Write an essay that answers the following question: Are cultures different only in their details? Discuss the assumptions about men and women, class status, religion, race, or the body that you encounter in one of the selections in this unit. You may include supporting details from the stories listed in prompt a. Additionally, you may include supporting details from the poem "Sweet Like a Crow" by Michael Ondaatje.
Cultures are often viewed as being different only in their details, but in reality, they are much more complex and multifaceted than that. One of the selections in this unit that exemplifies this complexity is the short story "The Dinner Party" by Mona Gardner. In this story, the characters from different cultural backgrounds have differing beliefs and assumptions about men and women, class status, religion, race, and the body.
In "The Dinner Party," we see how cultural differences can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. The story revolves around a dinner party where guests from different cultural backgrounds are gathered. One of the guests, Gortsby, makes assumptions about the other guests based on their appearances and behaviors. This leads to a series of misunderstandings and misinterpretations that highlight the cultural differences between the characters.
One of the assumptions that Gortsby makes is about class status. He assumes that the other guests are not as wealthy or as refined as he is based on their appearance and behavior. This assumption leads to him feeling superior to the other guests and looking down on them. However, as the story unfolds, we come to realize that the other guests are actually from privileged backgrounds and have their own beliefs and values that are different from Gortsby’s.
Another assumption that Gortsby makes is about gender roles. He assumes that the women at the dinner party are there merely as decorations and do not have anything substantial to contribute to the conversation. This assumption is based on his own cultural beliefs about gender roles and expectations. However, as the story progresses, we see that the women are actually intelligent and articulate individuals who have their own thoughts and opinions.
Religion is another aspect of culture that is explored in "The Dinner Party." Gortsby assumes that the other guests share his religious beliefs and values, but this turns out not to be the case. As the guests discuss various topics, we see how their different religious backgrounds shape their perspectives and beliefs.
Race is also a factor that influences the interactions between the characters in "The Dinner Party." Gortsby makes assumptions about the other guests based on their race and ethnicity, which leads to misunderstandings and conflicts. This highlights how race can impact cultural perceptions and relationships.
In the poem "Sweet Like a Crow" by Michael Ondaatje, we also see how cultural assumptions about the body can shape one's experiences and interactions with others. The poem explores the idea of beauty and desire through the metaphor of a crow. The crow is seen as an object of desire and admiration, but its beauty is fleeting and superficial. This reflects how cultural norms and standards of beauty can influence our perceptions of the body and shape our interactions with others.
In conclusion, cultures are not just different in their details, but in their beliefs, values, and assumptions about men and women, class status, religion, race, and the body. "The Dinner Party" and "Sweet Like a Crow" both highlight how cultural differences can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts, and how our assumptions about others are shaped by our own cultural backgrounds. By acknowledging and examining these assumptions, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and others, and foster greater empathy and appreciation for the diversity of human experiences.