The Culture And Us (IM 919)

Individual’s spatial experiences are shaped by their culture, whether it be consciously or subconsciously. The idea that we all are joining colleges and universities to get education, good grades, with the goal of getting a job so that we can make our life better is a kind of culture we have been following for years. This is actually a global culture, and we, human beings, have been the greatest followers.

We have been so trained/brainwashed with it that we can’t even ignore it and become a rebel.

The idea of getting good grades to get a 9 to 5 job, or the idea of goal setting, or even the idea of capitalism is nothing more than the culture or beliefs we, humans, have been following. Though we may not realize it, it has been dictating us for years, and we all are the greatest example of it.

That does not mean culture is false or useless. I believe that the idea of believing in this culture, traditions, or beliefs is not because it is objectively true, but because believing in it enables us to cooperate effectively and forge a better society.

So the real task is not to reject culture blindly, but to become aware of its influence. Once we see how deeply it shapes us, we can begin to ask better questions. Which beliefs are truly ours? Which values have we examined? And which parts of the script are worth keeping, revising, or leaving behind? That awareness is the beginning of freedom.