The future of the past

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The future of the past

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.
Tags » Appreciative living
- 11 March 2010
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almost 2 years ago Donna responded:

Yes. I think we would be better off if we didn't stand so much on tradition. I've often found, when people refer to thoughts, habits, perspectives of the "old country" that they don't seem to be very forward-thinking at all. They are rooted so firmly in tradition as to be relentlessly unchangeable.

almost 2 years ago ROBERT SCHEPENS responded:

A different point of view relates to culture and its importance to it creating a foundation for the future. Much is lost when we lose our past, and the traditions. We should not however let our foundation cloud our visions for or of the future.
It is the shallow person, who certainly will have a difficult time in contributing to the future by clinging only to the know or assumed directions of the past.
"A people without a history is like the wind over buffalo grass". - Sioux Proverb.

almost 2 years ago Donna responded:

I get your point, Robert, but I also find that culture identification can be quite exclusionary. You are either part of the clan or you're not. I've met people who are so enamored of their cultural traditions that they have a hard time accepting the point of view of others. They don't evolve. This is how they were raised, this is what they saw, this is the fabric of their lives - deal with it.

almost 2 years ago Sandy Woodthorpe responded:

Owing to my ethnic diversity & my experience partly growing up in S. CA, then living in L. A. for many yrs, I found the constant spotlight on Compelling thoughts, Jack.
Cleve's ethnic heritage seems to have a mixed influence on the area's culture & business. On one hand, stifling. A "burgh" mentality perpetuated cliques & old ways of thinking in a fast-changing world. On the other, cautiousness. Rich with old country values such as loyalty & pride, Cleve has a no-nonsense, down to earth groove. a low tolerance for silly fads & superficiality. Makes the pace slower, more livable.
Frankly, I think the Internet has been just what Cleve has
People seem so much more open here than 20 years ago. Thus,
maybe a nice medium.
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10-time author and designer with a focus on change in organizations and communities. HappinessChoice.com. Contact Jack at jack(at)happinesschoice(dot)com

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