The document discusses two cultural practices from different cultures and whether they can be considered right or wrong. The first practice is neck rings worn by women in the Kayan tribe in Myanmar, which has been a longstanding tradition but can cause physical harm and restrict movement. The second practice is Lotus Feet from China, which involved binding young girls' feet and was discontinued in the 20th century due to the physical damage and gender inequality it promoted. While cultural practices deserve respect, traditions that violate human rights or cause physical harm are not acceptable, and cultures may need to reassess practices or find alternative expressions that do not compromise rights and wellbeing.
The document discusses two cultural practices from different cultures and whether they can be considered right or wrong. The first practice is neck rings worn by women in the Kayan tribe in Myanmar, which has been a longstanding tradition but can cause physical harm and restrict movement. The second practice is Lotus Feet from China, which involved binding young girls' feet and was discontinued in the 20th century due to the physical damage and gender inequality it promoted. While cultural practices deserve respect, traditions that violate human rights or cause physical harm are not acceptable, and cultures may need to reassess practices or find alternative expressions that do not compromise rights and wellbeing.
The document discusses two cultural practices from different cultures and whether they can be considered right or wrong. The first practice is neck rings worn by women in the Kayan tribe in Myanmar, which has been a longstanding tradition but can cause physical harm and restrict movement. The second practice is Lotus Feet from China, which involved binding young girls' feet and was discontinued in the 20th century due to the physical damage and gender inequality it promoted. While cultural practices deserve respect, traditions that violate human rights or cause physical harm are not acceptable, and cultures may need to reassess practices or find alternative expressions that do not compromise rights and wellbeing.
The following practices are variable from one culture
to another. Do you think there is a right and wrong
on those matters and why? a. Myanmar's neck ring women from Kayan Tribe.
The practice of neck rings worn by women from the
Kayan tribe in Myanmar is a cultural tradition that has been followed for centuries. From a cultural relativism perspective, there is no right or wrong when it comes to cultural practices, as each culture has its own unique traditions and values.
However, from a universal human rights perspective,
the practice of neck rings can be seen as harmful and violating the individual rights of the women involved. The neck rings can cause physical harm, such as neck pain and discomfort, and restrict movement, which can limit the individual's ability to perform daily activities.
Therefore, while cultural practices should be
respected and valued, it is also important to consider the potential harm caused by these practices and ensure that individuals' human rights are protected. If a cultural tradition causes physical or emotional harm, it may be necessary to reassess its continuation and find alternative cultural expressions that do not violate human rights. B. Lotus Feet China (19th and 20th century practice)
The practice of Lotus Feet in China, which involved
binding the feet of young girls to prevent them from growing, is widely recognized as harmful and has been discontinued since the 20th century. From a cultural relativism perspective, the practice can be considered a cultural tradition of China, but from a universal human rights perspective, it can be seen as a violation of women's rights and physical harm.
The practice of Lotus Feet can cause permanent
damage to the feet, making it difficult for women to walk and perform daily activities. It also perpetuated gender inequality and discrimination against women by portraying small feet as a symbol of beauty and femininity.
Therefore, it is important to recognize that cultural
practices that cause physical harm or violate human rights are not acceptable. While cultural traditions should be valued and respected, they should not come at the expense of individuals' health and wellbeing. The discontinuation of Lotus Feet in China is an example of how societies can evolve and move towards cultural expressions that promote equality and respect for human rights.