Cultural, Layer Cake

The cultural layering that was talked about today in class I found to be exceptionally interesting. So I am here to discuss this topic further. Cultural layering seems as though it can give valuable insight into the way a cultural interacts and thinks within the context of itself. More specifically if we look at certain symbols within a culture it may have references that may be seen differently. The main example of this used in class was a bumper sticker flag on the back of an automobile. Lets take a look at a different context and this time lets use color. In Asian culture the color white is known to signify death. However in more western cultures more often than not white is a color of purity and is often used in many wedding ceremonies. This cultural meaning isn't complete esoteric and maybe understood by some people. So let us take a look at yet another cultural symbol, the swastika. Now immediately I know that the third Reich comes to mind and Germany in the midst of WW2, Hitler and his persecution of the Jews, etc. But what if you saw this symbol in a far away isolated Asian village high in the mountains of the Himalayas. Oh they must be Nazi's right? wrong. They are in fact using the swastika in the proper use. Yes it can be used properly, because it was used before as a symbol of peace and balance within, Jainism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. One may not have known what the symbol meant without the benefits of cultural immersion before hand. This is why it is important to take note of differences however slight within different cultures. In a more pragmatic context such as a business transactions internationally it  helps to know the social norms and intricacies of the cultural your dealing with. Shooting down your own multi-million dollar business deal with a simple hand gesture that YOU consider non-offensive, may get you fired, or at the very least reprimanded. Even managing a global team of employees has practical applications when exploring the layers of a culture. It really is important and has far reaching consequences whether they be good or bad is up to you.