Culturism - Book Review

Can you define culturism? Do you know how it differs from multi-culturalism? "Culturism is premised on the idea that cultures do have the right to define themselves." The book Culturism, by John Kenneth Press deals with America's right as a nation to celebrate, preserve, and protect her unique culture. As the author Mr. Press says, "The United States is among the least racist nations on earth." Culturism is not about racism or divisions. This is about preserving what makes us Americans.

[snip] We must maintain our culture to maintain our nation. Islam does not celebrate free speech, feminism or separation of church and state. Domestic hostility to such values undermines them. Multiculturalism's refusal to judge diversity can corrode our solvency and culture. (page 2)

Culturism is 288 pages looking at 'culturism' from historical, philosophical, anthropological, psychological, political, and yes ... religious, points of view. I don't believe the book was written as a textbook, but it could be used as one. In fact, I believe this would be a great book for all high school and college students to study.

Currently, in English, valuing and prioritizing one's culture is associated with the words "xenophibia," "ethnocentrism," "jingoism," "patriotism," "nationalism," and "nativism." Each of these words is problematic ... None of them can be used as the basis of a practical and grounded value system with which to guide society. (page 8)

[snip] Reclaiming our vibrant tradition of culturism provides out best hope for safely steering out country fo a positive future." (page 52)

The problem some of us might have with culturism, is that by expecting other nations to accept our culture, we would be required to accept their cultures. This could be a challenge, as Mr. Press points out. If female genital mutilation, head hunters, and slavery are part of another nation's 'culture', can we step back and tolerate their culture while expecting them to tolerate our culture? Very thought provoking.

Current events including religions (Islam), illegal immigration, terrorism, and on and on ... make this book extremely timely. Let me leave you with one last quote from Culturism:

What is an idiot? "Idiot" is a Greek word that denotes someone that does nto participate in their political community. it shares the same root with idiosyncrasy and idiom. These words all refer to a lack of context. Thus a populace that has no connection to the community or country in which it resides can literally be said to be idiotic. ...

I highly recommend this book. Go here to read more about the book Culturism. Go here to purchase Culturism. This is a valuable book for you to read and would make an excellent Christmas present for family and friends.

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Next the Right Truth Book Club will re reading and reviewing Battle for Justice: How the Bork Nomination Shook America, written by Ethan Bonner.

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Comments

[Debbie]

Layla, no I did not get the trackback, but thanks. This should be a good interview. I loved the book and meant every word I said about it. Should be required reading for everybody.

[Layla]

Debbie I sent you a trackback but I do not believe you received it.

I am interviewing John Kenneth Press on Culturism tomorrow - Tuesday at 5 PM EDT.

I quoted some of what you said and linked back to you also.

Here is the link to my posting on the book, the author, and me and Bernie's interview with him tomorrow.

http://thehillchronicles.com/?p=1667

[Debbie]

Dwana: If you want me to mail you my copy of the book Culturism, I will be happy to do so.

It's autographed by the author, so if you want to mail it back to me I can send you a Book Rate postage label with the book.

Email me and let me know. I'm happy to send it to you if you can't find one in the library.

[Dwana]

Interesting sounding book. I'll have to see if it's at the library because I can't afford to buy a new book right now. I hope they have a copy because I'd love to read it.