How and Why Cultural Groups Tend to See Themselves Essay

How and Why Cultural Groups Tend to See Themselves - Essay Example The approach which is taken allows individuals to continue to hold onto a sense of identity. However, by doing this, there is a loss of learning and ability to understand and accept the mechanics of other cultures. The opposition which is created further creates divisions that do not allow others to have the right perception and insight into creating and integrating solutions and needs within society. Examining the perceptions by Kwame Appiah from â€Å"Moral Disagreement† and Franklin Foer’s â€Å"How Soccer Explains the World† provides further insight into why the boundaries among groups are considered important and the ways in which this develops and changes the cultural groups in an emerging global society. The work of Foer is based on the division between pro – soccer and anti – soccer Americans. The division is one which works as an analogy in understanding the difficulties that are created in terms of boundaries and identity between two groups. The boundaries which Foer identifies move further into those who have this identity because it relates to nationality, ethnicity, culture and deeper issues which prevail among those in society. One is able to instantly create a space which they can relate to and remain safe in while those on the outside are kept as unsafe and should not be associated with the group (Foer, 12). The association which Foer creates to this and the idea of safety that comes from various cultural groups is then questioned by the author. While there is a sense of protection and safety in this regard, there is also a lack of being able to work effectively in various areas. Foer creates an analogy to business in which the customs and traditions have to be left aside to complete the end goal. However, this also becomes a threat to other cultural groups that do not recognize this practice, leaving a lack of identity and understanding and causing the boundaries to heighten instead (Foer, 140). The analogies which Foer examines in terms of us versus them and the boundaries of culture are further identified through Appiah’s â€Å"Moral Disagreement.† The theme which is called upon shows that cultural groups have different perceptions of themselves that they do not equate with groups outside of themselves. The cultural groups that are created are defined with the need to carry a similar identity and understanding of where one belongs and the practices they take part in. If one is outside of this group, they may carry a lack of being able to have the same perspective or beliefs. To many, this becomes threatening and causes disruptions in the practices, traditions and beliefs of many. Even more than this, the morality and the actions of groups which do not understand the practices of another can become disrespectful to the other group and the deeply embedded religious, moral or traditional beliefs which are continuously practiced. This particular threat builds even more boundaries among groups and creates a perception of one group holding a sense of ignorance toward another (Appiah, 6). Both of the associations with identity, cultural groups and morality become questionable because of the way in which the world is beginning to change and develop. The move into globalization is leading into all areas of life beginning to break boundaries in terms of sports, business, culture and exchanges which are occurring. This breaking of boundaries is one which is becoming a threat to many, specifically because of the perspective that the other cultures will also break the practices, rituals and beliefs of alternative cultures. This develops more boundaries between both sides and is creating conflicts and disagreemen ts between both sides. The belief in threatening identity and the associations with the problems of culture are then creating even more groups and