How much do you think cultural traditions should change, or should we just keep quiet?

Question

Many negative things are preserved in the name of "traditions". I see it all around me, and many times we don't move a finger because "Hey, it is our or their traditions".

The tradition of the women in the house and the man earning the money

The tradition of men liking s*x but if women do they are ho's

The tradition of my religion against yours

Religious traditions that are centuries old

Traditions like this one:

"It's amazing the excuses some people will come out with. Take Pakistani politician Israr Ullah Zehri for example, who last week in Pakistan's senate tried to justify the so-called honour killings of five women by Baluch tribesmen by saying that: "These are centuries-old traditions, and I will continue to defend them." Zehri allegedly went on to tell the stunned parliament that they could spare him their outrage, and that "We will not let anyone interfere with this." His message to another politician who tried to raise the subject was to "keep quiet".

Keep quiet when five women have been beaten, shot, and then buried alive in a ditch? I don't think so".

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/sep/03/gender.pakistan?gusrc=rss&feed=worldnews

How positive or negative are these traditions? Don't you think they have to change?

Or is it simpler just to say nothing?

Answer 1

The tradition of the women in the house and the man earning the money - this isnt as commonplace in england as america. the kind of women that stay at home with kids full time are often upper classes or the council house end of spectrum. (this is evident in the 20 - 30 generation)

The tradition of men liking s*x but if women do they are ho's - this is not the case here. i have had s*x with many guys and so have most people. i have never been called any names. this is cause as a country we arent as religious as america

The tradition of my religion against yours - hence why organised religion is ridiculous (i am a Deist)

Religious traditions that are centuries old - (i dont know anyone that attends church and no one at my school attended church. never met many people that were that into religion

Answer 2

Just because something is traditional doesn't mean it's a good idea.

One of my old history teachers used to tell us a story about when Britain first colonized India.

Two British officers were walking around when they saw a crowd of natives around a funeral pyre. They were about to light it when the officers noticed a living woman tied to it.

"Hold it!" One shouted. "What is the meaning of this? What are you doing to this woman?"

"Oh, it's all right, officer. In our culture when a woman's husband dies, we burn her alive on the funeral pyre."

"I understand that's part of your culture." Said the same officer. "But we have a tradition too. When we see people about to burn widows alive... we arrest them!"

Sometimes it's better to say something.

Answer 3

Read Michael de Montaigne essay on "CHAPTER XXII——OF CUSTOM, AND THAT WE SHOULD NOT EASILY CHANGE A LAW RECEIVED"

Answer 4

They should at least change to the extent that basic human rights are guaranteed. If a woman wants to wear a hijab, that should be entirely up to her; no one should force it on her.

Answer 5

Presumably, traditions are designed to preserve a culture.  But I do believe we use the word 'tradition' far too liberally.  Your examples of women staying in the home and being labelled as 'hos' for sexual appetites are not traditions....they are merely commonly held lifestyles during certain eras.  

But the honour killings - they are traditions.  And truthfully, if a society wants to maintain a tradition such as this, to preserve its culture, then anyone outside that culture, sadly, must simply stay out of it.  It is up to the society itself, and the people, to decide upon their centuries old traditions.  Those who are unwilling to participate should leave the culture.  

Harsh?  Absolutely - and I realize that.  But I believe it to be the truth.  Unfortunately, we have far too many examples of 'outsiders' forcing themselves upon other cultures they deem outdated - and they rarely, if ever, end in good.

Answer 6

"Traditions" and "culture" are not excuses for murder.