About Culture

Our parents raise us. They tell us not to touch the fire to protect us. We know that they mean well. That’s their role. 

Like our parents, our culture operates in a similar supervisory role except its mission is to define us. There are rules to culture. Don’t say it like that. Say it this way. Don’t wear that color or those clothes like that. Dress this way. Don’t do that. Do this! Culture is just as demanding as our parents, if not more. Culture can define us, and we can find solace in that definition. We know who we are. We know who we aren’t. However, culture can also stifle us from exploring beyond the boundaries of the lines defined by our culture. 

Although we know who we’d like to be, we also know there are stumbling blocks along the path. When we visit Santa Monica we are confronted with items that are too expensive for our budget. When we are in our communities, we are harassed into submission — asked where we’re from, why’d you do that?, or what are you looking at? We must be mindful of our surroundings and be careful not to wear the wrong color. A car could hit us. Somebody could sock us. 

As we look to the women of Bolivia, we can see traces of our influence. They ride skateboards. Skateboarding began in California. The women of Bolivia  hold tight to their style of dress — hats and long skirts. That’s their culture. As we look at the Muslims, we can see that piety is of utmost importance — the women wear hijabs, abayas, and some nikkabs. Men in mostly all countries wear suits and ties. The guayabera also seems universal — they are worn in the Philippines, Latin America, and even America. 

My thoughts on February 13, 2024 as of 10:09am