All R&S Participants: How much understanding do you possess regarding those outside your primary culture?

Question

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Please include information regarding your faith tradition.

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Answer 1

you can find interesting cultures,
or subcultures
without going far
hang out with a prostitute
or a car salesman
or a writer
or an artist
or a musician
the cajuns have an amazing culture
i love the mexican culture too
i love hearing about far east culture
but ive never traveled out north america
hopefully one day

Answer 2

I have always had a habit of learning about other cultures and faiths, so as to not maintain any stereotypes or misconceptions that I may have come to harbor because of upbringing or society.

I think I understand quite a lot about other faiths compared to other Hindus my age, I'm always asking questions and never shy away from a good debate. I grew up in an area that was not very diverse, where I was the only spot of ethnicity. That usually brought many people to me with questions, so it made sense to do the same.

My faith is supposed to be characterized by acceptance of all faiths as valid, as all paths lead to the same final goal. Thus it would be ridiculous to be close-minded. It's an adventure, learning how other people view the Divine, as well as how other people carry on their day-to-day lives.

Answer 3

I consider my self lucky to live in an area where I can meet people from just about any culture, it adds texture, color, and spice.
Some are happy to share things about thier culture with me, and I am happy to learn about it, and also happy to read about other philosophies, and religions. I grew up in the "south" and the fates moved me "north". After I got over my culture shock, and trained my ear so as to understand what people were saying to me, I enjoyed it very much, and it broadened my horizons. There, too, as part of my sojourn, I wound up for awhile in a weird little industrial town where you never knew what language the next person you met might be speaking, french, laotian, portugese, and the local groceries were full of choices I'd never heard of, and I had to learn alot of new (northern culture) words and phrases. I can't say offhand how fully I may or may not understand a particular culture though, only how much I have enjoyed my interactions with other cultures, and that whatever I am, is because of it....With respect to my own heritage, I am a heinz 57 , Irish, Scots, French, German, English, Cherokee, Mongolian, Portugese. I don't really identify with one culture, because I am a product of the melting pot. The larger part of it is from the Celtic countries, and some members of my family identify with that, but I mostly just consider myself American.
I consider myself Universalist / Pagan...By that I mean that with respect to the "big picture" I consider all spiritual paths to lead ultimately to the same place, but for my personal practice, I feel that Pagan beliefs and practices best fit where I am in my jouney in this lifetime.

Answer 4

Living in San Antonio I have some knowledge of the Hispanic culture, but I could sure learn a whole lot more. Regarding other cultures besides that one and mine own I am pretty ignorant.

Answer 5

I have a vast understanding of many cultures. I have degrees in World Religions and have created, developed and implemented Diversity/Cultural Awareness training for several companies in the U.S.

I am a mutt: irish/cherokee/greek on one side and english (traceable back to ancient Germany) roots.
Pagan by faith.

Answer 6

I would like to think now, in middle age I have a fair amount but it always wasn't so. I grew up in rural New England with it's Puritan descended stock and it's one culture. It was not until I got to college I met people in this country from different backgrounds and people from other countries. My roommate my sophomore year of college was from Sri Lanka and I learned a great deal about her culture from her.

I'm agnostic now but spent a fair number of years as a Wiccan.

Answer 7

I'm an avid reader so I have read many books on other cultures. But I sorely lack in the actual experience of other cultures. Mainly because I always wonder if they really act this way when I'm not there lol

Answer 8

I was raised as a Christian, but we quickly parted ways when I was old enough to think for myself. I spent the rest of my childhood wondering why people believed what they believed and it launched a study of world views and religions as well as languages and anthropology. When I started studying human biology in college, I found myself drawn to anthropology even more. I studied Ancient Greece and Rome and world religions etc. for fun but am an avid fan of anatomy and physiology so my study never went much further than for fun. I believe that we cannot judge a person or their actions based on our belief or view of the situation or the world, but his own. What Hitler did was wrong because he thought it wrong as much as I do. A cannibal of old was not wrong, he was honoring his Gods, his tribe and his dinner's spirit. It might be icky and creepy to me but that doesn't make it wrong. That's just me though, I know there are a lot of other world views.

Answer 9

I have lived and travelled all over the world... I think I have an idea about several other cultures. Certainly Europe... somewhat in southeast asia... planning a trip to egypt...

Edit: In the spirit of the person above me... a drag queen on Bourbon street (he looked just like Janet Jackson) told me how he hides his package.... quite interesting.

Atheist

Answer 10

Quite a lot. It's part of my degree plan, and is something that interests me a great deal. I have extensive studies in different cultures, thoughts and beliefs. I have also traveled and lived with different cultures. I have, as well, studied many holy books and ancient documents. I am Buddhist.