An Introduction to Some Bizarre Cultures
July 2nd, 2012
Our American culture is by far what we’ve come to know as the norm when it comes to living daily. On average, the American culture is quite influential. Due to the effects of globalization and the Internet, cultures are converging. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, globalization is definitely not enough to suppress what is innately unique to every country’s culture. Here are a few unique cultures that you might find taboo for the American taste.
A word of warning, two of the topics here may not be suitable for people with weak stomachs or sensitivities.
1. Duels
We’ve watched movies where the hero and the bad guy duel to the death dealing out ferocious punches, kicks, grabs and even shooting each other until one died. Duels still exist in some cultures, namely those of an indigenous nature. In the Philippines, tribes still duel to see who can lead the tribesmen in taking the throne.
While dueling was widely practiced in the 15th to 20th centuries, dueling is quite different today. It is a sport. Restoring one’s honor was the basic rule of duels. It meant that your honor can only be repaid by your willingness to risk it in a battle.
2. Eunuch
Eunuchs are men who are castrated from birth. China is the country with such a tradition. A Eunuch gain immense power more than political entities, given that they served in the country’s Sui Dynasty. Eunuchs can serve in the Imperial Service as punishment or as employment.
Castration allowed the male to have a childlike and inhuman flexibility, which allowed them favor in many culture due to the ‘perfectness of the male’s pitch. Well, if you’re willing to risk your manhood, you might just gain power. 
3. Foot Binding
This one comes from China again. Females in China have their feet bound by plasters, so tha their feet will not grow properly. The practice was intended to have the feet break and badly deformed. Most elderly Chinese women of today are disabled because of this practice.
The intent of the practice was to honor the sacred tradition of China. As a patriarchal community, men were more superior than women. Feet, a tool for mobility, was only limited to men to perform well in their daily tasks. Women were seen as ornaments designed only for the benefit of the male. However, the mutilation resulted to the necrotizing flesh and deformed toes of the women, which were broken and constricted tightly.
Categories: Cultures | Tags: america, bizarre, china, countries, culture, duels, unique, unknown cultures
