An Examination of Culture

[Max]

Take a look around
What is worth mentioning?
What will be remembered when we lie in the ground?
What will be remembered when our empire is dismantled?
Well, we must explore what remains from what came before us

When we think of the Pharoah’s Egypt, what images come to mind?
Well, a fascinating and rich mythology, for one
Or wondrous pyramids, withstanding tests of weather, war and time
A land of mystery and bloodshed across the ocean, still glorified today

…But don’t forget the enslavement of the Israelites

When we think of the Far East, we often reminisce on her fabled dynasties
China created gunpowder, the rocket, even pasta
East also gave the West the rich gifts of Buddhist and Zen philosophies
We can only stare in wonder at the accomplishments of the Asian powers

…But don’t forget about female repression, Attila the Hun, and shady massage parlors

And then we come to the forefathers of the West: the Ancient Greeks
Masters of conquest, architecture, and reasoning
Founders of Democracy, giving us insight into the answers we seek
I cannot wonder what Aristotle or Alexander would make of this place

…But don’t forget the civil wars and almost constant bloodshed

At last, we come to scrutinize and glorify a final culture: our own
Author of the Bill of Rights, birthplace of Martin Luther King
A land where people of all creeds and beliefs can shout
“LET FREEDOM RING!”

…But don’t forget corrupt politicians, self-entitled Kings and Queens
A nation transfixed on the tragedies of others, behind our TV screens
The inventors of Coca Cola, and an obsession with Gossip Magazines
I’m sick of so much of this, IT MAKES ME WANT TO SCREAM



We “fall in love” in Febuary, celebrate independence in July, and mourn for September
In what ways will we be forgotten, and how will the evolving world choose to remember
…this beautiful and backwards empire of ours?

[Harklight]

First four lines of opening stanza open the mind to thoughts beyond what remains from those who came before us. For every good point, you'll find at least twice as many bad in most cultures. Sadly, though still standing, the pyramids are stripped of their gold coverings, weatherbeaten til only the stones remain - and don't forget Egypt's destructive occupation by the Romans and French (who stole many priceless treasures). I doubt any culture is worthy of glorification, Max. Bill of rights is outdated and corrupted: for all of Martin Luther King's achievements, bigotry still thrives. People can continue to shout "Let Freedom Ring" because it hasn't been achieved yet. The evolving world will most likely recall some positives to our existence but focus on the negatives. Over 100 years of the most destructive and inhumane times won't be forgotten in history's annals. We learned little from those before us but, hopefully, future generations will learn from at least some of our mistakes and "not" repeat them. Sometimes, I want to scream too: maybe your write will make others think smarter. Cleverly put together, Max. H x

[Jamie~poetshare.forumotion.com]

Did you know that over half of the agriculture we cultivate today originated with the Mayan peoples? Potatoes, Corn . . . yet we wiped out their culture entirely, annihilating practically all of their existence from history. Their culture was passed on orally, using necklaces made of beads to help the storytellers in their tribes pass on their history, each bead having a story behind its placement. Yet their contribution to the modern world makes us what we are today.

Sadly, "culture" is the property of historical victors, and aggression is not a trait we will easily leave behind. Harklight is right--I doubt any culture is worthy of glorification. Yet we must continue to fight our worst historical and personal impulses and strive to better the world--or what's the point of being in it?

Provacative write, my friend. Enjoyed!

[Artemis]

Max your intelligence is astounding and your beliefs close to those of my own as far as this planet goes. Interesting and fascinating write. We as humans always seem to destroy anything beautiful, artifacts, cultural history etc ... as always you make me think and want to use my brain again, you have that afeect on me lol ... fantastic write, exalt. K xx

[Dr Fogg]

Max this is in my opinion one of your best poems, it achives splendidly one of the functions of poetry which is to be thought provoking. It makes me think of culture past and present in almost Darwinian (is that a word) terms. When man destroys a culture they have caused the extinction of an animal that has evolved every bit as much as a living animal species.