Culture is an aspect that can both define and isolate us. It has the ability to not only make us unique and different, but also simultaneously serve as a barrier between one culture to another; however, this isn't as much of a problem as most may say. I think this barrier is a test on character. If we, as human beings, are capable of climbing past this barrier and learn something new, then that, in itself, is proof of our versatility and capability of acceptance.
On a personal level, I am a mix of cultures. Coming from a family born and raised in the Soviet Union that moved to Italy, Austria, and finally here, I have Russian blood in me, intermixed with the American ways of life. If my parents were able to pick up their belongings and a suitcase and travel to a foreign land (as glorious and exaggerated as it sounds), both assimilating into this new culture and keeping some of their own traditions, then why can't we do the same and accept it?
When looking at all the death and war plaguing the world around us, it is clear this isn't because the Arab world has gone mad or because America is greedy, or anything of the like; in fact, it is because we are still having trouble accepting and diversifying. We travel some place and expect everyone to speak the same language and have the same ideals, and are surprised when this isn't the case. The extremists are appalled to learn we don't share the same religious beliefs as we do, and respond in a way that threatens the safety of every nation.
In an ideal society, culture will bring us together, but for the time being, it still separates us.
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