Multi Cultural Vote

When it comes to examining a culture, there are dozens and dozens of areas one can study. This is obviously not an earth-shattering revelation. A culture is made up of every aspect that permeates everyday life.

This includes everything from how an expectant mother gives birth to how people honor the deceased, and everything in-between: marriage ceremonies, how to punish law breakers, the laws themselves, housing styles, how children are educated, religious practices, work habits, and so much more.

All of these elements of a culture are the type of subjects that can cause great debate and sometimes heated disagreement when comparing one culture to another. And as we made clear in our mission statement at multiculturalvote.com , we aim to celebrate the similarities as well as the differences in various cultures. We strongly abide by the notion that different does not equate to negative.

We identified what we feel are the four components of a culture that should always be celebrated even when they may not quite be your ‘cup of tea’. These are the elements that usually celebrate life and the individual. They are often working in combination at festive events and gala occasions. Even if one culture finds these creative expressions too excessive or too pedestrian, one should realize that without these ingredients, a culture would be in serious decline until its probable demise.

After much debate and several votes amongst the multiculturalvote staff, we propose these as the most valuable key elements of a culture/society:
1) language:   obviously a culture can exist without an established, formal language. All the peoples of the world today are descendents of people who did not communicate thru words. Hand gestures, facial expressions, and grunts eventually were transformed into the spoken word. And today, language is often the first thing we observe to realize we are in a different culture. Many languages have died out over the centuries, which is a true travesty. This component of a culture is perhaps the most valuable, and at the same time, the most beautiful component. When a language is lost, half of the culture is lost with it.

2) food:   the various food and drink prominent in a culture are the next most valuable asset. What a quest it would be to try and sample as many dishes from various cultures in one’s lifetime ! It’s hard enough to try every restaurant in your own area. But this might also be the component that most people can agree is a celebration of the people and the region in which they live. Everyone loves food. Many people do not have enough food. They can survive without the next two elements, but not sustenance.

3) dress:   while the dress customs of a culture are also a true celebration of the people and the region they are from, it is not quite as vital as food and drink. No one should go unclothed unless they choose to. And many cultures do wear very little or no clothing. Hence, its place behind language and food on the list. But the various styles and fashions in a culture’s dress habits are one of the best ways for people to express themselves. And self-expression is one of our greatest gifts. No matter where you are from.

4) music:  finally, we come to the gift of music and song. Some cultures do indeed forbid music or singing. But since the beginning of mankind, pleasurable sounds have pacified in times of distress. It has helped people to celebrate achievement. It has even helped to make aggression subside. Music is one of the greatest gifts the world has ever seen. Exploring the music of various cultures is one of the greatest journeys an individual can take.

So when you are travelling or submerged in another culture, be sure to take the time to learn about these four invaluable components. Whether you admire the ways of the people or still prefer your own, these are the attributes of a culture to be celebrated and appreciated. You may find that you want to learn substantially more about that culture’s music, food or dress.

Which is exactly what this planet could use just a little bit more of.