Culture and Society

Zehra Zaidi

Professor Reynolds

SOC 120

21 March 2017

Culture and Society

        Imagine living in a world where everyone was the same, a world where no one had any defining qualities or differences. One of the many things that defines who we are is Culture. It is what makes everyone different from each other. It makes everyone unique. Within each culture, there are different values, norms, symbols, and languages. Values are what help guide a culture in their everyday life. Norms are essentially the standards of a culture, what is expected of a person. Each culture has different symbols that represent important events in their culture. And of course within each culture, there are different ways people communicate with one another. Without culture, we would all be more or less the indifferent.

        I have always believed my culture, is a bit more conservative than mainstream American culture. Both of my parents were born in Pakistan. My mother grew up in Dubai and my father grew up in Canada, so their childhoods were not exactly the same, but their culture was because they are both Muslim. Being raised in a Pakistani household is a little different than being raised in an American one. Religion has a lot to do with our culture as it sets up many of the values and norms that are expected growing up. Being raised in this environment always made me feel somewhat different from my peers throughout my grade school experience. Although they were accommodating of my values, I was still different.

        To start out, we always have to dress more conservatively. Both males and females have to make sure before they leave the house, that their shoulders are covered and their pants cover their knees. For girls, as they age, it is suggested that cover up more and wear only loose clothing that doesn't show off any specific features. This would be considered a norm in my culture. Another defining difference would be that dating prohibited until marriage. This means you can only go on "dates" after you are married with your spouse. Which leads into Muslim females only being allowed to marry Muslim males while Muslim males are allowed to marry a women of another religion as long as she is a virgin and it is also suggested that she converts over. We are also strictly prohibited from drinking any alcohol or eating anything contain pork because it is considered impure. Morals are very important in our culture, so breaking any of the norms and values we have is considered sin and will be punished for in the after life. As for symbols, Mecca is considered very scared and should be talked about in a negative manner. The mats that are used to pray towards mecca are also sacred and should never be stepped on unless used for praying. Most importantly, our holy book is highly respected and should never be on the ground or on the same level as our feet. It is very clear that Pakistani/Muslim culture is quite different from American culture in the values and norms aspect.