When We Say Goodbye to Traditions, What Do We Lose?
Yes, what do we lose?
Traditions overboard us.
But as societies evolve, we often say goodbye to these old practices. This can happen by choice or necessity. What do we gain from this cultural shift, and more importantly, what do we lose?
If I talk about astrology, imagine Pluto’s final dip into Capricorn. It would happen before it settles in Aquarius. It’s like putting away old toys and stepping into a new phase of life.
Getting people to care about discrimination and sexism took a lot of noise. Jumping up and down and shouting about these injustices was necessary. Now, we’ve all become aware. People often use the terms “patriarchy” and “colonialism” in casual conversations. But they usually have only a vague understanding. Stating “the patriarchy is bad” or “colonialism sucked” isn’t enough anymore. We need to adapt and offer significant insights.
Think about the academic works and public discourse. They dwell on how awful everything is without delving into more profound meanings. I skimmed a scholarly book on racism and sexism in Shakespeare. It was a collection of “this word is bad” examples. A review of Dr. Charlotte Riley’s book sparked controversy. The book is called “A History of Empire in Modern Britain”. Critics disliked it for lacking context and focusing only on negatives. The author accused the reviewer of sexism, just an attempt to deflect criticism.
Let’s move past this. It’s time for more nuanced conversations that go beyond surface-level grievances.
We’ve tolerated a system in which a single person reaps the rewards of collective work. Consider Beyoncé. She has faced criticism for not crediting the choreographers. They are artists and musicians. She uses their work. She only does so when public pressure forces her. Her justification was always that she brought attention to these contributors. But attention isn’t enough; they deserve credit and compensation.
Another example is Drake’s OVO label, described as a sweatshop for young talent. They coerce them into signing bad contracts.
It’s pathetic to hear writers lament. They say no one reads or values the humanities. The university system hiked tuition fees — this buried students in debt for the privilege of studying Kierkegaard. The publishing industry focused on a narrow audience, alienating most readers.
The rise of professionalism in the arts has led to a smaller audience and uninspired creative output. Accept your lower cultural status. Stop blaming others for not engaging with the intellectual elite’s work. People who haven’t met the average person in years should stop writing op-eds. They can’t talk about the importance of art.
Seriously, enough with the merchandise. Writers and artists shouldn’t churn out pollution-generating tote bags and T-shirts. Selling out might have seemed okay, but it’s time to admit the experiment has failed. Artists act as brands. They reduce their admirers to mere customers. This turns the gift economy into a nightmare of late capitalism.
Audience members, stop treating artists like product creators. They don’t have to satisfy your every whim. Let creativity flourish without the constraints of consumer expectations.
The arts became more professional. This brought an expectation that public figures should follow corporate conduct standards. There’s a difference between causing harm and simply being unconventional. Ignore the social media witch hunts. They label writers as problematic based on flimsy accusations. Influential people evade blame. Newcomers and outsiders bear the brunt of cancel culture.
We don’t need a moral framework to declare a book or movie wrong. Just say it’s terrible. People run the art and literature worlds out of fear of ruining their chances at publication. This apprehension led to mediocre works receiving undue attention. Let’s be honest about quality without resorting to hand-wringing over political correctness.
America’s cultural dominance is fading, and that’s okay.
We used to have an inferiority complex about France, which pushed us to be better. Now, we need to embrace humility and learn from other cultures. American book prizes shouldn’t control global tastes. We must admit our falling status and look abroad for inspiration.
When we say goodbye to traditions, we must acknowledge the process. It’s not about letting go of old practices; it’s also about adapting to new realities. This transition can bring gains and losses, each affecting our lives.
Traditions provide a sense of stability and comfort. They ground us in a familiar routine, offering a framework for life’s milestones. We often feel a sense of loss and disorientation when these traditions fade. For example, think about how family gatherings during the holidays have changed.
Specific rituals, foods, and practices mark these events in many cultures. Generations have passed them down. Keeping these traditions can become burdensome. This is as life gets busier and more spread out.
Growing up, my family celebrated a unique New Year’s Eve tradition. We’d gather at my grandparents’ house. Each family member would write their hopes and plans for the following year. We would store these notes in a special box to open on the next New Year’s Eve. As our family grew and spread across the country, this tradition became harder to uphold. The first year we couldn’t gather, I felt an immense sense of loss. It wasn’t just about missing the event and losing part of our family’s identity and continuity.
Saying goodbye to rigid traditions can open the door to flexibility and innovation. In contrast, keeping them cannot. Adaptability allows us to adapt practices. We change them to fit our lives and values better. This adaptability can empower us. It gives us the freedom to create new traditions that are more inclusive and relevant.
Consider the evolving nature of wedding ceremonies. Traditional weddings often follow a set pattern of rituals and customs. However, many couples today choose to personalize their ceremonies. They add elements from different cultures. Or they create new rituals reflecting their unique relationship. This shift allows for more meaningful and memorable experiences. The designer tailors the designs to match the couple’s identity and values.
Traditions play a crucial role in preserving cultural identity. They give us to our heritage and provide a sense of belonging to a larger community. Losing or altering these traditions can weaken cultural ties and dilute identity.
Also, indigenous communities worldwide have faced colossal pressure.
They have been pushed to abandon their traditional practices in favor of modernization.
External forces have pushed them to give up their old practices. They did this in favor of modernization.
This often results in the loss of cultural knowledge. For centuries, people passed down the knowledge and practices. Reviving these traditions is vital. It keeps our global heritage diverse and rich.
Technology has a dual role in the transition away from traditions. On one hand, it can erode traditional practices by promoting a fast, global lifestyle. This lifestyle often values convenience over heritage. But technology can also be a powerful tool. It can help keep traditions alive and bring them back.
Social media platforms and digital archives provide a space for sharing. They also offer a space for celebrating cultural practices. People with a shared heritage can connect through online communities. They can do so even if they are far apart.
Virtual and augmented reality are immersive. They can bring traditional practices to life in new and engaging ways.
Virtual reality is preserving traditional dance forms. It lets people experience and learn them even without direct access to a cultural community. This technological innovation ensures that conventional art forms thrive in the digital age.
Adding traditional knowledge to curricula can foster students’ deeper appreciation for culture. It will include the knowledge and practices of their heritage. At the same time, it can encourage innovation and critical thinking.
Thanks for taking the time to read. I’d like to hear your perspective.
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