Cultural Relativism: Pros and Cons

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.”