1000 Flowers for the Planet - #406 Discover a Different Culture
What makes us fight against each other is fear – it’s a fear
of what we don’t know and understand. When someone is different from us, we
don’t know how to behave. We get scared and the natural reaction is to lash out
to try to protect ourselves from some perception that we might get hurt. The
solution is very simple and has the potential to be both extremely rewarding
and planet-altering.
Discover a different culture through participation. Ask
questions to learn why people do things differently, creating a better
understanding of their view of the world. Remember! You don’t have to agree –
you just have to learn, understand and accept. Also remember that your own
culture isn’t faultless and may well be open to criticism from others. None of
us are perfect, and maybe that’s what we need to acknowledge when investigating
a different culture. Seek the common ground between your group and theirs, try
new foods, learn about different traditions, and watch their celebrations and
ceremonies.
Imagine the honour in
participating in the colourful celebrations of India on Indian soil, or a
traditional tea ceremony in Japan inside a genuine tea house, or feasting on
fresh bread and cheese with the beautiful French countryside as your vista.
Take any opportunity offered to you to learn something about a different
culture, widen your views on the beauties within this amazing world of ours,
and reciprocate by extending an invitation to someone from a different culture
to join in something unique to yours. Once we start celebrating our differences
we’re bound to discover how much we actually have in common, and in taking away
the fear of the unknown, we can make the world a better place.
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