Understanding Culture's Role

In this discussion, I aim to express my reflections on culture, specifically how national and ethnic perspectives shape our worldview. My intention is not to persuade anyone but simply to share my thoughts. I will begin with a broad overview and then follow the logical progression of the narrative.

The central premise here is that culture is fundamentally unable to defend itself against violence. Culture, as I perceive it, involves the transmission of worldviews and self-perceptions across generations. The foundation of culture lies in human communication—our interpretations of life, death, and the world around us. It’s not driven by politics, state power, or economic factors, but rather by the interactions between individuals. This communication is precisely what is susceptible to destruction.

Control over culture, which includes how individuals understand themselves and interact with one another, equates to the ability to seize and retain power. This leads me to the assertion that culture cannot shield itself from violent incursions. For instance, culture can be likened to a river; once it forms, it flows continuously. However, if someone decides to build a dam or redirect its course, the river has no means to resist. Similarly, if a group seeks to forcibly alter a culture through violence and possesses the necessary resources, that culture stands little chance of survival.

In any society, warriors may exist, but they typically represent a small fraction of the population. When a powerful entity has the means to recruit a formidable military and corrupt leaders, the dissolution of a culture is almost guaranteed. No culture has ever vanished solely due to a natural evolution of thought or feeling; rather, they have faced extinction through acts of violence.

Historical examples abound—Ancient Greece, Ancient Egypt, the Roman Empire, as well as the cultures that once thrived in Scandinavia, Great Britain, the Americas, and many others have faced destruction through violent acts. Some might argue that this was a natural outcome of their own violent histories or social Darwinism, but I contend that such reasoning does not justify the destruction of cultures that occurred.

Interestingly, the ancient Greeks and Romans, though conquerors of many lands, did not seek to obliterate the cultures they encountered. They often allowed local customs and worldviews to persist while establishing their own governance. Furthermore, they learned from those they dubbed “barbarians,” a term that simply means outsiders.

A provocative question emerges: What long-standing religious ideology, birthed within the Roman Empire, sought to eradicate all differing cultures?

This brings me to a complex conclusion: the authentic cultural entities have largely vanished. A notable exception might be the Jewish culture, and perhaps, to some extent, Chinese culture, though this observation carries significant caveats.

For the (proto-)Slavic peoples, their culture began to face systematic destruction during the so-called “baptism of Russia,” a brutal and violent campaign lasting three centuries. What is often referred to as "Russian culture"—including architectural landmarks from the 13th and 14th centuries, as well as the works of poets and artists—are products of a post-cultural adaptation rather than genuine cultural expressions. This represents a mere shadow of what once was, with remnants that barely survive today, while the essence of the original culture has been irrevocably lost.

It is crucial to distinguish that the artistic contributions of Russian authors like Dostoevsky or Pushkin do not equate to the survival of Russian culture. Culture is about the shared meanings and communications among people, not merely the modes of expression employed.

To reiterate, culture transcends politics, economics, and statehood; it is rooted in human communication and the understanding of meanings encoded in language. My reflections apply to the cultures of all nations. While some fear globalization, it is essential to recognize that this homogenization has long been underway, resulting in the steady erosion of distinct cultures. Current globalization merely reflects technical advancements in economics and politics rather than a meaningful cultural exchange.

The concept of territorial integrity, which some citizens obsess over, holds little significance without a cultural backbone. Humanity has shared a common cultural experience for the past 1500 years.

Chapter 1: The Essence of Culture

Culture's Role in Communication

Culture is fundamentally about how individuals communicate and find meaning in their existence.

Chapter 2: Historical Perspectives on Cultural Destruction

The first video title is How to Handle Toxic Customers and Protect Company Culture - YouTube. This video discusses strategies for maintaining a positive company culture amidst challenging interactions and protecting the values that define an organization.

The second video title is Racist Remarks by Officers and APD's 'Culture of Aggression' - YouTube. This video examines systemic issues within a police department's culture and the impact of aggressive behavior on community relations.