Answer:
The question of whether cultures are different only in their details is a complex and multifaceted one, with a range of opinions and perspectives. In exploring this question, it is important to consider the assumptions and beliefs that underlie cultural differences, including those related to gender, class, religion, race, and the body.
One selection in this unit that offers a rich source of insight into these assumptions is the short story "Everyday Use" by Alice Walker. In this story, we see the contrasting attitudes and beliefs of two sisters, Dee and Maggie, towards their family heritage and cultural traditions. Dee, who has embraced a more mainstream, Westernized lifestyle, views her family's cultural artifacts and practices as quaint relics of the past, while Maggie holds deep reverence for these same items as tangible links to her ancestors and heritage.
One of the key assumptions about culture that is revealed in "Everyday Use" is the idea that cultural traditions and practices are intimately connected to one's class and social status. Dee, who has achieved a higher level of education and success than Maggie, views her cultural heritage as something that is quaint and backwards, while Maggie, who has fewer opportunities and resources, sees it as a source of pride and identity.
Another assumption that is highlighted in "Everyday Use" is the idea that cultural practices and beliefs are closely tied to gender roles and expectations. Dee, as a young, educated woman, is expected to reject her traditional, rural upbringing and embrace a more modern, individualistic lifestyle, while Maggie, who is more traditional and domestic, is expected to maintain the family's cultural traditions and values.
The poem "Sweet Like a Crow" by Michael Ondaatje also offers some insights into the assumptions and beliefs that underlie cultural differences. In this poem, Ondaatje explores the complex relationship between identity and physical appearance, using the metaphor of a crow to represent the ways in which people are judged and categorized based on their appearance and social status.
Overall, it is clear that cultures are not simply different in their details, but are shaped by a complex array of beliefs, values, and assumptions that are deeply ingrained in our individual and collective psyches. By exploring these assumptions through literature and poetry, we can gain a deeper understanding of the rich tapestry of human culture and the ways in which it shapes our lives and identities.