Most of us tend to think culture as arts, music, literature, etc. What I propose is to say that it is this and much more. Boye Lafayette DeMente speaks of culture as also the way people think, talk, and behave. He also included the way the people work and what they create.
As I have posted on the brain and how it works is now clear to me also an intricate explanation, generally, on culture. The many mental perceptions and beliefs that people have as to their own existence, to all forms of life and to the "universe" contributes to the culture of a person and peoples. Culture of peoples contribute to the culture of the person and the creativity, etc. of the person contributes to the growing culture of the peoples.
Our brains are thus programmed and that programming influences our view and reactions to the world in ways as to cultural influences. It is the survival instincts of the group, tribe, society that along with culture, beliefs and growth that unifies us into our individual worlds or civilizations.
When I read posts regarding culture I always hear about this ceremony, this type of specific adherence to things that other than relate to a celebration by a peoples seldom do I see inferences to the actual people as stated above.
Shimabuku-san spoke to the early Isshinryu pioneers about the importance of learning Okinawan customs, culture and beliefs but few took up the task. Those who did may have limited that study to such things as those ceremonies that speak to the unique way they live but only when studied at a much deeper level speak to the culture, etc. We hear of the o-bon celebration but do we know the how, when, where, what and why of its inception centuries past? We express the meaning of terms and say, "ah-ha culture." Do we truly know and can we truly know?
Knowing the ceremonies of the people is a first step. Take the second and find out more about their creativity, how do they communicate and why they do it that way and how do they behave then and now. All these and many more will give us a better understanding of those who came before and maybe answer questions as to why it was done that way and why it is being done a certain way today.
"Each cultural world operates according to its own internal dynamic, its own principles, and its own laws - written and unwritten. Even the dimensions of time and space are unique to each culture." - Edward T. and Mildred D. Hall
Bibliography:
DeMente, Boye LaFayette. "Etiquette Guide to China: Know the Rules that Make the Difference!" Tuttle Publishing. New York. 2008.
"The Author, it must be remembered, writes from his own standpoint!"
My personal "Interpretive" Lens!
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Warning, Caveat and Note: The postings on this blog are my interpretation of readings, studies and experiences therefore errors and omissions are mine and mine alone. The content surrounding the extracts of books, see bibliography on this blog site, are also mine and mine alone therefore errors and omissions are also mine and mine alone and therefore why I highly recommended one read, study, research and fact find the material for clarity. My effort here is self-clarity toward a fuller understanding of the subject matter. See the bibliography for information on the books.
Note: I will endevor to provide a bibliography and italicize any direct quotes from the materials I use for this blog. If there are mistakes, errors, and/or omissions, I take full responsibility for them as they are mine and mine alone. If you find any mistakes, errors, and/or omissions please comment and let me know along with the correct information and/or sources.
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