Cultural Relativism Flaws

The Flaws of Cultural Relativism

Renowned philosopher Peter Singer once said: “...from a still larger point of view, my society is just one among other societies, and the interests of members of my society are no more important, from that larger perspective, than the similar interests of members of other societies… Taking the impartial element in ethical reasoning to its logical conclusion means, first, accepting that we ought to have equal concern for all human beings." What Singer is saying here, is that when societies make decisions, they must think first if it is the best for all its people; but instead, the world judges right away when encountering differences. From a play, to a novel, to contemporary world issues, Cultural Relativism
is missing and Ethnocentrism, the idea of one being more superior than another, is being used instead. The theory of Cultural Relativism states that if one culture is willing to respect another, they may understand their different ways of living. People will not jump to conclusions about people if they went by this theory but instead, they may become enlightened. Although Cultural Relativism may be an appealing theory that encourages people to learn about, and not judge other cultures, people should not accept the theory entirely due to its incompatibly with human rights such as freedom of expression, religion or beliefs, and equality. There are various reasons why society should consider the theory of Cultural Relativism.
Accepting the theory will help people have more of an open mind, it will spread equality amongst the diverse cultures, and prevent conflict from cultures as well. There are many unfortunate events that have occurred over time; but if people who were involved in these events were to acknowledge these good causes that Cultural Relativism brings, there is a much more possibility where damage might have been prevented. Take a look at Nazi Germany, who treated Jewish people wrong in every way possible... to the point where they killed them. Most people now would consider it completely outrageous, wrong, immoral, etc. to do what the Nazis did to the Jews; but to the Nazis’ leader, Adolf Hitler, it was completely necessary. He blamed them for many things, such as losing the First World War, prostitution and pornography and everything else he disliked; but what he really disliked, was the way the Jewish people wanted to live by at the time. The Jews wanted to live by Communism and once Hitler concluded that Jews were Communists, he decided to take away all civil rights from them. For example he had signs up that would say “Jews not admitted” in practically every decent area(Simkin.)Well, instead of mistreating Jewish people, each Nazi and their leader would have been more humane if they went by Cultural Relativism. Since Cultural Relativism’s purpose is to help cultures interact with each
other, it would have been the perfect principle to go by. There would have been less injustice and more compromising if the Nazis tried to be more receptive to the Jews’ ideas. Cultural Relativism is a great way to try to get along and not judge other cultures by their ways; however, there are times where the theory becomes misleading.

When going by Cultural Relativism, you must accept the way people express themselves whichever way they decide to; whether it be in appearance, or through actions. The theory becomes weak in this area because it prevents those who feel violated or harmed from protesting inside or outside of their society. Translations, by Brian Friel, is one example of a time where many Irish people felt they were being violated because of another culture, the British, who came in their homeland Baile Beag to anglicize it. It is necessary to not go by Cultural Relativism at this time because the Irish language, Gaelic, was a language that was struggling for existence; whereas English is a language that was very common then as well. Still, the British assistant, Owen, translates to the Irish people: “Beginning this time tomorrow they’ll kill every animal in Baile Beag- unless they’re told where George is... If they still haven’t found him in two days time they’ll begin evicting and leveling every house starting with these townlands”( 80.) After this is told to the Irish, the Irish are left distraught. In this case, Cultural Relativism is not something to stand by because it is not fair to one culture if they are being taken advantage of by another. If the inhabitants of Baile Beag stood by this theory, then it means that the British decisions are not bad but believed to be good. This is inaccurate since they are continuing the disempowerment that the Irish people already have and are making changes within the culture of Ireland’s people. In the passage, it is said that the British will begin to destroy the town and kill all its animals. They are now going into things that will harm society, which leads to example two. Cultural Relativism does not allow people to go against practices that are very harmful to people. In a World Health Organization article, it talks about the practice of Female Genital Mutilation(FGM) that takes place mainly in Africa. This practice involves removing the healthy tissue that a female needs in order to function well. Males see it completely different though. In their eyes they see it as a process of making a girl beautiful, and clean. If not done, then they see a girl as their own gender, and unclean. It is also said that the practice is motivated by having “proper sexual behavior, linking procedures to premarital virginity and marital fidelity.” To do these removal procedures means to have a woman who is feminine and modest. There can be one hundred reasons to why females should get FGM, but it will not ever be enough. These reasons are enough to end it though. Cultural Relativism should not be accepted during this practice because it is only continued due to beliefs that men and perhaps a few adult women, think of women as “beautiful” and complete if they get it done. To these people, this practice is a form of beautification of a woman; but to the Western Society, it is a cruel form of mutilation that ends in severe health implications. The article includes that it may lead to “severe pain, shock, bleeding, bacterial infection urine retention, and open sores.” These are life-threatening complications that may happen which is why women in Africa deserve to speak up and go against FGM; and Cultural Relativism, is not the answer.

