Saw a reference recently to people who have little memory of their family's roots being clearly identified with any specific cultural associations. Whether they call themselves "mutts" or "Heinz 57" folks, it raises the question of how important cultural identity is in the quality of life and community, particularly in very heterogeneous and diversified societies. Should we happily let cultural artifacts, practices, and perspectives recede into history?
Should we craft a common future of people with only historical or artistic interest in the cultures and traditions of the past? Are we better off in a future without them? Are they more constraints than liberating structures? Are they crutches for people afraid of creating their own myths and new practices and perspectives?
The important thing is perhaps not what we decide, but how well we have the conversation together.
