Cultural diversity: Embracing the difference
21st May is the World Day for Cultural Diversity. The United Nations established this day to enhance our understanding and acceptance of different cultures. Besides the cultural differences that exist between people, there are also variations in the way societies organise themselves, and in their shared conception of morality. Bridging the gap between cultures for peace and development will be vital for the long-term survival of humanity. Unesco in its Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity asserted - cultural diversity is as necessary for humankind, as biodiversity is for nature
Curated By: Madhu Kapparath
Sociologists concur on the negative effect of globalisation on the world’s cultural diversity. Information and capital are transcending geographical boundaries with the development of technology and reshaping the relationships between the marketplace, states and citizens. With information being so easily distributed throughout the world, a homogenised ‘look’ or ‘taste’ or ‘value’ is swiftly announced as the benchmark to aspire to, globally. Take the example of increasing cultural preeminence of the United States through the widespread distribution of its products in film, television, music, clothing; or its consumer products - say, a burger or a pizza - that is virtually standardised on the planet now.
