Myth and Culture

Culture is defined as language, belief, values, norms, behaviours, and material objects passed from one generation to the next. Non-material culture is a group’s way of thinking.

Myths are a great example of cultural beliefs passed on from one generation to the next. Consider the following article:

http://www.cracked.com/article_18510_6-supposedly-ancient-traditions-that-totally-arent.html?wa_user1=2&wa_user2=History&wa_user3=article&wa_user4=recommended

This article discusses myths that have passed into popular belief. This can come from their parents, their teachers, or the popular media. It’s interesting to see how well-known these myths are. They have become so engrained in our culture, that we never question their origins, accepting them as fact.

See also:
http://www.cracked.com/article_15916_your-mom-lied-5-common-body-myths-debunked.html

http://www.cracked.com/article/105_the-6-most-frequently-quoted-bullshit-animal-facts/



It’s interesting to see some of the myths that other cultures around the world believe:

http://www.cracked.com/article_16223_gay-bigfoot-7-weirdest-mythical-creatures-in-world.html

“Otherwise known as "The Reason Furries Still Dare To Dream" the Tikbalang is a
tall, hairy humanoid with the head of a horse and legs so long that they stretch above its head when it sits down. Like the Manananggal, it makes its home in the deep forests of the Philippines, where it tries its best to convince everyone that detachable torsos are for retards. Tikbalangs are said to be transformations of aborted fetuses that have been sent back to Earth from limbo, which is nice. Folklore differs on the Tikbalang's character. To some, he is simply a trickster, enticing his victims into the forest to taunt and slap them mercilessly, then vanishing and leaving them to make their own way home. In other words, a total prick. Others give him a much more demonic aspect, claiming that he is a red-eyed hellbeast who hoof-stomps the poor victim while smoking a huge cigar. All agree that he can perfectly mimic the appearance of friends and loved ones, and that his transformation is heralded by the strong smell of tobacco.”

While these beliefs and stories seem strange in our society, it seems normal to someone from the Phillipines because that’s what they have been taught. It’s part of their culture.

Think about some of the beliefs you have about the world. How much of them are based on facts and observations? How much are based on what you've been told?