Mother Culture

Mother culture is term that refers to the underlying assumptions that are constantly communicated in a society. She explains how the world came to be this way and what is important in life.

These explanations are not explicit. They are like a low hum that is forever playing in the background. You get used to it, you take it for granted.

She speaks to you through your parents, your teachers and your clergy. Via the media: television, movies, books, newspapers, advertising. And from politicians and business leaders.

Here are some examples from our mother:

• The world was made for man.
• You go to school, then maybe college, then get a job, retire, then die.
• Money brings you freedom.
• Our way of life is the best humanity has ever experienced.
• Two kids a dog and a white picket fence would be quite nice.
• Man has evolved beyond the animals.
  

Every single culture has a mother whispering in its ear. Naturally the mother that we listen to is a lot different from the one listened to by the Maori of New Zealand, the Native Americans or the Aboriginal peoples of Australia.

First we must learn to identify and listen to our cultural mother. Then we can question the assumptions she gives us.

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