What Does Get Some Culture Mean and

Why You Should Know!

 

So, if you’ve been following me, then you’ve seen this phrase “Get Some Culture.” If not, then where have you been??

Hopefully traveling and not living under a rock! 😛

So what does it mean?

Well, 2017 has been an interesting year in politics, race relations and the presidency. While this isn’t a political post, this is about cultural awareness, which includes the topic of politics.

There have been racist rallies like in Charlottesville, the spread of hate speech, and racists attacks on people of color and around the world. And, an abundance of misguided conversations across social media.

The Disconnect

Where is the disconnect? Why are we so separate in a world where it requires us to work together?

Tell me, when was the last time you treated yourself at the hospital or clinic? When did you service your own car? Flew your own plane? I’ll wait.

Through online research reviewing comments and conversations between different races, backgrounds, and countries, I theorize that there’s a lack of appreciation for culture.

Culture? Like art, dance, and music? The norms and behaviors of people groups? Pop culture? Symbols?

All of the above and more. I’m talking about food, what we wear, religion, and language. Even in the US, with more than 325 million people, each person is a representative of a specific culture. Live Science reports that “a new immigrant moves to the US every 33 seconds.” (Even with the US limiting the number of new immigrants). That’s a lot of cultures, eh?

Ready for Culture?

The customs, traditions, and values retained by your community, ethnic group or nation. US is special because there are so many cultures. But the conversations and actions that have been taking place seem to suggest that there is a lack of respect for them.

 Spread Culture, Not Hate

#GetSomeCulture is the response to that lack of respect. The formula:

Lack of knowledge (i.e. assumptions and stereotypes) +

Lack of culture (intolerance, no appreciation, isolation) =

HATE, RACISM (and other isms), DISCRIMINATION

Interacting with representatives of different cultures, spreading the love, appreciating, loving and accepting those for who they are, is what #GetSomeCulture is all about.

Spread Culture. Not Hate.

The more we engage with the world around us, the better.

And don’t be mistaken, just because you travel doesn’t mean you are engaging. Taking photos of tourist attractions don’t count. Who are you talking to? How are you engaging with the local culture and people?

Better yet, do you appreciate the people who are living in your neighborhood? At work? At your local grocery store? The local who doesn’t speak English, practice a different religion, has a darker skin tone?

What next?

So ask yourself, are you about that cultured life?

If you are, then you will:

1. Open your eyes. Open your mind. – If you think you can’t, you won’t.

2. Enlarge your territory – We can’t spread our culture or engage with it if we don’t pick up and go.

3. Appreciate Difference – We don’t all have to agree. We are different for a reason. Who would you be without the existence of others? Nobody (cue Keith Sweat)

4. Celebrate – There’s energy in positivity and acceptance of identity. Makes me want to scream!

5. MOST Importantly, DO GOOD!

If you’re about this life, be sure to join the Facebook group Get Some Culture movement. Ready?

What does Get Some Culture mean to you?

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