Here in America we seem to think that culture means being educated, but what we really mean is being a snob. If you’re a wine snob, a sushi snob, a clothing snob, an art snob – whatever your particular brand of snobbishness, you must be cultured. But having culture isn’t going to the opera or being a gold-level member at an art museum. It’s understanding the world, having a clue as to what else is out there. It’s being able to see and appreciate all the good and beautiful things that make up mankind and our world. To truly have culture you have to relate to more than the socio-economic position you find yourself in. Culture is bigger than your city, state, country, race. In fact, if you can’t, haven’t, or aren’t willing to look outside of your race, you have no concept of culture.
We like to kid ourselves that we’ve got it all figured out here in the good ol’ US of A. We’re obviously right, how else could we be so successful and powerful? Why can’t everybody else just do it our way so we can all get along?
What an immature and closed minded worldview that is. Unfortunately for us, it’s one that is shared by many, maybe even most, of our leading politicians.
How can we be so egotistical to think that we’re always right?
Or are we really just too insecure to admit that we don’t know everything?
Why isn’t it ok to not have all the answers?
Why are we more eager to resort to violence than truly listen to someone else’s point of view?
I think one of the best things Americans can do for their country is leave it. Make the investment to see the world. Do it on your own, not some cheesy guided tour. Talk to people. You will be changed. Then come back and use your new-found enlightenment, your culture, to make a difference here.
We like to kid ourselves that we’ve got it all figured out here in the good ol’ US of A. We’re obviously right, how else could we be so successful and powerful? Why can’t everybody else just do it our way so we can all get along?
What an immature and closed minded worldview that is. Unfortunately for us, it’s one that is shared by many, maybe even most, of our leading politicians.
How can we be so egotistical to think that we’re always right?
Or are we really just too insecure to admit that we don’t know everything?
Why isn’t it ok to not have all the answers?
Why are we more eager to resort to violence than truly listen to someone else’s point of view?
I think one of the best things Americans can do for their country is leave it. Make the investment to see the world. Do it on your own, not some cheesy guided tour. Talk to people. You will be changed. Then come back and use your new-found enlightenment, your culture, to make a difference here.
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