GOOD MORNING

CULTURAL RELATIVISM
Cultural Relativism
Culture, just like a story, conveys different meanings and it can vary
among the people who created it. It poses a challenge to the idea that
culture is the same for everyone. Also, culture like a story has a life
of its own. This notion rejects the concept of cultural universality.
Cultural relativism refers to an objective analysis of one's own culture seeing
and understanding of one's beliefs and traditions from his/her own point of
view. It also entails not to judge the practices of others based on your own
culture; hence, respecting it in their own cultural context. For example, you
may find eating insects as an unacceptable and a disgusting practice.
However, in Thailand, as well as parts of Central America like Mexico, it is
considered a delicacy. Instead of being prejudiced, one can pose an interesting
question like "Why do insects?". some cultures eat fried insects?”.
According to James Rachels (2003), the following claims have all been made by cultural
relativists.
1.It is difficult to determine if the custom of other societies is morally inferior to others.
2. The decision whether actions are right or wrong can be done just by consulting the
standards of our society.
3. The idea of moral progress is always questionable.
4. The objective criticism of one's own culture is shallow.
5. There will be no idea of moral progress because of acceptance of other's culture.
The aspect of mutual respect and understanding must be observed. This is the first step
towards a deeper appreciation of one's culture. Tolerance and acceptance of cultural
diversities within the bounds of our own moral and ethical standard can be a way to
understand individual differences.
THANK YOU!