I've been focusing on the differences between the two cultures I've been exposed to all my life, and must concede that I never considered the idea that at least one other distinct world view exists. I find myself seeking to find terms to use to describe the categories that don't involve region/race/religion or anything else that might cause any sort of polarization or implication that one is superior or inferior. But I'm not sure that I can find these terms, because of the differences between the views, and also because the origin of the descriptions will probably reflect a bias of the describer. My stance on that is that everyone has a bias, and the issue is the level of denial about their bias.
I find no difficulties in choosing the terms linear/individualistic for what others describe as 'western', that is to say, largely European/American, and the terms circular/community for what others describe as 'eastern' or predominantly Asian. But I struggle with the third category because it reflects a view that embraces the supernatural, which seems to be a polarizing issue.
Since this third world view includes acknowledgement of the supernatural, I have no problem adopting a construct I like that comes from within a Judeo-Christian world view. The construct attempts to describe the differences in terms of how people tend to view/interpret events in their lives, and suggests that every individual has their own blend of these three world views. It uses these descriptors, followed by my attempt to boil it down to what drives one's behavior:
1) Guilt/Innocence: People ask: is my behavior fair or unfair?
2) Shame/Honor: People ask: does my behavior benefit or hurt the overall community?
3) Fear/Power: People ask: Will what I do offend/please someone/something that has influence over my circumstances?
The third category includes those for whom supernatural interference from the spirit world is a common occurrence, experienced and accepted by the entire community and these cultures are predominant in some parts of Africa, Latin America, Oceania, parts of Asia, and even in parts of North America.
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
Another World View
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