. 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 described as distinct, unique, and diverse, but are these differences only superficial? Are they merely details that set one culture apart from another? In exploring various literary works, we can challenge this assumption and delve deeper into the complex nuances of culture. Through analyzing the assumptions made about men and women, class status, religion, race, and the body in Michael Ondaatje's poem "Sweet Like a Crow," we can illustrate how cultures are significantly diverse, extending beyond mere details.
In "Sweet Like a Crow," Ondaatje explores the perception of the body within specific cultural contexts. Ondaatje describes the experience of witnessing a woman's body, with her hips swaying "sweet" and a description of her hair akin to "cilantro." These rich and imaginative metaphors encapsulate the narrator's fascination with the woman's physicality, highlighting the cultural differences in perceptions of beauty. Ondaatje's depiction subtly implies that different cultures appreciate and value different physical attributes, thereby supporting the claim that cultural differences extend beyond mere details.
Furthermore, the assumptions regarding gender roles and stereotypes are another aspect that distinguishes cultures. The stories listed in the prompt shed light on this matter, such as "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin. The protagonist, Louise Mallard, experiences a mix of emotions upon learning of her husband's death. This story challenges traditional gender roles within the framework of marriage. Louise's initial sorrow quickly transforms into a feeling of liberation, emphasizing the assumed societal limitations on women's autonomy and happiness. This cultural assumption about women's roles showcases how various cultures enforce different expectations based on gender, further highlighting the significance of cultural differences beyond surface-level details.
Class status is also a significant factor that differentiates cultures. In "The Rocking-Horse Winner" by D.H. Lawrence, the characters' aspirations and desires reveal the impact of class differences on their lives. The family's obsession with wealth and social status drives the narrative, depicting a culture where material possessions determine one's worth. Paul's desperate attempt to appease his mother by predicting winning horse races highlights how class status can be deeply ingrained within a society and shapes its values and aspirations.
Religion is another fundamental aspect that differentiates cultures, offering distinct beliefs, rituals, and values. One can see these differences in the selections as well as in Ondaatje's poem. In "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson, the town's brutal annual tradition of stoning a community member to ensure a good harvest is rooted in their religious beliefs. Their faith in this tradition showcases the profound influence of religion on cultural practices and the extent to which it impacts the values and customs of a community.
Finally, race is an undeniable factor in understanding cultural diversity. The stories and poems specifically listed might not address racial differences directly, but throughout literature, race is often a significant theme in exploring cultural identity and differences. Racial assumptions permeate societies, shaping culture from economic opportunities to social acceptance. By examining various texts, one can observe the profound impact of race on cultural nuances and the experiences of individuals within those cultures.
Culture encompasses a myriad of facets, extending far beyond surface-level details. Literature, such as the poem "Sweet Like a Crow" by Michael Ondaatje, along with the stories listed in the prompt, unravels the assumptions made about men and women, class status, religion, race, and the body, revealing the intricate tapestry of cultural diversity. These assumptions shed light on deep-rooted values, beliefs, and societal norms that distinguish cultures from one another. Therefore, cultures are not merely differentiated by details, but by their core foundations and the profound influence they have on individuals and communities.