East & Western Culture

East Culture and the Western Culture. What a very interesting topic to ponder upon. My good friend Sze told me that I should write about this after much concern on Pre-Marital Sex. Well there are numerous things I could say to differentiate these two cultures. Conversely, to state the pros’ and cons’ of these two crucial cultures is a bit thorny. Why?? Because I as a Malaysian probably for example, might find Western Culture influencing our day to day life in Malaysia. Therefore, I sustain to stand on neither field.

I would like to talk about Malaysia and its culture, corresponding towards the East Culture. Malaysia as we know is undeniably a multi-racial country. Because of the multi-racial dynamic, Malaysia is well known for its beautiful, momentous, and exotic culture, principles, social norms and values. Nevertheless what’s the main question here? It is not about the outstanding festivals we celebrate, but exactly how is it different than the Westerns’? Festivals can still be celebrated no matter where you are. But it is the principles, the norms and values that tend to differ from an individual to a society.

I have seen people talking and whispering about one person’s attitude or behavior to another. Take a look at the following conversation:-

Grace : Wa! Your daughter so modern want ah! Wearing mini skirt all!
Devi : What to do? After watching that movie, “Mean Girls” she also wants to wear
sexy sexy!
Grace : Oh!! Just like the Westerners!
Devi : Ya!

We as Malaysians tend to blame the Western Culture if a certain someone changes its’ roots and personality or behavior, to mention a few. Why? Because, adults have been brought up in a given set of principles and values that we Malaysians’ are sort of bound to follow. And when one child changes them, the parents, aunties or uncles blames the upbringing and also the Western culture influences.

Now as an individual, we all have our freedom to opt to any culture we desire. If I think Malaysian Culture is what I want to tag along, then I track along the principles, values and the norms. But if you opt to choose Western Culture, you can go ahead! There is absolutely no harm in that at all. But to a guardian, if a child or kin changes his or her roots to something far more different then what they have been practicing, it is hard to let go and be reasonable. But understanding is the key to this matter. Like for the Hindus’, a young girl is not suppose to hang out with bachelors or any guys once they are matured, neither are they allowed to wear mini skirts, short dresses, sleeveless tops or a two piece swimming attire. But the Western Culture does not pay much attention to this detail probably because it’s nothing but just an individual’s significant signature fashion sense no matter whether they are young, old, amateur or matured! There is such vast difference to this. It is as how we all have different opinions and thoughts about so many things, so does the culture.

Like the dialogue above, maybe Devi’s daughter is just following part of the Western Culture, but it doesn’t mean she has forgotten her mother roots. She is still able to follow certain other values but she has her own options in other sense. Therefore, there is actually no debate to the western and east culture topic. But as I’ve mentioned before, I am supporting neither sides. However, if you are in a Malaysian Bench, wanting to debate this topic, then there’ll be a lot to mention and say from your point of view against the Westerners point of view.

But as for now, I can only say that each culture has its own uniqueness. We are not in power to say which culture is the best nor the worst. Every culture is like a wild jungle, filled with amazing creatures and beings, filled with exotic flowers which vary in colors and species, filled with warmth and tender, filled with a direction of righteousness, filled with its own exclusivity.

In Conclusion, I love both the cultures very much and I find both cultures equally interesting.