I am having surgery and I really need help with this. Directions : Pick a cultur
ID: 3492287 • Letter: I
Question
I am having surgery and I really need help with this.
Directions: Pick a culture different from your own and research the characteristics of that culture. Once you pick a different culture answer the following questions in paragraph form:
What culture did you pick? What are some of the main characteristics, customs, clothing, language, values, norms, systems, countries, symbols, language, assumptions, beliefs, and habits?
How is the culture you picked similar or different from your own?
Why is it important to learn about various cultures? How does it help society?
Explanation / Answer
I was very much impressed by the "Khasi Culture" of Meghalaya(India). Let me summarise some of the characteristics in brief:
Geographical location: According to the 2011 Census of India, over 1.72 million Khasi lived in Meghalaya in the districts of East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi, West Jaintia Hills and East Jaintia Hills. In Assam, their population reached 35,000. It is generally considered by many Khasi sociologists that the Khasi Tribe consist of seven sub-tribes, hence the title 'Children of the Seven Huts': Khynriam, Pnar, Bhoi, War, Maram, Lyngngam and Diko.
Genetics: Khasi people from different regions have small, but noted differences. Recent genetic researches have shown that Khasis are closer to their Garo neighbours as compared to other populations of Northeast India.
Dress:
The traditional Khasi male dress is a Jymphong, a longish sleeveless coat without collar, fastened by thongs in front. Nowadays, most male Khasis have adopted western attire. On ceremonial occasions they appear in a Jymphong and sarong with an ornamental waist-band and they may also wear a turban.
The traditional Khasi female dress is called the Jainsem or Dhara, both of which are rather elaborate with several pieces of cloth, giving the body a cylindrical shape. On ceremonial occasions they may wear a crown of silver or gold. A spike or peak is fixed to the back of the crown, corresponding to the feathers worn by the menfolk. The Jainsem consists of two pieces of material fastened at each shoulder. The "Dhara" consists of a single piece of material also fastened at each shoulder.
Marriage: The Khasis are, for the most part, monogamous. Their social organisation does not favour other forms of marriage; therefore, deviation from this norm is quite rare. Young men and women are permitted considerable freedom in the choice of mates. Potential marriage partners are likely to have been acquainted before betrothal. Once a man has selected his desired spouse, he reports his choice to his parents. They then secure the services of a mediator to make the arrangements with the woman's family (provided that the man's clan agree with his choice). The parents of the woman ascertain her wishes and if she agrees to the arrangement her parents check to make certain that the man to be wed is not a member of their clan (since Khasi clans are exogamous, marital partners may not be from the same clan). If this is satisfactory then a wedding date is set.
The type of marriage is the determining factor in marital residence. In short, post marital residence when an heiress Khaduh is involved must be matrilocal, while post marital residence when a non-heiress is involved is neolocal. Generally, Khasi men prefer to marry a non-heiress because it will allow them to form independent family units somewhat immune to pressures from the wife's kin. A Khasi man returns to his iing (home) upon the death of his spouse (if she is an heiress). These practices are the result of rules governing inheritance and property ownership. These rules are themselves related to the structure of the Khasi iing(clan).
Onomastics:
Khasi names are known for their originality and elaborate nature. The given names may be invented by parents for their children, and these can be based on traditional native names, Christian names, or other English words. The family names, which they call "surnames," remain typically in the native Khasi language.
Khasis are rich in music. The Khasis are a matrilineal society.
Traditional polity: The traditional political structure of the Khasi community was democratic in nature. The Khasis consisted of 'native states' which would congregate during dorbars or sessions and come to a decision regarding any dispute or problems that would arise in the community much like the Panchayati Raj prevalent in most Indian States. There were around 25 native states on record who were authorized by the Constituent Assembly of India. The chiefs of these native states were traditionally elected by the people of their respective communities.
Why I like this culture: I was very much impressed by their matrilinear society. Most of the Indian states/culture are male dominated and all are conditioned in that way naturally over a period of time. This arised to women issues such as insecurity, divorse, child marriage, poverty and many more issues and for which now the indian governement tries to put on efforts to improve the status on women though changing the strong culture and attitudes of few men especially who are illeterate is difficult.
However, Khasi culture is surprisingly different from rest of the states in India. It encourages matrilinear system where rights of women are recognised and Women takes power in decision making. Such cultures are really a need for the hour which helps in buildng the society and maintains gender equality.
Why should we learn from other cultures:
1) It improves our understanding
2. to understand type of government that is functioning
3. many traditions reflect more ways to do something.we can learn more than one approach.
4. To prepare ourselves for global world. We come across many people from different cultures and traditions. Learning from other cultures makes you easy to connct with them and adapt ourselves.
5. Understanding the differences helps to build peace.
6. Triggers curiosity within you. Helps to adapt with diversity.
7.Reduces xenophobia.
8. Can enjoy different recipies and make new innovations in modifying dishes as per our taste and treat your taste buds.
9. Can see the world through other person's view.
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