As we discussed in class the problems created by westernizing, I could not help but think that some of the views of the class felt a little bit unrealistic. The act of going into indigenous cultures without bringing any westernized ideals is impractical. If we do not want to change anything about their culture and way of life then what are we doing going to Kenya to work with the Massai? The reality is that in order to survive in today's world certain parts of westernized culture must be adopted. Any culture must adapt or it will cease to exist, isn't that how survival of the fittest works? The Massai need this class to help with the westernized legal system in order for them get their land back. Westernized technology has the ability to improve the quality of life and health of these indigenous cultures. We can help to build reliable and safe water supplies for the villages or local villagers can go away to learn western medicine and return, which could improve infant mortality rates or other medical issues that plague these villages. These improvements to their way of life can be incorporated without affecting their culture and history. I am not so naive to think that western ideas have not had a drastic and sometimes negative effect on indigenous cultures, but there is never a perfect solution when dealing with people.
by Nathan Kennedy
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3 comments:
Nathan, I think you have a really great point that it may be impractical to think we could make a change without bringing 'westernized ideas'. However, I only believe this is true because of the westernized idea of civilization that was brought to these cultures. And I don't mean civilization according to webster, i am talking more of a Derrik Jensen sort of civilization.
I also disagree that in order to survive todays world westernized culture must be adopted. In fact I believe the very opposite, that the adoption of westernized culture is very directly preventing the survival of many that are a part of todays world.
Taylor
This discussion brings back some feelings I had about the movie clip we watched the other day in class.
It is so hard to know the best answer, because our world is not black and white. Both sides have valid arguments and must be considered.
The clip of Beyond Borders showed a aid worker using a poor skinny African boy to emotionally affect the rich westerners-- to get money. While I do not think this is the best or most sensitive way to decrease poverty, the intention was for it to be a small sacrifice to achieve those greater goals.
While 'westernized ideas' such as technology and democracy may not be culturally desired for some indigenous groups, maybe it will help them in a short-term and dramatic way--in the way that us westerners think is best.
I find myself continually asking this question: do I want to make the type of difference I can see results, using the tools I know, or do I want to make the type of difference that will have permanent and less immediately tangible effects?
I do not think that it is a matter of adopting one culture and forgetting another. In today's world, the big picture must be taken into account as much as possible; sacrifices to achieve a greater means are sometimes necessary, but staying true to certain values and working to understand and collaborate with an unfamiliar culture is also important. It's a constant weighing and struggle for me to find that balance.
Who am I to judge what is right and wrong? My own cultural lens is most likely obstructing the picture.
Simone, I agree that trying to incorporate western ways, like democracy and most technology, is a bad idea. When I think of indigenous cultures adopting western technology, I am referring to the things that they want which would be clean water and adequate medical care. I also agree that it is important that whatever improvements that you make must be sustainable and helpful over the long run. I do not believe in temporary, knee-jerk solutions. They never work and normally cause more damage than good. The only way for this to work is to sit down with the tribal elders and ask them what they want and how you can best help them without affecting their culture and traditions.
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