In the world, we have hundreds of different cultures. Some have existed since the beginning of time and others are brand new, taking the world by storm. It's amazing to think that no matter where you go, there is some kind of culture being shown. One of the art's biggest influences is culture. Sexual orientation, religion, literature, and so much more are forms of culture! However, the problem with today's world, especially in the United States, is that groups of people are trying to wipe out or mute certain cultures. Many religious groups travel the world talking about same-sex marriage. People of these religious cultures will say things like, "homosexuals will go to hell", or calling homosexuals an abomination. It has been known to tear families apart and ruin peoples' lives.
It's sad to think that there are these great cultures that are being shamed because they don't agree with someone else's culture. What would the world look like if all cultures were taken away? Imagine the world without style, expression, beliefs, or something to believe in. What would you think the world like that would be? I see a world filled with gray, darkness, and very plain. Everyone would talk the same, have the same language, same clothes, and same buildings. It would be impossible to have an open-mind to the world if the whole world was the same. No one would stand out or be extraordinary.
Sad right?! Why do we hate on other cultures that are not our own? I have been asking myself that question for as long as I can remember. The trust is that it is simple and closed-minded people that afraid of things are different. They want everything to be the same all around. In a way, it's like religious people calling homosexuality a sin. They want other people, that are different from them, to change who they are based on their religious views.
This is the problem. We as citizens can be very entitled. We all have our beliefs; but the problem is not having our beliefs, which is actually a good thing, it's when we force our views on someone else. Where does this all begin? Many would believe school.
Bullying in schools is one of the most common places where this all begins. Students alienate others because they are not like the mass majority of the population in that area. It's why students hate being the new kid in a new environment. You don't know anyone and nine times out of ten, you will be different from the students that grew up there. So how can we change this? In my opinion, to the best of our ability, we need to teach students to respect; keep an open mind about different values.
Racism is still alive in every aspect. They major factors that can change that is parenting and schooling. I know it won't be easy or simple, it will take years. We need to push harder and challenge the norms of society so that every culture knows that they belong in this world.
