Culture of India

Indian Culture is something that I know very little about, but through this blog I hope to open my eyes to new knowledge and become more familiar with how an individual in the Indian culture might view human dignity.

Similar to the American Culture, Human Dignity in the Indian Culture is something to be proud of, and something people aim to keep hold of. However, a difference is that in America it seems as though we control our own dignity. The actions that we choose to take part in, and the decisions that we go through with make up our dignity and most times make up how other people view us. In the Indian Culture it seems that one's dignity is decided by the government, or the lack thereof. Because India is an underdeveloped country individuals do not have the opportunities that we has American's have, to maintain jobs, and create wealth for our families. These are only examples, and there are many other things that we American's take for granted.  An article I read stated, "...starvation deaths, caste atrocities, overwhelming corruption, police brutality and extraordinary delays in judicial procedures are the daily fare of countless Indians". The article seemed to blame the government for these issues meaning that because of its lack of organization and social power they are not able to control the people which then leads to poor living conditions for the entire country. The government says that the population is just too big to handle, but when one considers China, and its size, its clear that this can't be the reason why. 

After researching the Indian Culture it is clear to me that Human Dignity is no doubt global, but I'm still not sure if it is  100% Universal. Of course the concept of human dignity is universal, but the actual dignity itself I feel can be obtained in different ways. Different cultures and even different individuals seek to obtain it in different ways. In the American culture I feel that some individuals feel more dignified by helping others, while some need to have a well paying job and provide for their family. In India it seems that survival itself almost dignifies a person. Therefore I feel that Human Dignity is everywhere, and all cultures have a view of it, but how they obtain it, and who their lives are controlled by have a very large affect.
 





sources:
http://www.ahrchk.net/statements/mainfile.php/2006statements/661/