Cultural
Relativism: Pros and Cons
Cultural Relativism is an issue that can
be traced throughout history and in various cultures. Ethical values change among cultures and can
be considered ethical or unethical depending on the type of person. It is really something that is determined
person to person but the idea of it has pros and cons. Cultural Relativism allows people to have an
open mind about other cultures and gives insight on the minds and actions of
other people. The theory also gives the
reminder that we cannot judge other countries on their standards because it is
based upon personal beliefs. Although it
can do these things, on the surface the idea of Cultural Relativism forms
negative opinions about other cultures.
Our moral code is the “best” one and all others fail in comparison. This harsh justification presents the idea
that our way is and always will be the only way.
Okonkwo and the Igbo society from Things
Fall Apart are a good representation of this theory. Religious views and customs of the tribe
formed the ethical code that ruled the clan.
Twins were evil and thrown into the Evil Forest, as well as those who
contracted a certain disease. A personal
“chi” was the explanation for anything bad or good that occurred in the lives
of their owners. When the Christians
arrived, they had their own set of morals that contrasted with the tribe. They
rescued the twins and cared for them and believed in one sovereign God. Instead of trying to understand the ways of
the Igbo culture, they were determined to changing the sinful ways of the
clan. Okonkwo considered the Christians
foolish and would not conform to their ways.
Both Okonkwo and the Christians thought that their ways were the
best. Okonkwo could not understand or
accept the differences and chose death over change.
In society today, we too have our own
moral code. What is considered “right”
in other countries often is condemned in America. We don’t believe in an “eye for an eye” or
infanticide. But those countries might
not agree with our death penalty.
Different views and traditions play a role in cultural relativism and
although there are disagreements, it all boils down to: “to each his own.”
