I posted a shout out on my facebook status a few weeks ago that said “I don’t give a f*ck”; which is a direct representation (at the time) of my emotions. I speak English more than half the time and it is simply in my nature, thus, to curse in English.
A relative then responded to the status saying “mind your language – that is not our culture”. I was completely taken aback with her reaction. “Mind your language” that part I completely agree to – even within the English speaking community, the “f” word carries a pejorative meaning and is simply inappropriate in many instances.
But when she stated that it is “not in our culture” – it made me think. How derogatory is that? To my understanding of her statement, it’d be this: “it is not in our culture to curse”. Which I feel is completely incorrect and ignorant. Cursing appears in whatever culture, it manifests itself with the language of that community, for e.g. with us, the “f” word is probably in the same level with the words “sial”, “p*kima”, “gila b*ie”, etc.
So for her to claim that cursing doesn’t appear in our culture is just absolutely ignorant. Set aside the fact that the “advice” to be all culturally sensitive was given by a woman who speaks English almost half the time with her kids; it just seems to me how people easily relate everything that is negative, with the western culture. It is as if, it is the easiest way to say “you’re wrong” and you just then simply dump it to being “western-influenced”
To me, there is no negativity in any cultures – what makes it negative is how we perceive it. I told my students this once “what is good to you may not be good to others – so always support your claim or statement – provide reasons - don’t leave it hanging”. So it is true here as well, what is negative to our mainstream community – may well be something neutral elsewhere.
It always bothers me when teachers – lecturers – people in general, start to point out all that is negative with the western culture; their clothing, their mannerisms, their language, whatever. I just feel like screaming to them; it is THEIR culture – let it be. You don’t hear them bitching about how we eat with our hands, about our clothing, about our behaviour – well maybe you do. But really, can’t people just leave people’s culture as it is. Respect their originality as to how we would want ours to be respected.
What my relative has said, just basically, to me sounded condescending. It makes it sound as if we don’t curse at all in our own community and/or heck in our own language – when in fact we do, nobody is perfect, so can’t people just simply take everything as it is, don’t try to sound better than others by condemning the rest. Really, and you ask why there’s war in the world.
So maybe she got a bit ticked off because I said “f*ck”, but would she have the same reaction (word per word) if I were to say “p*kima” instead?
By then, I don’t think the word “culture” would be raised.
I am just so confused, she could’ve just stopped at “mind your language” – now that is correct in whatever culture you’re talking about.
Oh and before anyone started saying how I “have just disrespected my own culture”, don’t get me wrong, I do love my culture, I love how rich it is; but I respect every other cultures out there, I wouldn’t say that ours is the best, I’d put all in the same level; each has “flaws” to one another’s eyes. I LOVE learning about every other culture and I am definitely proud of mine; ask my Art teacher if you don’t believe me.
Why divide when you can live harmoniously?
Muaz Al Rashid
updated June 2nd, 2009
I knew that some people might read this and think what an a**hole I am to diss my aunt. I'm not. I have nothing against my aunt (in fact I see her as a fun, glamourous and caring mother), what I am against is what she said - those are two different things. I have no intention to bitch about her; I was simply expressing my concern over her claim, which I feel is very popular among many here.
The irony that was presented within the post is not there to condemn her as a person, but to show how ironic a lot of people are when they are classifying "culture"; don't you see the irony and the hypocrisy? preaching about how our culture is lost but you're not exactly preserving it yourself? A lot of people I know are like that.. I never really touched the issue, because I know that I myself am guilty of such offence; I speak English more than half the time! If you call me a contradiction, I agree... I love the richness of my culture, but for some reason, I am just more comfortable speaking English.
Again, I'm not trying to diss my aunt, I apologise if anyone sees it that way. I spoke of general things that derived specifically from her statement.
0 comments:
Post a Comment