Culture of Honor

Yesterday in my Social Psych class, we were discussing the Culture of Honor.  Basically, the culture of honor is a pattern of violence that just happens to be centered in the Southern culture.  You can google the term culture of honor if you want more information.  But if you will, just allow me to put my own spin on this term... to me, it is reminiscent of the mama bear protecting her cubs.  Perhaps, in days long gone, we Southerners had to protect what was ours, what we had worked for, and what we died for, or maybe that is just too simplistic...

Is there something intrinsic, something gutteral, something that we're born with that gives us the desire to protect our young with all that we are?  Call to mind a mama bear attacking, growling, clawing, even dying to protect her young from a predator.

Yes, I know, I am taking liberties with the true meaning of the scientist's definition of culture of honor, but I promise, I am winding down to actually having a point for this story ...

A few days ago, I believed one of my children was . . .ahem . . .slighted (to be polite) by someone in an authority position.  This incident was humiliating and degrading and caused him quite a bit of grief.  Remember mama bear?

Now you see where I'm going with my ramblings.  Phone calls were made, more phone calls were made to those in authority positions, meetings were had, and yes more phone calls.  I'm not satisfied.  I'm like a dog with a bone.  I know it's hard to understand without actually knowing what the incident was and for that I apologize, but I don't believe it should be posted here in a public venue.

For me, the culture of honor is a badge that should be worn with honor.  I am mama bear.  I am southern.  I am proud.  I am a member of a community of sorts of like minded individuals who protect what is theirs and that, my friends, is my God given privilege as a Mother.

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What do you think?  What lengths would you, as a parent, go to protect your child?  I try to teach my children to be open minded, to be accepting, to take others feelings into consideration, and all the other things I believe a child should be taught to grow up to be a good, productive citizen.  I have spoken to other parents who have told me those ideals are outdated.  Today's children should be taught to do what it takes to succeed and it doesn't matter who you step on to achieve those goals.  I can't wait to see your thoughts and opinions . . .



And just because I can't actuallly post without a picture

This is the reason I do what I do

Ranger & Maverick