Monday, January 29, 2007
What should we do when we are confronted with other cultures?
There are many ways that various people choose to do when they encounter a new or different culture. One may ignore the difference, confront the difference, or try making compromises between the different culture and their own culture. In the book "Peace Child" Don went to a whole new culture, and made compromises rather than forcing the Sawi to believe in God. As Don gave the Sawi service and other useful utilities, the Sawi in return didn't eat him, or harm him. I think that such compromising way is the best solution when different cultures clash. If one tries to overcome another culture, one would be offended and controversies will emerge among the two. For instance, in the United States History, the Cherokee nation was moved out from their land and was removed to the region of Oklahoma by force. This was a bad idea to force one whole culture into another region since many of the natives suffered and died from this decision. Also, denying to compromise and isolating from different cultures is also bad as forcing over one culture. If one isolates him/herself from different cultures, they would be stuck in their own little culturalistic views and would never gain more knowledge about the world. Like the Sawi's, if they never accepted Don and his cultural background of Christianity, they would've never transformed and become faithful Christians. If the Sawi's denied Don, the story would've ended something like, "and Don was eaten by the kids while the warriors broke his skull open." We can see that one's decision to whether isolate or compromise with another culture has such great impact. What if Don was rejected by the Sawi? How would the Sawi nation be like right now?
posted by Justin An @ 8:26 AM  
2 Comments:
  • At February 1, 2007 at 1:51 AM, Blogger Hanminsage said…

    A culture cannot be changed through force it can only be changed through compromise. I really enjoyed how Don Richardson changed this uncivilized culture with love and not with weapons or merchandise. It is similar to how Jesus changed our corrupt society thousands of years a go. Not with force but with love.

     
  • At February 28, 2007 at 10:50 PM, Blogger African Globe Trotters. said…

    Your post reminded me of the scripture which says "Not by might nor by power, but by My [2 Chr 32:7, 8; Eph 6:17] Spirit,' says the LORD of hosts". Only by God's spirit will hearts and minds change. Mrs.Mc.

     
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Name: Justin An
Home: DunSan, Taejon, South Korea
About Me: Survival in TCIS
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