"[Diogenes unseemly behavior was] to get people to question their prejudices by making them consider how difficult it is to give good reasons for many of our deeply held feelings." -Nussbaum, 57In chapter 2 of Martha Nussbaum's book Cultivating Humanity, she writes about being citizens of the world; what this title entails, and how to achieve it. She begins by writing about Plato, Aristotle, and their unconventional contemporary Diogenes the Cynic. He provoked behavior in people by spitting in their faces, living in poverty, and eating in public (something only dogs did in their culture). The above quote describes his actions as a way of getting people to rethink what they thought was strange and why exactly they felt that way. When asked where he was from, Diogenes told them he was a 'citizen of the world'.
"When we see in how many different ways people can organize their lives we will recognize what is deep and sallow in our own ways... the only real community is one that embraces the entire world."
-Nussbaum, 58
As people age, we all develop a framework for how we view the world. What is right, what is wrong, what is normal or weird. Part of being a world citizen is learning about other cultural norms and broadening ones view of the world. It fosters respect and understanding. Being educated on ethnic differences can curb hate that breeds in ignorance. However, in learning about various peoples of the globe we can start to question ourselves and why we do things they way we do. This raises the question, is this really the best? Maybe that way of doing this is more efficient? World citizenship leads to ethical inquiry that "requires awareness that life contains other possibilities" (Nussbaum, 54). If we are all critical of our own mannerisms and customs, they can stretch and change as we see them more clearly. Nussbaum writes that Stoics held that thinking about humanity as a whole world is valuable for self-knowledge (59). Ancient Greeks examined customs of faraway countries to better understand their way of life and we, as modern and global citizens should do the same.
I really like this reflection, Emily. If ancient Greeks were doing it, then there is no reason why we shouldn't be. But I think your final point that "global citizens should do the same" is preaching to the choir in a way because I believe that we cosmopolitans are scrutinizing other cultures and customs all the time, just more subconsciously. One custom that westerners, especially feminists, ridicule as intolerable is muslim women wearing the veil. I just read on the NYT website that France made effective today on full-face veil bans. This is definitely a cosmopolitan backlash against a custom deemed foreign and unacceptable in the modern, western world. As the world's cultures integrate and start to live together in a global melting pot, we're going to see a lot more cultural conflicts like this ahead.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I am not totally sure how I feel about this particular ban, I think this conversation about cultural customs is fascinating. I think you do too! Nice work, Em!
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/12/world/europe/12france.html?hpw
Emily, I really enjoyed what you brought to attention here. I really like how you expanded the definition of cross-cultural. I really enjoy the point about learning about other cultures actually curves hatred that is found in ignorance. When you think about ignorance, it means the lack of knowledge or being uniformed. This just shows the importance of being educated. It doesn't certainly mean that you have to adopt a culture's thinking, it just means that you have an open mind to cultures, and accept them. I do think that there isn't a "best" culture. I think that the best culture can't consist of their own beliefs, or their own thinking, but it has to be a cooperation of knowledge, and combination of customs. Like the Athenians, they examined other cultures to see what they could take and remove to better improve their culture. This is definitely a pure example of cross-cultural examination, and thank you for bringing the concept into a deeper explanation. :)
ReplyDeleteFor some reason it won't let me use my name, but..
ReplyDeleteNice reflection Emily!
I am glad you mentioned Diogenes because I thought his role in defining "world citizenship" was interesting. I appreciated how he went out of cultural norms to make others think about their own personal habits and prejudices. What if people did that today? Are there any modern Diogenes's? I feel as though if one was to rebel against societal norms would be scrutinized and judged, but in some ways more accepted than Diogenes in his time. As our global population increases, people have become more diverse, and it seems more likely to witness strange behavior in public and go on your way. How would the public react?
I am thinking aloud, but I appreciated your reflection and the direction you went with it! Nice job!
--Laura
Ian, I read that article, so crazy! & ignorant. Banning face coverings to preserve French culture? Reallllly? That closes up and defines borders even more, quite the step away from world citizenship.
ReplyDeleteTai, thanks =) I thought the education part was super important
Laura, I like your thinking out loud! I am racking my brain for modern day Diogenes's...
I think people are accustomed to seeing "strange" outbursts, and it may not make the same impression as it did back in his time?