Culture is a complex whole of a society that includes language, beliefs, values, customs, practices, and festive events. It can also include mores, rules, tools, technology, and products that give a group its identity. A person’s culture is a part of who they are, and it influences their attitudes, humor, hopes, loyalties, worries, and fears. It can also affect their beliefs about how the world works and how to behave. It can influence how they communicate with others and how they think about themselves and their families.
The word “cultural” is derived from the Latin word cultura, meaning soil or land. The term originally applied to a community’s way of life, or the set of behaviors that is learned by imitating others and passing them on from generation to generation. It can also refer to the values, attitudes, and beliefs that are passed on to the next generation.
Various scholars have attempted to define culture, including the anthropologists Mary Douglas and Ruth Benedict. They developed two distinct concepts of culture: the big C, which is an overarching concept that can be applied to all cultures, and the little c, which applies to the specifics of a particular culture group, such as American culture. Over time, anthropologists realized that including specifics in their definition of culture (the little c) limited it; they began to develop a generalization of what constitutes culture.
One of the most interesting aspects about cultural is that it can vary based on ethnicity, country, or family. An example is the different traditions and holidays that are celebrated by ethnic groups in the United States. These traditions are influenced by the culture of their ancestors, but they have evolved over time. Another example is the different political beliefs or systems of government that are held by countries, which are reflected in the culture of the people in that country.
Attending a local cultural event is a great way to experience the diverse array of values, beliefs, and ways of life in our communities. It is a unique way to learn more about other people’s lives and perspectives, and it can help us build relationships with those from different backgrounds. It can also teach us more about ourselves and our own values, beliefs, and traditions. In a time when we are becoming more and more secluded from one another, connecting with others through cultural experiences can be a powerful way to strengthen our community. Experiencing cultural events can be like taking a trip to another country without leaving our home town, and it can be a good way to get out of the house in times of depression or loneliness.