Let's start with a definition because definitions are hard to argue with.
By multiple online dictionaries, civilization is defined as a high functioning state of human social development and organization. Basically a civilization is an organized society.
So although an African village civilization may look like this
and an American village civilization may look like this
by my definition both settings are equally civilized because they both have organized social structures and are making advancements in their societies.
But you may say, "Ha. We're much more civilized because we have art movements, i-phones, and college." This brings me to the danger that lies in comparisons. Yes, if one chooses to measure degree of civilization by advancements in the arts and sciences, the western world is more "civilized" than the average African village. Yet this comparison is pointless because the two settings are so different that they cannot be compared in such a way. Advancements just show up in different ways. An African villager may come up with an ingenious way to patch roofs with palm leaves while an American technician creates a new gameboy. Both advancements are brilliant but each advancement is completely useless to the other setting. This brings me to my main point: when two places are as different as a village in Africa is to the modern western world, comparisons are absolutely useless in making an argument. Each place is civilized in their own fashion, but who are we to claim that one way is better than another?
Also before I draw this lengthy blog post to a close I must point out that referring to a place as "uncivilized" could be seen as highly offensive. Yes, you may have statistics and equations and solid reasoning for your claim, but the fact remains that "uncivilized" is seen in the eyes of many as being a synonym for "barbaric", "chaotic" and "savage". "Civilized" bring to mind intelligence, while the word "uncivilized" bring to mind stupidity. Words carry great meaning and this is no one's fault. It just means that one has to tread lightly when using certain words, so that people can fully understand the point you're trying to make without being offended by hidden word connotations.
I'm sorry for the swear word, Ms. Pyle! The image was too good not to put in!
I agree with you, Anneka- with basically every word you said. We have talked about this in sociology in our past units and I'm very glad you brought it up because it is an important thing to remember. There is a danger that lies in ethnocentrism and it allows for people to find their culture, their society, much more superior than another, which is something I believe to be very arrogant. Civilization is civilization, and as you mentioned, there is only one basic definition to the word.
ReplyDeleteI think your points are solid. I especially appreciate that you brought up how innovation takes shape in different ways in different places in the world. I think it is so important to see that every place has its struggles and its victories. In terms of problems, here there may be fewer cases of cholera and starvation than some other country, but instead we struggle with issues like morbid obesity, pollution, and greed. Its really hard to compare our problems and successes with parts of the world that are simply different than us.
ReplyDeleteGood job on this post. I also wrote a lot about the dangers in comparisons. I also really appreciate how you also wrap connotation into this. I hate when people use labels too liberally, especially by making implications that a word like "uncivilized" could mean "unintelligent." I feel like these connotations are being used excessively, almost like an umbrella term for the majority of African society. This is hugely unfair, and I'm glad you pointed it out.
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