Final answer:
The statement by former U.S. ambassador James Day Hodgson comparing culture to a "thicket" is true, emphasizing the complexity and challenge in understanding different cultures but also the potential for success through effort and patience.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to James Day Hodgson, former U.S. ambassador to Japan, culture is like a "thicket" that is tough to get through, but effort and patience often lead to success. This statement is True. The metaphor of a 'thicket' suggests that culture is complex and challenging to navigate, which aligns with the understanding that cultures are intricate systems with multiple perspectives and contradictions. It also emphasizes the notion that although understanding different cultures can be difficult, perseverance can lead to enlightening and successful experiences within them.
Exploring different cultures requires acknowledging and appreciating this complexity. As seen through anthropological studies, such as those by Ruth Benedict, making generalizations or relying on a single perspective can lead to skewed conclusions. Instead, contemporary anthropologists aim to achieve a dynamic understanding by conducting thorough research across varied subgroups and regions, thereby grasping the multifaceted nature of culture.
The anecdote of Ken Barger's experience in an Inuit community illustrates how embracing and adapting to cultural values is both insightful and necessary. For Barger, understanding the cultural appreciation for effort over victory became a profound lesson, highlighting how cultural values are shaped by and adapt to local environmental challenges. This experience underscores the importance of cultural relativism when engaging with different societies.