"Cultures involve attitudes as well as skills, languages and customs. Attempts to measure cultural differences between groups by attitude surveys, however, miss the central point that culture is expressed in behavior, not lip service. The values of culture are revealed by the choices actually made - and the sacrifices endured - in pursuing some desired goals at the expense of other desired goals" (Sowell, 1994, p.10).
Our choices reveal what is most important to us. Many of us think that merely mentioning something constitutes passion and importance, but the reality is... it does not. Ever wonder why certain cultural issues exist? Apply the principles above to the question, and you will have your answer.
"Education is one of those things which is almost universally desired, across the most diverse cultures, and yet this deceptive universality conceals large differences between cultures as to what one is prepared to sacrifice in time, effort and foregone pleasures to acquire what kind of education" (Sowell, 1994, p.22).
I am afraid this country has, in too many ways, ingrained in its people, with the good idea of free education for all, that education is something everyone can have with little effort, and everyone can receive an excellent education with that effort. These thoughts are just plain false and impossible to achieve.
"Race does not change the fundamental principles of economics. However, the application of economic principles in a racially and culturally heterogeneous population introduces complications beyond those found in the analysis of economic transactions in homogenous populations. Cultural differences between groups are reflected in their roles as workers, consumers, entrepreneurs, tenants, or other economic transactors" (Sowell, 1994, p.81).
Ever wonder why minorities desire equal representation in all vocational areas. Dr. Sowell has provide your answer.
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