Answer

In Clifford Geertz anthropological definition of culture, one of the main words used is “Thick Description,” in which he holds that the key task of anthropology is to explain cultures through this type of description. Thick Description specifies many details, meanings and conceptual structures, as opposed to its counterpart, Thin Description that barely offers interpretation of factual accounts presented. The former, according to Geertz, contains factual accounts, commentaries and interpretations.

For an adequate understanding of culture, Geertz outlines four key parameters which must not be overlooked: 1). Interpretive study:- holds that given the semiotic nature of anthropology, cultural analysis have to as interpretive as feasible that effectively traces the way meaning is accorded; 2). The topic being interpreted is the decoder of social discourse; 3). Extrovert expressions are key in making interpretations:- collection of data and inference is a function of the available local information, thus extrovert cultural expressions must be inculcated to arrive at a thick description; 4). Description of ethnography is microscopic:- Geertz says that findings of ethnographic research provide a description of local behaviors as well as truths.

His ultimate, all-encompassing definition of culture is as follows:

A historically transmitted pattern of meanings embodied in symbols, a system of inherited conceptions expressed in symbolic forms by means of which men communicate, perpetuate, and develop their knowledge about the attitudes of life (Geertz 89).

This exquisite definition is based on the notion that since human beings essentially act in line with the systems of meanings available to them, deep interpretation of these meanings and descriptions need to be provided. The relationship between actions and this system of meanings, according to the definition, is not a one-way thing. It, however, involves the system of meanings acting upon and being acted upon by actions of people and unending dialogue.  Consequently, cultural systems do not only shape individual actions, but are also shaped by them.

Taking into account the above definition of culture, Biomedicine could manipulate various ideas to attain a more pleasing and enchanting cross-cultural encounters. Though every cultural system has its own beliefs and practices that dictate the behavior of the people, historical events could be made to orient people to a new and all-inclusive culture. It is evident that cultural strain is a serious barrier to successful implementation of any service, or the acceptance of an individual into a particular setup. In the book “The Spirit catches you and You Fall Down,” the writer points out that there were some unique misunderstandings pulling the county hospital apart, a collision between two different calibers of people (Fadiman 14). Lee, imagines how sweet the doctors and patients’ sounds would be if she could spice them together, so that they are heard as a common language. This excerpt shows the mileage that can be achieved if cultural systems were made to be uniform.

Biomedicine, being a sensitive part of a community’s survival, and differing from one culture to another, faces a difficult setback derived from cultural collisions. A positive step forward would be to try to change the perception of individuals, through intermixing of people from different walks of life, promoting education, and teaching about the universality of human nature. Once individuals understand that they are technically not different from one another, a point connection would be reached, and the perception of individuals, their practices, forms of communication, perpetuation and development of knowledge would change. This would open more room for effective practice of biomedicine across all cultures than before.

Importance of Critical Awareness of Culture

Cultural difference has been a considerable barrier to human horizontal and vertical development. Just like in biomedicine, culture affects other numerous facets of life, including education, marriage, trade, eating habits and general acceptance into communities. Proper understanding of culture would provide a roadmap to other developmental initiatives. The following are the ways through which culture is crucial in all aspects of life.

Culture affects acceptability of products into the market.  This is a crucial aspect when it comes to trade, as some cultures do not allow buying or possession of particular commodities into the market. This implies such a business dealing in the unfortunate product would note thrive in a given part of a community. Secondly, as coined in its definition, culture determines how people communicate; meaning languages and dialects are derived from cultural orientations. The implication of this is that if one has to live in a particular community, then one has to get acquainted with the languages spoken there. This affects immigration and resettlement of persons, as well as limits the receivership of services from expatriates.

Culture has an enormous bearing on religion. Many people inherit the faiths and religious beliefs of their forefathers, meaning culture determines which religion one chooses. More often than not, it does not involve exercise of freedom to choose, but a continuation of normalcy. Since religious conflicts have led to numerous wars and collisions in history, religion remains a vital factor determining social lives of individuals across cultures.

The harmonization of cultures or the acceptance of universality and oneness of the human race is the only key to annulling the destructive effects of cultural strains in the society. Soon, equal treatment of all cultural practices might as well just become the history from which to derive future beliefs and practices form, making mankind common in all aspects.