WEEK 05 - WHY DOES THE CULTURAL PARADIGM MATTER?
Paradigm! This word means a model of something or a set of ideas that explains something. Therefore, when we speak about cultural paradigms, we talk about models or ideas created throughout life. In other words, we build some truths according to our vision of the world.
Does cultural paradigm matter or not? For sure, cultural paradigms matter. Through my own experience, I understand this subject a little bit. I was born in Brazil in Santa Catarina state, and when I was twenty-eight years old, I moved to the Rio Grande do Sul state. Even though Santa Catarina borders by the Rio Grande do Sul, the cultures are quite different. How could I ignore the beauty of gaucho songs, typical dances, and clothing?
But I don't pass over that some gaucho people still mock my accent on some words. Am I upset by gauchos doing that? Of course not! I call that cultural accent, but I am in my own country, so that doesn't bother me. However, I have to think about people from other countries.
While watching the video from BYU-Idaho university, I could see how respectful I must behave towards people from other cultures. [1]Professor Ivers said, “paradigms differ immensely from culture to culture (…) [and] two people can see the very same event, and if they are from different cultures, they can interpret it very differently”. I agree with that, for I saw it when I moved to another state within my country.
I was impressed by the [2]African boys from Sudan. They found a different world in the USA. They didn’t know the meaning of a 'shower', they never used electricity, and American men have only one wife. They learned that things must be put in the trash bin, not throw them away through the window. Simple topics for us, but not for them.
On the other hand, [3]Delali Bright from Togo in West Africa suffered negative remarks from family and friends in her country and found relief when she arrived in the USA in her 30s. I loved her words, 'and suddenly, I was beautiful'.
Why does the cultural paradigm matter? Because even though we have our vision of the world, we need an open mind to accept what is different and have distinguished cultural experiences. According to [4]Bob Proctor, ‘[our] personal culture is called [our] paradigm’. So, what does it take us to see paradigms shift? In my opinion, it’s our willingness to see the world through others’ eyes.
[1] Ivers,
John J. Ph.D. Brigham Young University, Idaho.
[2] Cultural
Differences National Geographic, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT0kzF4A-WQ
[3] Cultural Clashes
in defining beauty, https://www.ted.com/talks/delali_bright_cultural_clashes_in_defining_beauty
[4] Bob Proctor is a Canadian
self-help author and lecturer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yj-EH1BDymc
It happens the same in my native country. Moving from a region to another seems like moving to another country because some people do not appreciate differences, and do not show enough respect. However, thanks to learning about cultural paradigms, our minds are more open to help students to stretch their thinking and understanding.
ResponderExcluirAdriana, thanks for reading it.
ExcluirHi Rosa,
ResponderExcluirYou did a great job on this topic. The circumstances you just shared are happening everywhere, but we just need to understand the reason why we have different culture paradigms within our own country. Here in my country, especially in the country not welcoming people even you don't know who they are is considered like cruel and impolite, in town people don't salute you expect their are your friends.
Lucette, you are from Madagascar, if I am not mistaken. I loved reading that your counterparts salute people from different countries. Showing love is what we learn from Jesus Christ's example.
Excluir