Resolving cultural differences peacefully

Meerut, India, February 01 — Like religion, culture is a vital subject of human life. Culture occupies an important place in people's lives. Culture introduces the good human inclinations, ideas, growth and activities of an individual, society or nation in the best possible manner to the rest of the world. People's level of advancement is judged through their culture. We never hear about someone doing something disgraceful and then having his act accepted by the world as cultured. Any awful or defaming act or evil cannot be connected with having culture. People who define culture lightly are not correct.

Clashes, disputes and struggles are natural to human life; they are fleeting human tendencies. That is why thinkers and scholars have declared that both struggle and cooperation are necessary in society. Hence, there is nothing amazing if these two tendencies emerge at any level or in any walk of life. They are a part of life, and there is nothing abnormal or unnatural about them.

As mentioned in the beginning, culture is a vital subject with a place of importance in people's lives. So if a dispute emerges in the name of culture, its effects on a society or a nation can be dire and, as we know, can cause greater harm in comparison to other kinds of disputes. But solutions to all kinds of cultural differences or disputes are possible through peaceful means. Disputes can certainly be resolved on the basis of higher human values. This is possible particularly because culture itself is based on good human instincts. Culture is credited for achievements and development; good behaviour, good qualities and cooperation are its foundation.

Now, before discussing the adaptability and significance of using peaceful means to resolve cultural disputes, it is necessary to clarify that the aforementioned conditions of achievement, development, good behaviour and cooperation always continue in a similar fashion when there is a discussion about the meaning of "culture" or its objective, no matter if it is the perspective of an individual, society or nation, or if it is in an international context, as is the case at this time of increasing globalization.

Moreover, culture cannot be separated from righteousness. No effort should be made to separate it from uprightness. Without any prejudice, it may be taken as my keen desire to base the concept of culture on positive ideas and not on negative ones.

Resolving conflicts by peaceful means is the only humane way that considers human welfare. Therefore, we should wish to settle conflicts through peaceful means. While thinking of going forward in this way, it is necessary that a peaceful atmosphere is created on the ground. For that to happen, patience and tolerance are essential. One's ability to put aside any prejudice on one's own part, even if the viewpoint is thought to be the best, is also essential. The reason to leave out one’s own viewpoint is because it may create pressure or indicate one's supremacy.

It is true that in all disputes in general, and those that occur in the name of culture in particular, people involved in disputes never represent the majority of their cultures. Disputers are always fewer in number. The majority of people always desire peace and can be found ready to support it, even those who represent other cultures during the initial phase, when efforts are being made to settle differences or resolve conflicts. But they must be confident that they have no prejudice in such efforts and, once they are sure they are ready, to lend a hand in clearing the way. With confidence and tolerance, people can easily be guided to assist, cooperate and work together; people can also be educated for this important purpose. It does not seem so difficult to do this, at this time of mass awakening, or globalization, in which cooperation in all walks of life has become inevitable.

Now, if a situation of conflict or dispute exists, a formula comprising the following three points must be adopted:
1. To understand the current ground-level reality of the dispute or conflict;
2. To show sincerity and a firm determination to work towards resolution; and
3. To be ready to sacrifice.

Moreover, due to the sensitivity of cultural disputes and conflicts, it is necessary that none of the disputant parties feels defeated either during the process of resolution or after reaching a conclusion through peaceful means. It is essential that the outcome brings a win-win situation for all. There always remains the possibility of reaction from among the internal elements of either party. The consequences of a reprisal can possibly be worse than the original situation. We have many examples to prove the fact that, due to a lack of proper confidence, peace efforts did not succeed. These failures pushed communities into even more severe conflicts, all in the name of culture. Hence, sincerity and extra care are also absolutely necessary in peace efforts.