Cultural Relativism can be defined as the principle that a person’s belief and activities should be understood regarding his or her culture. Among some of the most fundamental rights is the freedom of worship and religion. In most countries, there is freedom of worship. One cannot be forced to abide by a particular religion just because the law in that country believes in a different religion. Many times you hear the discussion about cultural relativism versus the universal rights and democracies. In countries like Saudi Arabia, the conference is considered as an unnecessary waste of valuable time ("Saudi Arabia: Religious Police Role In School Fire Criticized").
The fire incidents are a reflection of a society that has oppressed women in the name of cultural relativism. Women are treated like legal minors and as such have to seek permission of male guardians in a myriad of things including education, health care employment and virtual almost everything they do. This is seen as a counter-intuitive move considering Saudi Arabia has signed the treaty on Elimination of All forms of Female Discrimination. However, the Saudi people believe that any document signed does not supersede the cultural value and their commitment to uphold the strict Muslim principles observed in the country. The belief that they are under no obligation to follow rules in a treaty and as such the Western nations view Saudi Arabia use of cultural, religious beliefs as an excuse to mistreatment of females. The March 11 fire at a girl’s public school is an example of a society that is so strict on the rules than on realities. If the religious police could have let the firefighters in the school, the fire could have been battled. Lives would have been saved. They could not even let the girls who were running for safety out of the school, and this is the highest of enforcement of laws and practices in situations that are life and death. The religious police acted in a way that any civilized society would term as barbaric and lacked even the smallest pinch of emotional appeal.
When looking at cultural relativism and the rights to religious laws we must be careful lest we are considered in contempt of people’s religious beliefs. I do not know how many parents of the children incinerated would agree with the actions of the religious police. The folks would argue that life is far more important than strict religious law. Some would say let’s do the morally right thing and if it is against the religious doctrines we seek repentance after ("Cultural Relativism").
People’s cultural beliefs, religious belief, and traditional activities should be respected across the globe. Some may not agree with some of the beliefs or practices, but they are part people’s heritage. In the same light, I believe that the universal freedoms should not be violated in the name of traditional and religious beliefs. The UN and other humanitarian organizations are working tooth and nail to save lives in Africa, in war-torn countries around the world. Cultural relativism has been termed a misguided movement towards pluralism. The principles of cultural relativism argue against the universal right and wrong. The religion police acted in actions of self-preservation rather doing the morally and universally good thing ("BBC News | MIDDLE EAST | Saudi Police 'Stopped' Fire Rescue").
While Saudi Arabia works to maintain decency and commitment to Muslim ethical issues, it should not punish victims of natural or artificial disasters. If there was anyway, the girls could have been save the police should not have hesitated to act in response to protect the little one lives. Cultural relativism is appropriate in many aspects for example in food, language, and other cultural aspects. The rights of wrong or right are not like mathematical certainty. They are defined by socialization and adaptation to changing times. Some cultural practices are passed by time; they may have been great when they were instituted by are not now times have changed the society has different challenges.
Works Cited
"BBC News | MIDDLE EAST | Saudi Police 'Stopped' Fire Rescue". News.bbc.co.uk. N.p., 2002. Web. 3 May 2016.
"Cultural Relativism". Cultural-relativism.com. N.p., 2016. Web. 3 May 2016.
"Saudi Arabia: Religious Police Role In School Fire Criticized". Human Rights Watch. N.p., 2002. Web. 3 May 2016.
