Cultural Exploration
“Culture is the arts elevated to a set of beliefs.”
-Thomas Wolfe
In past posts, it has been revealed that I am quite fond of travelling. One of the appeals for me is of course the opportunity to explore different cultures, customs, and perspectives that I may not have otherwise been privy to in my own part of the world. After all, different environments mean different circumstances, and ways of adapting to them.
By venturing out into the rest of the world, I allow myself to see how different people react to their own set of conditions and setbacks (For an example of this, check out my post Weather Wining). I can learn from them, and I can adapt my own perspectives and practices accordingly.
However, I can only afford to fly away so often. Thankfully, there are other learning opportunities that don't require me to have a passport. I don't have to leave home to explore other cultures as there are a vast variety available to learn from right here in my own figurative backyard.
There are, of course, plenty of communities derived from other parts of the world, but there are also other types of communities based on common interests, common practices, common challenges overcome, and common living situations.
From refugee and immigrant communities, to gender and sexuality communities, from recovery communities, to sports and leisure communities, etc, the possibilities to learn and as a result, grow as an individual, are endless.
Recently, I have started learning ASL (American Sign Language) at the Canadian Hearing Society. The thing about taking an ASL course is that you are not only learning a language, you are learning about the culture surrounding it. A culture that has it's own set of customs and rules that make Deaf Culture quite unique from Hearing Culture.
As with any culture, this is one that comes with it's own sense of pride, a rich history, monuments, folklore, and jokes. Deaf Culture has it's own etiquette, social cues, habits, and faux pas'. To this outsider looking in, it's absolutely beautiful.
The best part of learning more about different cultures? Being able to be that much more inclusive and being better equipped to welcome someone in the most appropriate way. Rather than expecting someone else to adapt 100% to us, we try to meet each other half way. Isn't this the best way to bridge the gaps in society?
Yes, I have a very long way to go in my ASL and my understanding of Deaf Culture, but when dealing with the cultures that I'm on the outside of looking in, I've learned that it's the effort that really does count.
When I'm talking to my trans or non-binary, lesbian or gay friends, it doesn't matter that I'm a cis-hetero, it matters that I'm accepting and trying to extend my understanding regardless of how I identify myself. When I'm talking to any of my friends who are facing mental illness, phobic restrictions, or addiction recovery , it may be clear that their trials have in no been my own, but it matters that I'm trying to understand their circumstance and being there for them as best as I know how. When I'm trying to communicate with someone who speaks a different language than I do, I may not be fluent in their language, but it matters that I am there trying to reach that successful communication with what words I do know and that I am willing to learn as I go.
It's no secret that this blogger is a big advocate for communication and understanding, and it is my belief that expanding our knowledge and understanding to reach other cultures is a definite factor in reaching those goals.
By venturing out into the rest of the world, I allow myself to see how different people react to their own set of conditions and setbacks (For an example of this, check out my post Weather Wining). I can learn from them, and I can adapt my own perspectives and practices accordingly.
However, I can only afford to fly away so often. Thankfully, there are other learning opportunities that don't require me to have a passport. I don't have to leave home to explore other cultures as there are a vast variety available to learn from right here in my own figurative backyard.
There are, of course, plenty of communities derived from other parts of the world, but there are also other types of communities based on common interests, common practices, common challenges overcome, and common living situations.
From refugee and immigrant communities, to gender and sexuality communities, from recovery communities, to sports and leisure communities, etc, the possibilities to learn and as a result, grow as an individual, are endless.
Recently, I have started learning ASL (American Sign Language) at the Canadian Hearing Society. The thing about taking an ASL course is that you are not only learning a language, you are learning about the culture surrounding it. A culture that has it's own set of customs and rules that make Deaf Culture quite unique from Hearing Culture.
As with any culture, this is one that comes with it's own sense of pride, a rich history, monuments, folklore, and jokes. Deaf Culture has it's own etiquette, social cues, habits, and faux pas'. To this outsider looking in, it's absolutely beautiful.
The best part of learning more about different cultures? Being able to be that much more inclusive and being better equipped to welcome someone in the most appropriate way. Rather than expecting someone else to adapt 100% to us, we try to meet each other half way. Isn't this the best way to bridge the gaps in society?
Yes, I have a very long way to go in my ASL and my understanding of Deaf Culture, but when dealing with the cultures that I'm on the outside of looking in, I've learned that it's the effort that really does count.
When I'm talking to my trans or non-binary, lesbian or gay friends, it doesn't matter that I'm a cis-hetero, it matters that I'm accepting and trying to extend my understanding regardless of how I identify myself. When I'm talking to any of my friends who are facing mental illness, phobic restrictions, or addiction recovery , it may be clear that their trials have in no been my own, but it matters that I'm trying to understand their circumstance and being there for them as best as I know how. When I'm trying to communicate with someone who speaks a different language than I do, I may not be fluent in their language, but it matters that I am there trying to reach that successful communication with what words I do know and that I am willing to learn as I go.
It's no secret that this blogger is a big advocate for communication and understanding, and it is my belief that expanding our knowledge and understanding to reach other cultures is a definite factor in reaching those goals.
Are there any cultures you have gained some unique perspective from observing or being welcomed into? Perhaps a culture you identify as being a part of that you believe has something to impart on other cultures in ways of wisdom? As always, feel free to comment below or email me at thebrastreetrambler@gmail.com
Cheers!
The Bra Street Rambler
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