Defining Culture

The term culture is defined as, the way we as human species deal with our world and with one another (Introducing Anthropology: An Integrated Approach - 6/e (PDF). 28). Within this definition, it should also be annotated that culture includes other constituents, such as beliefs, customs, religion, arts, language, gastronomy and social habits. Fortunately, because of the diversity seen throughout most of the world today, culture is something present in everyday life and is valued amongst many individuals. Culture is seldom missed when an individual sets out to take time and realize how diversified even the smallest of places can be.

Here at the Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey, California, tourists come from all over the world to experience some

This concept suggests that even though we may not agree with other cultures personal differences it is our job to stay objective. Within the realm of cultural relativity, there are limitations, as a society it, is known that not everything a culture does, or practices are morally acceptable and we have the responsibility to speak out against acts of immorality in the hopes of change (Introducing Anthropology: An Integrated Approach - 6/e (PDF).17). While I did not witness any acts of immorality during my observation, I did notice the way individuals dressed and behaved around one another, e.g. there was a middle eastern woman wearing a headdress and a boy across the way looked at her with a sense of fear. It was evident that based on what the boy had learned, that he now had a negative connotation with anyone he sees as associated with the middle eastern

That is, whether an action is right or wrong depends on the moral norms of the society in which it is practiced (Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, 2014). While I observed individuals coming and going, a Hispanic woman and her child walked up to a both offering samples of clam chowder, the little girl then proceeded to knock over a few things. The woman didn’t apologize to the hostess, nor did she pick up the mess her child had just made. The woman offering the samples was African American and it was clear it took all of her will power not to say anything. This was particularly interesting because even though the woman created a mess, she did not feel it was necessary to apologize or offer help with