Hi Amulya and Group, this is indeed an interesting topic! Just what sort of "western" traditions that are borrowed by non-westerners that are not respected? Shanazel et al make very good points, so I would like to add a few more. We are in the generation that can look back into history and make commentary about why and how situations developed. We often don't understand the historical eents that lead to our modern day world. "Western Imperialism" and colonization of "Third World "countries are modern terms that refer to the period of Western European expansionism. No doubt these are vague descriptions but it speaks volumes about the mindset of the powerful leaders in Europe at the time.
It was this mindset that (Eurocentric), that borrowed/adapted/stole from the cultures from which they come in contact with. In fact much of Europe's scientific and cultural foundatons came from other non-Europeans i.e Arabic numeral system, spices, medicines, musical instruments etc.
Within human history it becomes necessary for conquerers to replace and eliminate the social and legal infrastructures of the conquered people. Western Europeans leaders were no different.
But now we look back and realize the loss of social traditions. For those of us in the belly dance community , we understand that there is very little historical info that is consistent and true. Why should we respect the cultural traditions of people in Arabic and North African countries? Because we should know better.
Yasmine
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