"Very simply, the culture of another people does not have to be accepted when it is subhuman!"
About this Quote
Armstrong Williams' remark, "Extremely just, the culture of another individuals does not need to be accepted when it is subhuman", provides a complex and controversial point of view on cultural relativism and ethnocentrism. At its core, the statement suggests that there is a limit or requirement that cultures should fulfill to be considered decent or worthy of approval, and suggests that some cultures might fall listed below this threshold, identifying them as "subhuman.".
To start with, using the term "subhuman" is highly provocative. It inherently indicates a hierarchy of cultures that grants some cultures a remarkable status over others. This could be seen as an ethnocentric perspective, where one's own cultural norms and worths are deemed universal criteria versus which others are measured. Ethnocentrism frequently results in the decline of cultures that vary from one's own, suggesting that these various cultures are primitive or less evolved. This frame of mind can contribute to cultural imperialism, where dominant cultures enforce their worths and systems upon others, typically justifying such actions as a civilizing objective.
Williams' statement raises the concern of what requirements he thinks about essential to categorize a culture as "subhuman". This usually involves subjective judgments and is frequently loaded with predispositions, as what may appear undesirable or inferior to one culture may be essential and legitimate within another. Making use of such a label threats oversimplification and the overlooking of cultural complexities and worths that may not line up with the observer's perspective.
Additionally, the statement challenges cultural relativism, the idea that cultures should be comprehended based upon their own context and worths instead of judged against another culture. Challengers of cultural relativism argue that this perspective can in some cases excuse practices that violate universal human rights. The expression "does not need to be accepted" recommends a position where specific cultural practices can justifiably be turned down or condemned if they contravene basic human rights or ethical standards.
In conclusion, while Williams' quote can be interpreted as a call to acknowledge and possibly resist cultures that contravene basic human rights, it is also fraught with potential for misinterpretation and misuse, highlighting the requirement for considerate discussion and understanding throughout cultural divides.
More details
About the Author