Universal Traits Among The World Throughout Humanity ✓ Solved

Universal traits among the world Throughout the entire human

Throughout the entire human history, people have never stopped debating about the issue of “what universal traits is”. A universal trait is the term to describe that every individual is sharing the same cultural background worldwide. However, for most people around the world their opinions toward “universal trait” are not balanced. According to the author Ethan Watter’s “Being Weird: How Culture Shapes the Mind”, Kwame Appiah’s articles “Making Conversation” and “The Primacy of Practice”, all of these articles are discussing about the universal traits but with a different view of it. Though people may come from different backgrounds, each person has his right to form their own recognition of the world in three ways: education, changing perspective of stereotypes and the conviction of human rights.

Appiah mentioned in his article “Making Conversation” that under this diverse world, the key to become “cosmopolitan” is “globalized”. However, under the current society, it is hard for people to abandon their own background and fit in the world stage. The way to better solve this problem is through education. Education is the key to unlock the barriers between all odds around the world. “One is the idea that we have obligations to others, obligations that stretch beyond those to whom we are related by the ties of kith and kind, or even the more formal ties of a shared citizenship. The other is that we take seriously the value not just of human life but of particular human lives, which means taking an interest in the practices and beliefs that lend them significance.” One of education's responsibilities is to teach people how to be responsible citizens in any given society. For example, the existence of law is to preventing people from making mistakes. Since the world has never been this globalized before, changing perspective of stereotype is necessary for diversified society. “It’s generally agreed that all of us see the world in ways that are sometimes socially and culturally constructed, that pluralism is good, and that ethnocentrism is bad.” It is all agreed that currently international interaction play a major role in all society, thus, it is important to recognize people from different backgrounds and places.

It was found that where you grew up, and your culture affected how drastically the illusion was seen. Results reported Americans struggling the most to see identical lines. Understanding different cultures and traditions could help you be open-minded in order to become globalized. It had previously been assumed that Western culture was a good basis for human similarities. “The very way we think…makes us distinct from other humans on the planet.” The lack of cross-cultural research has led to wide misunderstandings about humankind. Scientists must reevaluate the way they think about the human brain, because it is not as universal as it was once thought to be. “To avoid stereotyping,… qualities might be. Challenge liberal arts graduates on their appreciation of cultural diversity and you’ll often find them retreating to the anodyne notion that under the skin everyone is really alike.” Within the different cultures and traditions, the illusion of individuals might be limited under local humanity. Even though we sometimes did not realize the limitation, we should not be constrained by it. In retrospect through human history, the conviction of human right has only been raised in the recent 100 years-- along with the development of society, people’s awareness of the value of human rights have increased as well.

With all the discussions from Kwame Appiah and Ethan Watter, people’s awareness of their human rights. “Because there are so many human possibilities worth exploring, we neither expect nor desire that every person or every society should converge on a single mode of life.” In “Making Conversation”, “cosmopolitan” is the keyword throughout the whole article. However, the reason why people have the confidence and strength to talk about this is because the higher the education people receive, the deeper the truth people will dig in, and human rights is the answer they will get. “As we’ll see, there will be times when these two ideals — universal concern and respect for legitimate difference — clash. There’s a sense in which cosmopolitanism is the name not of the solution but of the challenge.” Not surprisingly, that “cosmopolitan” could only be a goal for the current society, it would be almost impossible within the 50 years, some human nature which we were born with could never be pure sacrifice, without any selfishness.

In conclusion, education could help people see the world, changing perspective of the ordinary stereotype could bring people a broader illusion of this world, and having a conviction of human rights gives people confidence to ensure their meaning of this world. Appiah and Watter are both discussing the universal traits, about whether people with different background share similar traits or not. The answer is yes, even though people with different backgrounds, different cultures, different perspectives of morality, but we are all citizens of the same world. “Conversation doesn’t have to lead to consensus about anything, especially not values; it is enough that it helps people get used to one another.”

Paper For Above Instructions

The exploration of universal traits across diverse cultures raises critical questions about the nature of humanity and the underlying threads that connect individuals from disparate backgrounds. As previously highlighted, Appiah emphasizes the importance of education in fostering a cosmopolitan view. This perspective suggests that global citizenship entails not only an understanding of one’s cultural context but also an appreciation for the shared experiences and values that bind humanity together. Therefore, education must extend beyond traditional curricula, fostering critical thinking skills and encouraging open dialogues that promote empathy and understanding.

The changing perspective of stereotypes plays a vital role in this discussion. Stereotypes often stem from a lack of understanding and exposure to diverse cultures, leading to misguided beliefs about others. Watter's exploration of how culture shapes perception underscores the necessity of challenging ingrained beliefs and recognizing the complexity of human behavior. In this context, promoting cultural awareness through education can help dismantle stereotypes and foster more inclusive societies. Educational institutions should prioritize programs that celebrate diversity and encourage intercultural dialogue amongst students, nurturing a sense of global citizenship.

Additionally, the conviction of human rights is fundamental to advancing universal traits. Historical developments over the last century have shaped our understanding of rights, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and respecting the dignity of every individual. Appiah's assertion that we do not expect all societies to converge on a single way of life reflects a growing recognition of the value of diversity. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights serves as a cornerstone in this discourse, underlining our shared commitment to protecting individual rights irrespective of cultural differences. Advocating for human rights thus becomes a universal trait that transcends cultural boundaries, reinforcing the notion that despite our differences, we share a common humanity.

Moreover, as the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the challenges of globalization demand that we cultivate a cosmopolitan mindset capable of embracing difference while advocating for universality. Individuals must learn to navigate the tension between respecting diverse practices and striving for a shared ethical framework. Continuous engagement in conversations about universal traits facilitates understanding and fosters goodwill among individuals, promoting social cohesion in an increasingly polarized world.

In addressing these complex issues, we must consider the role of narratives in shaping our understanding of universal traits. Cultural stories and myths influence how we perceive ourselves and others; they provide frameworks through which we interpret behaviors and beliefs. Encouraging the exploration of diverse narratives allows individuals to appreciate the shared human experiences that resonate across cultures, ultimately fostering a deeper understanding of our collective humanity. As such, education must integrate cross-cultural narratives and historical contexts to foster empathy and broaden horizons.

Finally, the pursuit of universal traits is not merely an academic endeavor; it holds real-world implications for how we engage with others in our multifaceted society. Engaging with others who may harbor different perspectives or beliefs requires a deliberate effort toward understanding and acceptance. By fostering empathy and learning through engagement, individuals can bridge the divide created by cultural differences, moving towards a future characterized by widespread mutual respect and understanding.

References

• Appiah, K. A. (2006). Making Conversation. In Cosmopolitanism: Ethics in a World of Strangers.
• Watter, E. (2013). Being Weird: How Culture Shapes the Mind. In The New York Review of Books.
• United Nations. (1948). Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
• Huntington, S. P. (1996). The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order.
• Fukuyama, F. (1992). The End of History and the Last Man.
• Sen, A. (1999). Development as Freedom.
• Nussbaum, M. C. (1997). Cultivating Humanity: A Classical Defense of Reform in Liberal Education.
• Holliday, A., & Kearney, A. (2008). Teaching and Researching: Language and Culture.
• Shweder, R. A., & Hashmi, A. (2001). The Cultural Psychology of Development: The Search for Universal Structures.
• Tarum, B. (2010). Globalization and Education: A Critical Perspective.