To impose or not to impose..
The cultures (and economies) we encounter on the road are often severely overwhelmed, over-run, and generally over-dictated by the sorts of things we Americans value. The intensity and frequency of our collective travel as well as the inherent social hierarchy created by American wealth contribute to this state of affairs. What results is that a uniquely American perception of reality (and morality) tends to dominate those of other cultures in daily discourse, ultimately transforming their cultural identity to look a lot like ours.
To be clear, I view this as a bad thing. Thus, as we explore, Rachel and I are trying to engage in a sort of travel and life which seeks to exchange, not impose, our foreign values and perspectives on those we meet. However, we are simultaneously striving to live well according to the code of values we hold as Christians.
These aims (both ostensibly noble) come into conflict with one another more often than you might expect. Take this situation from Cuba for example:
We are in a developing country. A local (our tour guide, in fact) says something ‘offensive’ — the comment was a crass, prodding, approving reference to the machismo architectural design of a maternity clinic, built in the shape of a penis entering a vagina to demonstrate insemination and male dominance over the clinic and the women who use it. This type of comment is viewed as totally normal, acceptable, appropriate in the Cuban cultural context. Moreover, the architectural motif is actually quite common and more or less broadly appreciated in Latin America. In thinking of how to respond, I am struck by a paradox.
On one hand, we are guests in this country, here to learn about their culture, their system of education, their government, their people. I’m teaching a course on these topics and am hoping to learn (and help my students learn) from the good and the bad of the Cuban experiment. Ultimately, the goal is for us to consider what to apply and what to abandon back home in our own communities — particularly with regards to our educational system. We are not here to prosthelatize for liberal democratic sentiments of equality, inclusion, political correctness. Nor, do I believe it is the role of Christians to scold non-believers for their actions undertaken apart from the cohesive, unique narrative of Christ’s love and mercy.
If we were on such a crusade, our evangelism would certainly miss its mark (as this brand of evangelism usually does). And even if we were somehow successful in our miniature cultural conversion activities, wouldn’t we just be feeding into the anti-culture of western liberalism which is steadily efforting to transform all societies in its own image? Ok, ok. Perhaps that is over-stated or overly emotive, but on a micro-level, that’s what I’d be doing if I tried to amend this individual’s behavior. Right?
Alternatively, I am in Cuba leading a group of students from the university at which I am employed. My job in this moment (along with promoting their education) is to ensure their well being while on the trip. Should I really sit idly by as women are disenfranchised, mocked, diminished? I feel strongly the desire to stand with the vulnerable, the oppressed. And, while that group includes people from traditional societies whose cultures are being marginalized by western materialism and cultural imperialism, it also includes — quite prominently — women. There are 8 undergraduate women on the trip and I’d be shirking my duties as a trip leader if I missed an opportunity to stand up for their well being. Right?
Of course, there is also the argument that ‘what is best’ for my students is for them toughen up, to learn to deal with opinions contrary to their own.
…Ok, that’s valid.
But, who am I to decide whether it is appropriate for the young women on this trip to be subjected to these comments which would certainly not be socially acceptable in their home contexts?
Sorry to disappoint, but I am not about to spend pages upon pages debating this question with myself. I am legitimately at a loss.
The situation is now several weeks in the past. I am asking God for wisdom as this certainly won’t be the last time I’m faced with such a moral impasse. Would love to be encouraged by your thoughts as well. Feel free to post below or message me privately.
