannot imagine anyone saying that we should not learn and

understand other cultures. I feel like expanding your learning and experiences really enriches

your life. I have learned so much from so many diverse types of people. Everyone in my life

whether in the past or present has made an imprint on my heart, and I will forever be grateful for

each experience.