Non-Western CUltures and Decentering Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Non-Western CUltures and Decentering - Essay Example This gave them advantage over non-westerners in terms of political, military, and economic power. Compared to the modernity of the west, non-western cultures were not able to match up when it comes to technology and communication. As a result, western influence has dominated other cultures. First, there was colonization; which means that western countries expand their territories by occupying indigenous lands. Because of this, westerners were able to further expand their power, profit, and most importantly, they were able to exert their influence over other non-western nations. As western nations progress, non-western cultures struggle to held on to their ways and tradition. In a way, the people become resistant to change and modification of their own culture. Their ways and values handed down from generation to generation were simply incompatible with what the westerners introduce. However, the struggle against western influence had become futile as it cannot be helped that non-western nations are dominated by the west’s influence. The decentering of culture happens when non-western cultures are unable to preserve their cultural identities as a result of foreign influence. Prior to the arrival of the Europeans, African culture was already established throughout the region. Rich traditions and cultural practices were already observed within the African community. While Africans live differently from Europeans, they were able establish a unique civilization in villages which are inhabited by families and village leaders. African culture is characterized by rich display of music, art, and dance. Sayre (2010) described African dance celebrations as the â€Å"stages of human development, the passing of the seasons or stages of the agricultural year†. This means that African nations were agriculturally developed and they do not need to expand their territories for food. Moreover, Hermitt