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pmmichalowski t1_iyd6z1h wrote

Reply to comment by Standard_Mammoth1682 in EU Commission proposes blocking billions in funds to Hungary by Bald-Eagle619

I read somewhere and I don't remember where, that culture is useless to predict action of individual, however it is useful to predict behaviour of a group, approaching almost certainly if that group numbers in millions.

I think we are mostly in agreement, but i think we should be calling out cultures for being toxic more.

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Rustyflyntlock t1_iydxdea wrote

The idea that cultures inherently deserve respect always bothered me for this reason. Individuals generally deserve respect until they've shown themselves unworthy, but respect should be the default. Culture and beliefs need to be criticized. They are not the individual and can be actively harmful to the individual and society as a whole.

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[deleted] t1_iyet4g6 wrote

I mean, I understand where the "cultures deserve respect" people are coming from. Most cultures do have some things about them that are interesting and cool. But that doesn't mean we need to respect them for the bullshit that their culture puts forward.

I don't respect American Conservative culture (note: I view the united states as two mutually incompatible cultures trapped in a cage together). It's anti-science barbarian tribalistic bullshit that persecutes women and minorities.

I don't respect Iranian Shiite culture. It's anti-science barbarian tribalistic bullshit that persecutes women and minorities.

I don't respect Russian culture. It's anti-science barbarian tribalistic bullshit that persecutes women and minorities.

etc

Notice a fucking theme?

That being said there are some positive qualities in most of those groups.

American Conservatives are usually rural, and most of those are big on helping their neighbor. That's a positive trait.

Iranian culture has a rich and long history with interesting art, etc.

Russian Culture... hmm.. ok i'd have to sit and think about that one

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CecubeCasual t1_iye9iv9 wrote

Isaac Azimov "The Foundation" series.

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pmmichalowski t1_iye9owp wrote

It's a very similar idea, but it was in non-fiction :)

I will have to finish the TV series though

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[deleted] t1_iyeta99 wrote

The TV series is different from the books in significant ways, but still clearly inspired by it and sharing some of the same central themes (like Psychohistory)

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