Defining Culture

Culture is the universal idea that ties us together and sets us apart.  Culture is learned, acquired, and developed.  It defines an individual and determines one's place in the world. Culture is a living, breathing idea that envelopes the entire world in every aspect.  The way people eat, sleep, worship, build relationships, and even think is defined within the confines of their culture.  A individual has an unique culture but similar mannerisms and shared customs create the community that further develops the culture into something beyond a single person, which gives the culture strength, breathes life into it, and ensures the survival for future generations.  

Today, there is so much of the world to see and experience so ideally a person who is "cultured" has traveled to many different countries.  However, because of the influence of technology, so many aspects that are unique to certain areas of the globe are now easily accessible to a greater audience.  Therefore, in order to become "cultured" travel is becoming less of a requirement. 

In an excerpt from Andrei Codrescu’s “What is Culture?” he defines culture as,

“It’s shorthand for atmosphere, only instead of vapor and clouds, it’s made of thoughts, ideas, people and operating procedures.”

This quote resonated with me because I love the idea the culture is an “atmosphere”.  Its everywhere, but in each country, city, home, there is a different atmosphere and different ways of behaving and living.  Culture is beautiful and intangible but entirely necessary for one’s walk through life.   Culture gives a person a sense of belonging and continues to define the individual.  These are essential elements with deep roots that are difficult to alter and exchange once planted.  

Culture is the beautiful, ever-changing, constant, presence that is imperative to society and a great part of humanity that, although intangible, impacts everyone in ways beyond comprehension.