Pensacola, FL Any culture that sustains its members is worthy of admiration and appreciation. No culture, beginning with that of the US in the beginning of the third millennium, is completely benign. Jill, 59
Saylorsburg, PA I was always fascinated by Eygpt with her Pharoh's. Their culture seemed so sophicated compared to other cultures at that time. Also they had a great appreciation for the Arts Janet, 42
E. Brunswick, NJ I have an appreciation for all cultures. More than pinpointing one specific set of cultural ideas, I like to see where various cultures intersect and how they learn and grow from one another. Of course, they also conflict and destroy one another. Felicia, 34
Somerville, MA Being Wiccan, I'd have to say that I appreciate Native American culture the most in terms of its respect for the Earth and the other beings that live here. Cindy, 41
Lowell, MA I would have to say the Japanese culture, mostly because they're such hard workers and very dedicated to their jobs and school work. Being successful is very important to them, and I really admire that. Nicole
Elk Grove, CA Appreciate?
I enjoy the mania ascribed to modern Japan...and I've always loved the myths of Egypt and Greece. Sometimes I feel like astronauts have a view of the world that can not be passed along to us that have never left the womb-earth. There are lessons to be taught there that could change life for everyone. And I've never met a card-carrying anarchist whom I didn't want to hug. Anthony, 24
Baton Rouge, LA Besides my own culture, I suppose the culture I appreciate the most is the Russian culture. I think they have a very interesting history, with their struggle to move from communism to capitalism, and I think it is a interesting culture. There is a lot of history and things that have affected many worldwide events, which makes me appreciate their culture. Ernest, 28
Washington, DC
Italy. I lived there for three years and loved every second. The people are enchanting, the food is great, the art is beautiful andthere are so many things that can only happen in one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
Lindsay, 21
Harrisonburg, VA
I appreciate the Tibetan culture because of the tolerance and peace it promotes. I also like that Buddhists think of eating meat as a bad thing, although personally I think that killing plants is probably as bad as killing animals. I sympathize with the way Tibetans were kicked out of their own country, but I am also a bit hurt because I feel like they kicked me out of my country. Tibetan refugees have gained access to land on a mountain I grew up hiking on. I'd be thrilled with that, only they tore the mountain up. They buried parts of the old path and made a new one, leaving the land ravaged in places. There was this little shack I was in love with near the base of the mountain. I used that shack in one of my novels. I just adored it and I always wanted to go and live in it and hide from the rest of the world. Now the shack is buried under boulders. . .I sat on what I wanted to be my home and watched the ants and grubs chew on it. For that, I resent the Tibetans. .
Karen, 20
Marshelltown/Ames, IA
Spanish culture...my descendancy, the food, passion music.
Helena, 31
Sydney AUSTRALIA
i have more respect for individuals than cultures.
Alias Irrelevante
First, let me say this: by birth, I'm Greek and Gypsy, but by adoption, I'm German and Cajun French. Because I've never been exposed to my birth heritage, I'm fascinated by Greek and Gypsy cultures. I also love to read anything about Japanese history (especially geishas and the treatment of women).
Much less exotic but still high on my list are any cultures in Great Britain (Scottish, Irish, Welsh, and good old English). Part of this is due to another part of my birth heritage (my birth mother was British; I'm a bad Victorian novel in the making!), but mostly it's due to my career choice of English literature. I also adore reading anything on SUBcultures: goth, punk, S&M, etc. I was a goth for 7 years (with strong roots in punk) and wrote several papers during college on various aspects of the scene. Plus, it's really interesting to see how people come together based on similar interests.
Amy, 23
Baton Rouge, LA
aside from my own keltic roots... none. but seriously, i've allways had a facination with the ancient cultures of asia. the impecable precision of artwork, be it on a vase,painting,drawing,or arcitecture is amazing. also the codes of behaviour are interesting, particularly the warrior classes.
King MoonRacer VII