Norms Within A Culture

By Author: Robert Craig
Total Articles: 38
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Whenever I think of slavery, I inquire whether there are other things we accept as a culture, that we will one day vehemently abolish.

There was a time, not long ago, in which slavery was a cultural norm in the U.S.. Yes, the United States was instituted on the concept of freedom, and yet the very people that believed so much in freedom in the new land, were generally accepting of slavery. This seems strange, doesn't it? At that time, however, it was just the way it was. Throughout the next decades, popular opinion reformed and our society norms were altered when we recognized that slavery shouldn't exist in a land where freedom was prized. (Remember, if you will, that in a lot of countries, slavery is still in practice. These societies accept slavery as a regular occurrence.)

Could contradictions of this sort exist even in the U.S. in this day and age? Even though our culture has greatly advanced, could there be problems in society and actions we commit that we'll think of as barbaric one day?

Are there issues in today's legislation, rules, and policies that are to some people in the world ...
... now what slavery was to African Americans pre-abolition? If we gave them careful consideration, would we get rid of some of the norms many of us deem acceptable?

Many people will contend that some social norms are acceptable and aid in maintaining a society that runs well. In many instances, societal norms and customs are beneficial, but following them without fully understanding why we do is not a good idea. History is full of recorded instances of societies "going with the flow" so to speak, with little thought for wrong or right. Each person must look at each social norm and delve deep into their make up, and choose for themselves whether it should be upheld or done away with.

A corporation that seems to have a new perspective on evaluating one's beliefs is NXIVM. Keith Raniere, the founder of this progressive company, believes that there doesn't need to be a customary regulation of society's customs if there is a strong sense of purpose and ethics in the world. NXIVM talks about people having an "internal civilization" that would be even tougher than any "external civilization" that can be founded on rules and legislation. A more positive and meaningful future for the world can be realized if we accept others and their beliefs in a harmonious and respectful manner.
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