We’ve all heard the term “global village” and “globalization.” With today’s telecommunication technology, information is instantaneous. Transportation gives us the ability to travel to all corners of the Earth. Can we now consider ourselves as six billion global citizens and neighbours in one sense or another? Does all of this technology facilitate cultures coming together? Do we start to understand, tolerate and respect our global neighbours? Or does closer contact foster a culture clash?
During a recent visit to the Middle East I tested the parameters of cultural understanding and knowledge. While chatting with some local men I was informed that western women are sexually promiscuous and immoral. This comment was made by a person who was supposedly university educated. Was his view of western women clouded by the fact that we wore designer bikinis on the beach and some of us chose to tan in the nude? Did our clothes and actions imply we are all loose?
My friend couldn’t understand that some of us have a keen interest in the history, politics and culture of the area, even if we’re in bikinis. I was speechless, but soon realized there was a significant disconnect in the understanding of our respective cultures, and more specifically how men and women are viewed or what their respective roles may be.
In exploring this topic further with my friend he further informed me that we have no morals, no impulse, control or self respect. I began to probe and ask if he held the same views of Arabic women or even of his sister. It turns out his sister is married, with three children and has not been even had the opportunity to seek further education.
“You see all Arabic women are virgins. You can see it in their eyes,” another man told me.
Talk about a culture clash. What he didn’t admit or say is that women in Middle East cultures are second-class citizens, oppressed, tortured at times and have very little opportunities for advancement through education. Globalization and the power of instant information still have a long way of overcoming misconceptions, stereotypes, hatred, mistrust and ignorance.
The example cited above is not meant to be critical of any culture, religion or nation. Rather it points to the fact that mass communication is no substitute for human contact, understanding and knowledge. Education has a critical role in overcoming our cultural divide. As citizens of this global community it is our responsibility to overcome our own prejudices.
While technology has increased our access to information, culture clash or misunderstanding can only be overcome by human interaction and an open mind.