To believe something is good, with good outcomes is one thing; but to believe something is good, with negative outcomes, is another. Cultural Relativism excuses us from judging those who have a religion or belief that may seem inappropriate, which leads those who face the hardships in certain cases to be stuck. For instance, in Sound and Fury, a documentary about two deaf families who try and decide if their children should get a cochlear implant for their own good, shows how one little girl, Heather, is stuck in the situation of getting what may be best for her throughout her life. Her father, Peter, believes she was born to be deaf, and only deaf (Aronson.) Therefore, he is against it and feels more offended rather than happy about the opportunity that has been given to his family. Although this does not show how one belief is inappropriate, it shows that Cultural Relativism does not always bring out the best for people. In this case, it is Heather that deserves the best. If Heather is allowed to speak up against her father’s belief for what she wants, which is the implant, she can learn how to live in “both worlds”, being the deaf world, and the world that can hear each sound. She would be able to hear the birds chirp, music playing, and the “cars crashing”, as Heather says. This is why Cultural Relativism is flawed, because it misleads people into thinking that less conflict will occur if we do not judge; but really, it leads to clashing because it does not always give everyone the advantages they want or may need. Sometimes, there are situations where a religion or belief is used by far inappropriately. Sometimes, it involves death. This means that Cultural Relativism must be strictly avoided in order to prevent such a horrible thing. In Things Fall Apart, Achebe shows what happens otherwise. After one very unfortunate event that took place with Ikemefuna in the forest, it sets a reminder to Nwoye. Achebe explains what he remembers clearly when he says: “Nwoye had heard that twins were put in earthenware pots and thrown away in the forest, but he had never yet come across them”(61-62.) The reason being for the twins left to die is because the Igbo tribes’ religion declared that when a woman gives birth to a set of twins, she and her husband will be left with bad luck for the rest of their lives. This is an inaccurate fact, because many women give birth to twins just like any other woman who gives birth to one child; but besides the false fact, it is never acceptable to kill a person, especially babies. If people agree that Cultural Relativism is a theory that will help improve society, then they are also agreeing that all religions and beliefs should be accepted, including the Igbo religion that explains by killing twins, means to set people free from bad luck. Innocent people should not have to suffer for others’ false assumptions. Instead, they deserve to have a say, to have a role in equality.

If society goes by Cultural Relativism, it is true that they become more open minded which may save different cultures from living as they please, but does that save everyone?
Achebe, in Things Fall Apart, demonstrates how the women in the Igbo society do not get to live the life they may desire because of how they are not treated- with no equality. To the Igbo tribe, it is the man who is more superior. Achebe talks about Okonkwo’s desires for Nwoye when he says: “He wanted him to be a prosperous man, having enough in his barn to feed the ancestors with regular sacrifices. And so he was always happy when he heard him grumbling about his women-folk. No matter how prosperous a man was, if he was unable to rule his women and his children(and especially his women) he was not really a man”(53.) In this quote, it is obvious that women are treated as if they were dogs that men must watch over, and train. A woman should not be talked about in this way because they are not an animal, they are just as human as men are. In this culture, a man must be strong, tough, and fearless. If they are weaker than expected, then that is an automatic put down for them. Anything that is related to weakness, is related to a woman. Equality is a right that everyone should should have because it is a big role to have their pursuit of happiness. Achebe shows us here that the women must devote their life for a man’s happiness and how a man creates the purpose of a woman’s existence. People would not
be able to go against this unfair treatment if they are a complete Cultural Relativist. Not only does this go for the Igbo society, but for our own sake as well. If people always believed that Cultural Relativism is the right alternative, then slavery would still be a big deal at this time in age. At this point, it is exclusively necessary to protest against the inequality. The Challenge of Cultural Relativism, an article written by James Rachels, talks about where Cultural Relativism goes wrong. In it, she discusses that if Cultural Relativism is followed, then we would not be able to go against slavery. She states: “segregation was morally wrong in the 1950’s because it was the accepted norm in the South at the time.” Not one single right went to the slaves, because they were dehumanized by people who felt they were much more superior. Slaves were being trafficked, forced into labor, without education, and were beaten if they did not meet their masters’ expectations. This is another reason that points out why Cultural Relativism is not truly admirable. Equality should be given to everyone, not just one or two cultures. What society needs to realize that Cultural Relativism does help cultures get along more, since it is a theory that basically says to allow cultures do as they please; but it does not always benefit everyone, which is why we should follow the theory to a certain extent.

If people limit themselves when going by the theory of Cultural Relativism, they may be introduced to new ways of living that they feel comfortable with, and also live by human rights rather than taking them from someone or having them taken from them. Society must see the differences from right and wrong, fair and unfair, and from inappropriate and appropriate. It is okay to try and avoid tensions between one culture and another, but it is not okay if that means to avoid someone who is living their life with distorted practices that may harm them emotionally, mentally, or physically. People can not go by this theory and expect for everyone to have each right handed to them because unfortunately, not everyone has the same beliefs or set of values. Instead, Cultural Relativism must be practiced to construct improved ideas before misjudging another culture, and not practiced when it destructs a human being.