Exploring Cultural Identity Huntington Senocak A Fond Kiss

Exploring Cultural Identity Huntington Senocak A Fond Kiss

Huntington n n Look at the copyright date. Did Huntington correctly predict events? What has already come to pass, and what might still happen? What is useful to take from the article?

Definition of Civilization n “The highest cultural grouping of people and the boradest level of cultural identity people have short of that which distinguishes humans from other species. ”

Why do cultural conflicts occur? n n 1. Differences between civilizations are real and basic. 2. Globalization: the world is becoming smaller.

Why do cultural conflicts occur? n n 3. Process of modernization are separating people from their long-standing cultural identities. 4. Though the West is at the peak of its power, Non-Westerners increasingly have the desire, will, and resources to shape the world in non-West ways.

Why do cultural conflicts occur? n n 5. Cultural differences are harder to resolve than political and economic ones. 6. Economic regionalism is increasing. Culture and religion form the basis of economic cooperation.

West versus Non-West n n n Who is included? Why is there conflict? How can conflict be resolved?

Huntington’s West v. Non-West

Torn Countries n n What makes a “torn” country? What needs to be in place for resolution?

Torn Countries n A torn country is one where the population is split among large numbers of people who define themselves as belonging to different civilizations.

Factors for Resolving Torn Countries n n n 1. The political and economic elite have to support resolution. 2. The public has to be willing to be redefined. 3. The dominant groups in the recipient civilization have to be willing to embrace the convert.

General factors that contribute to conflict and inhibit resolution n n Religion Economics Geographic Boundaries Does Huntington list others?

Zafer Senocak n n Born 1961 in Ankara, Turkey Has lived in Germany since 1970 Leading voice in German discussions on multiculturalism Mediator between German and Turkish Culture

European Union Expansion

“Orient” and “Occident” n n n Define “Orient” and “Occident” How does Senocak’s characterization of this division compare with Huntington’s? Who/What is the Other?

The Concept of Culture n “When one speaks of ‘culture, ’ one is always speaking only of oneself. ” n “When one speaks of ‘cultural conflict, ’ one has reached the limits of one’s own concept of culture. ”

Senocak asks: The concept of “multiculturalism” wants to lend expression to the simultaneity of diverse cultures. But does the meaning of the word (culture) allow for a culture that is not multicultural? What do you think?

I want to know: n Does the language we use, the words we choose, affect the way we think? n Huntington would say: Senocak would say: Watch the film this week for language/word choices. n n

A Fond Kiss n n n Be sure to read the handout before watching the film. The study questions ask you to focus on particular aspects of the film as you watch. Most of the films are on reserve in the library. This one is not.