The Gift of Culture

by Robert Maniscalco

I think there are still those among us who believe culture refers to those fancy folks who are trying to out do each other's mink coats at "The Theatre" (please read with a bad British accent!). My goal today is to do what I can to dispel this silly idea once and for all. As many of us now know, culture is that important part of our lives that keeps us in touch with who we are. I would go so far to say that people who are out of touch with their culture tend more to be out of touch with themselves. In fact, culture is as important to who we are as our name and social security number.

There are many cultures to which we can belong: our family, workplace, community affiliations form the basis for a variety of cultures and subcultures that feed us and help us bring meaning to our lives. Our ethnic or historical backgrounds help to form a context of meaning as well. Our ranging tastes in the arts and yes, even pop culture, help clarify and bring us closer to who we are. It's part of the nature of humans to identify with cultural groupings; no matter how individual we fancy ourselves to be we simply cannot function cutoff from one another. This interdependence is essential to a healthy life.

We all know the expression, "we are what we eat." Likewise, we are also the cultures we embrace. As meaning making machines, we create layers of identity. Our politics, religious beliefs, values all come from the cultures with whom we identify.

So, if our culture is who we are, and if we are inextricably linked to it, then it seems to follow that it also forms the basis for what we have to offer one another in this season of sharing and giving. They say it is the "thought that counts" when it comes to giving and receiving gifts at the holidays. Nowhere is that truer when it comes to giving the gift of culture.

The buying of mass-produced "stuff," and presenting it as a gift of love is, to me, the ultimate contradiction in terms. Ironically, you will often pay much less for something that is hand-made. The most precious gift is that which expresses who we are, culturally. If ever there was a time to connect with family and friends it is now, when the hearth has taken on more significance than ever. So how can we give culture to our loved ones? Hand-made, or one-of-a-kind items reflect our culture better than any store bought item will ever do.

So here are some suggestions: how about tickets to a play, a book that moved you, an original painting or hand-blown glass that inspires you. Make an outing to a local gallery, museum or art center and don't forget to stop at the gift shop. Buy or make a hand-made ornament, or find a special heirloom keepsake, made in your native land. Take the time to create a photo album, or frame a picture that reminds you of significant moment in your life. Commission an original work of art, choosing a subject, style or genre that means something to you. Compile a CD of your favorite music. Frame your child's artwork, the winning hockey puck, the perfect attendance certificate. Give a boutique item from an exotic, far away land. With the holidays approaching it's not too late find deeply personal gifts that also have cultural meaning. When we give the gift of culture we give from the heart and that's what the holidays are all about.