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Cultural Relativism In The City Of Chicago

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Cultural relativism is the theory that beliefs vary by culture about the morality of different acts. In simpler terms, cultural relativism is the idea that different cultures may not follow the same moral principles as others around them. It can be difficult to understand another culture’s perspective on certain issues when you have only been taught one particular way. An act that may be considered horrible to some may be considered acceptable to other cultures. It is a natural part of human life that people’s views will not always agree. These different groups are categorized as cultures in which people grow among. The elders in this culture or society teach young people the ways of their beliefs which moves them to believe the same. Relativists …show more content…

Gun control is a topic of debate among the entire United States. Cultures of people living in southern states argue that guns are good for hunting and sporting. While, the general culture of those living in Chicago does not use guns to hunt for sport. Guns have a serious negative reputation. However, this negativity varies by the specific cultures of the different neighborhoods in Chicago. On the northwest side of the city, police officers who reside there, believe that it is okay to have a gun for duty and for home in order to protect oneself. However, they see the ways a gun can be dangerous when put into the hands of the wrong man. Criminals run rampant in Chicago and gangs are highly prominent subcultures of their areas. Every day, an innocent child is shot and killed because of misuse of guns. Communities and ethnicities that are generally known to be involved in crime are viewed as lesser than the rest of society. They do not have completed educations or proper role models to show good behavior. It is hard for someone who has never lived within that culture to see the realities of living in poor, underdeveloped neighborhoods. However, it is understood that these communities have their own separate beliefs that may not follow the beliefs of those around them. In this sense, cultural relativism is applied. As one must be able to look past their own opposing view in order to understand the position of the other culture. The truth behind cultural relativism is that no culture is superior to another, which many people would argue is very difficult to do. The minority culture of Chicago is known as just that. Does this follow cultural relativism then? The answer to that question would be no. Cultures in relation to one another can not agree if they see one another as superior or inferior. They are seen as less educated and less guided. However, the upper

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