i just have to say that this is probably one of the most intelligent responses that I have ever had to something I have said. Thank you for such a thought provoking reply. I wish more responses could live up to the same standard.
I don’t feel that the west has lost its persuasiveness since it is the west that generally provides the medium for the freedom of speech necessary to hear the modern complaints that are present.
I have also heard of how it is assumed that a culture ends, but that seems to be relative to what you define as culture. If we were to look at the history of England for example, for a thousand years there were many changes in power, but was there ever a significant change in culture?
you could put a spotlight on some things to try to target an argument that the culture changed, but that would ignore the more basic aspects of culture like family. If one family gives birth to another and then a new family is started from this and so on. How much does a culture really change?
For me the problem is more or less centered around our capacity to love others and there is a verse that is the foundation of this opinion. I hope you won’t mind if I share it with you.
“If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them!” Luke 6:32
Culture is rooted in loving those who love you and hating those outside of this. Wars have been caused by this for thousands of years. If I were to credit one thing with the destruction of culture, it would be war, but outside of this, culture is always retained to an extent even when power changes. I don’t know what the solution is for Europe as a result of this, but it is interesting to note the connection to war.
I can also see where you would see a connection to Plato as well although I only know of plato very superficially so I don’t feel that I was inspired by anything specific to him other than possibly some connection to the pursuit of logic which was a priority for the Greeks.
for example, I could say there is some logic behind individualism because much of who we are remains a mystery to those who exist externally. There are many things we don’t understand about each other and this should create boundaries for a person to express who are they are without interference. Therefore, individualism is a good thing when it offers the pursuit of things which could be considered unique because of this. However, we might say it is logical that there are boundaries that exist for the pursuit of individualism too.
Hi
@rainerann
I would also say, that culture isnt something static. How could it be? But, on the other hand, there are some aspect, which change rather slowly. And, like
@Artful Revealer suggested, there are definitely some achievements, that are worth, fighting for, if something or someone would try to "manage" that. Because, like you stated about freedom of speech, some of theses cultural aspects, define the very essence of our self-conception.
And it is totally normal, that some aspects of culture may be hurtful to others. Like eating meat (or being christian). But is this a good enough reason for governments, to try and change that? I see this very different from a culture that changes over time, because its "participants" change.
You know.. although I consider myself a conservative (at least in regard to values, because of my christian believes), I would never try to forbid someone else's way of life. Thats why I'm not engaged in politics.
And I'm perfectly fine with you citing the bible
And in regard to our topic, I would raise you
Matthew 19,19: …Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Nowadays, people like to point out, that this is impossible, or only manageable, if you love yourself first. But, imagine yourself being a foreigner in another country. What would you expect from the native society to accommodate you? I like to think, that this is, what you should do for any foreigner in your own country.
And yes, wars have been a major factor for changes in culture. But, like we witness in Europe right now, its not always our own war, or even an actual war. Sometimes, the mere possibility of war, may change the way of thinking in a society. Which brings me to another famous example. Edward Bernay (famous writer of "Propaganda" - another word for public relations (or marketing) - and nephew of Sigmund Freud) has been credited for bringing the US into the second world war, and after that, convinced a whole female generation, that smoking would act like a sort of penis [
src].
And regarding Europe's current situation,.. I only speak of this situation as some kind of fate, because it is already too late. This current migration crises could haven been handled very differently. They could have raised their voice, before these conflicts escalated, they could have been there during the war (the refugee camps cried for help for a long time). But, I cannot say this often enough, our government is really happy about this immigration. Some critics say, this is because of cheap labour. Others say, its neccesarry for reproduction. And the biggest excuse was the "Fachkräftemangel" (absence of skilled workers). This has nothing to do with love, or respect for other cultures. These migrants were lured to Europe. And now we have to change our ways, because of what? Was it love? I guess not.
And if I think of Plato, I think of the "philosopher king" who thought, raising children shouldn't be allowed for anyone, but some selected few. In this regard, he (plato) really was a fascist. And technically (or mathematically) spoken, he may be right. But there are a many number, that will indicate some really painful decisions.
I might be going in a little bit of different direction because I have forgot where I was going since it has been a couple of days now. Anyways, I would be interested in hearing your thoughts.
I'm also kind of drifting off. So.. I will end my lengthy note now. Have a great.. noon?! Ah, just have a great day!
Kind regards,
Threepwood
P.S. And please know, that I am really glad about reading your initial remark. Although I have to admit, that most of what I said, derived from someone else. But really.. thanks, I try to live up to that. And, in response I would like to add, that its easy, when there are such polite and interesting posts to reply to.
