x is acceptable because x has always occurred... Very dangerous argument...

I was watching an episode of the depressing series called 'Benidorm'. Some of the characters were on a coach trip to see a bull fight. One lady was morally opposed to such barbary, but her boyfriend gave a wonderful speech about the ancient Spanish tradition... She fell for it hook line and sinker... His argument was 'cultural relativism'...

If an individual believes that everything that happens around the world is a mere cultural variant, therefore should be respected, then they are justifying every inhumane or cruel act that has ever occurred.

Cultural relativism leaves many things unchallenged, like the disgusting massacre of whales in the Faroe Islands:



Why do we allow such sickening behaviour? What are we scared of? People who challenge such things are accused of not understanding and respecting the cultural differences of others.

Want to see some more barbary? Still want to argue the respect of traditions just because they have always been so, well as far as people can remember?




The argument from cultural relativism is as follows: x is acceptable because x has always occurred as far as a cultural group can remember... This is it! Pure and simple. When you look at the torture going on all around the world, isn't it silly that this can be justified by such a basic circular argument.

If you are arguing on the basis of such an argument then consider what else you are justifying:

1) The murder of men and women around the world on the basis of their sexuality. Justified on religious and cultural grounds. Homosexuality has always been met with the death penalty, therefore, it is fine to continue.
2) Female genital mutilation. A culturally justified practice. Female genital mutilation has always occurred in many parts of the world as a coming of age ceremony, therefore it is fine to continue. (Coming of age? Torture and rape are more accurate descriptions of such practices.)

What silly arguments.