Question for non-Westerners:?

Question

When you speak of the decadence and corruption of Western culture, especially with regard to the lack of family values and immorality, do you realize that that these things are not inherent to Western culture, and that the same corruption could overtake your societies?

The point, my dear, is that other societies are very quick to condemn Western culture and vaunt their own qualities, despite the fact that their condemnation really isn't of Western culture at all, but of what it's become. Traditional Western culture shares many of the same values with other traditional societies and does not speak to the deficiencies of Western culture. I simply feel this needs to be clarified.

Sad that I have to define such an obvious term, but I understand the necessity: by "Westerner," I refer to one who partakes of the Greco-Roman, Judaeo Christian Heritage. Those nations dominated by European culture, chiefly.

Answer 1

As an east-asian. We are aware of immorality's corruption over our society, but "family values" is commonly the basic core in every asian culture to the point that the "over-protectiveness" of parents is just usual in our culture.

The east has just a different version of these sorts. Example: Discrimination in the west is against colored / aliens. In the east- irrationality over women is greater than in the west.

It's just that it seems that Asians deny or hide immorality, in general, they do not display these immoral acts in the open field.

The only difference about asians and westerners, is the level of contentment is easily fulfilled in the East Asian lifestyle until globalization has arrived.

Globalization has unified a lot of things and differences between cultures has greatly eroded. As more likely we are all bound to exploit one another's culture which causes faster deterioration than ever before.

Answer 2

Who said that there was lots of corruption of Western culture? I'm living in Vietnam, and am very aware of the corruption in our society. In fact, the police force here is known for its corruption. Also, it is known in bordering nation, such as Thailand. Give some money, beer or cigarettes to the right cops and they'll let you do anything. Some kids that go to my school are rich, and have no family values. They treat their family horribly, and disrespect them. They don't understand the importance of family. Then again, there are always these kinds of people in any place. There are also good people in every place. There's bad and good everywhere, West or East.
So, to answer your question, yes, i do realize that corruption, lack of family values and immorality aren't inherent to Western culture. It is everywhere. If someone can find a place without those things, that must be heaven.

Answer 3

The term "Westerner" in this sense is archaic. I would call it a European-style society or culture instead.

All that aside, the European idea of individualism did ruin Cherokee culture to a certain extent. We still do have the tight family structure and the concept of helping others without asking for anything in return (gadugi) that they don't have over there too. In our case, the person being helped may not even know who helped them, but in Europe and mainstream America, people like to have their names attached to donations and aid.

Answer 4

>decadence and corruption of Western culture

It's a very ethno and culturo-centric statement. Using their values to judge anothers. We do the same thing when speaking of the middle east, among other examples (i.e. seeing how they treat women and judging by our own standards and morals).

It is hard not to do just this.

Answer 5

Can you first define what "non-Westerner" means?

In previous questions I've seen that some Americans regard almost all non-Americans as "non-Westerners".

Answer 6

They shouldn't judge the west as they disciminate against women...

Answer 7

Yes, I realize that...point?