Comparison of Hindu and the American Cultures Essay Example
The influence of cultures on people within a society is significant.
Cultural influences have a significant impact on many aspects of an individual's life. Each community has its own complex cultural system, encompassing knowledge, beliefs, art, morals, customs, and acquired habits (Ogbu 2000). The United States provides a unique opportunity to study how society is structured and how individuals integrate into the dominant American culture. This research will focus on identifying shared elements within this belief system and understanding the dynamics of human interaction within it.
This text discusses the unique traits and structure of Indian culture and its view on the caste system. This system is exclusive to India and is rarely practiced elsewhere in the world.
Comparison and contrast of Indian Hindu Bharati culture and American culture
Language
The strong influence of Hinduism in India and the highly
...valued traditional caste system have created a strong bond among the Bharati people. Each caste has its own unique language which is passed down through generations.
In terms of caste differentiation, language plays a crucial role as it enforces the requirement for all members to adhere to a common set of beliefs. Indians highly prioritize the preservation and protection of languages from Western cultural influences. In contrast, American culture does not officially designate any particular language for its citizens in the United States.
The United States is home to a diverse population that comprises people from various cultures worldwide. Consequently, a multitude of languages are spoken within the country. However, despite this diversity, the distinct linguistic styles have become woven into American culture. The inhabitants of the United States have embraced American cultural beliefs and values as their own (Sollors 1996).
Behavior an
symbols
Within India's Bharati culture, several cultural principles hold significance in their society.
The culture places a high value on the caste system, which requires everyone to adhere to its predetermined hierarchy (Taylor 2002). The society is structured hierarchically, assigning specific occupational and social statuses based on birth groups. It is impossible for individuals to alter their caste membership, as it remains constant throughout their lives. Consequently, subcultures have developed within this society that are transmitted across generations. Additionally, different classes exist as part of the stratification in this society.
Every caste adheres to its own distinct subculture, which can be used to understand how people differ in their clothing, speech patterns, and use of local dialects based on their social status. The location of their residences and religious practices also set them apart from other communities. These unique aspects of the caste system serve as identifiers of its distinctiveness. In traditional society, the caste system was responsible for caring for sick and incapacitated members as well as the elderly. This practice still exists in rural villages throughout India but is not widely implemented due to globalization and increased financial assistance from international organizations (Lynd 1996).
The demand for funding has risen among populations in need, while the resources available are insufficient to meet these needs. At the same time, American culture embraces the traditions and cultural beliefs of diverse people in the United States. This culture explores different languages spoken, types of food consumed, clothing styles, and other important relationships within the population. The United States is one of the most culturally diverse countries with individuals from various cultural backgrounds. Nearly all religions worldwide have had an impact
on American culture, both positively and negatively. Furthermore, Native American cultures also play a significant role.
Today, American culture is playing a significant role in influencing traditional beliefs worldwide by introducing and promoting diverse cultural beliefs.
Material objects
In India, there has been a longstanding tradition of medical healing, teaching, and research. The country possesses multiple medical systems that heavily rely on offering treatments to patients. These medical systems have made notable progress over time due to technological advancements. Numerous medicines produced in factories are sourced from beneficial herbs.
The development of effective herbal medicines in India has been greatly facilitated by the presence of traditional medical practitioners within the caste system. The caste system still holds a significant position in Indian society. In contrast, American culture is renowned for its abundant media production, encompassing television and movies. However, American culture goes beyond media as it has a rich history of innovation in high technology and various materials that are now embraced globally (Marsden 2006). Furthermore, American culture has nurtured a diverse music scene.
There is currently a global proliferation of various music styles and genres. American cuisine has been influenced by Europeans and Native Americans for a long time. In the United States, people often eat dishes such as hamburgers, hot dogs, and potato chips. Moreover, different regions employ unique cooking techniques, leading to a wide range of diversity.
For instance, in the southern region of the country, people follow a cooking style called southern style. This involves dishes such as chicken and corn bread.
Conclusion
In general, the Hindu caste system is still seen as a distinctive cultural belief within the Hindu community. It is seen as an undesirable tradition that
should be eliminated. Hindus highly value this system and do not wish for it to be influenced by Western culture. They take necessary steps to preserve all activities and religious beliefs associated with the caste system, considering them sacred solely for members of their own caste. Conversely, American culture stands out and is embraced by cultures globally. Many present-day cultural trends have originated from American culture.
It has become the most reputed and is influencing other cultures in the world.
References
- Lynd, R. S., & Lynd, H. M. (1996). Middletown: A Study in American Culture (No. Sirsi) a452525).
- Marsden, G. M. (2006). Fundamentalism and American culture.
Oxford University Press.
S. (2002). Basic personality in orthodox Hindu culture patterns. The Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 43(1), 3.
Beyond Ethnicity: Consent and Descent in American culture.
