Running Head: CULTURAL STUDIES

Cultural Studies
Name
Professor
Course
Date

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Introduction

Jane Perlez has written an article titled Indonesian Province Embraces Islamic Law, and
Caning. The article depicts the changes that have taken place after the tsunami; the country has
embraced Islamic law or Shariah and inclusion of caning as a mode of punishment for violation
of the law regarding dress code and peoples action in public.
My initial feelings
The article begins by giving an account of people subjected to caning for violating the
law. At first, I felt that the crimes they were being punished for are minute and inconsequential
compared to the punishment. However, my feelings changed from a feeling of remorse to that of
anger. My anger is subjected to the people of Indonesia for discriminative enforcement of
oppressive laws on women. In particular, why a woman would be punished for working in
different offices with another man yet the man is not questioned.
External forces that impact the evolution of this culture
One of the external forces that have an impact on the Indonesian culture is historical
mode of colonization. The Dutch began colonizing Indonesia in the 17th century. Later in 1942,
the Japanese occupied the region. When Indonesia declared independence, the country was faced
with different challenges and hostility among its citizens. Indonesia experienced repressive rule
until 1999 when free and fair elections were conducted. Recent social challenges that Indonesia
faces include ending authoritarian rule and ensuring that the police are accountable for violation
of human rights.

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The dynamic nature of culture has had an impact on Indonesian citizens. The Indonesian
culture is different from the western culture. One of the essential elements about the Indonesian
culture relates to their mode of communication. There are distinct clauses that have been
advanced legally on male to female mode of communication. Additionally, the Indonesian
culture widely ascribes to religious teachings. Religion plays a significant role in any society.
Additionally, diversity in peoples beliefs has an impact on the Indonesian culture. The
indigenous population worries about being left behind economically due to the increased number
of immigrants. This has led to movements such as the Papua Movement. Such movements had an
impact in the way the Papuan and Melanesian indigenous people relate to authorities.
Impact of ethnocentricity on my view about the article
It is necessary for people to acknowledge that cultural differences exist in different
regions. Ethnocentricity did not have an impact on the way I reacted to the article. This is
because I value other peoples beliefs. I understand that cultural and cross culture ideas are
formed by people due to different reasons. Proponents of the Islam faith measure the success of
Harlem by the few cases of irresponsive drinking behavior among Islams and their love for the
Arabic language.
How this information assist me as a health worker
The information contained in this paper challenge me to appreciate and enhance my
cultural literacy. Healthcare workers need to understand the population they serve and implement
programs that do not contravene their culture (Gilbert & California Endowment, 2003 and
Bronheim, Sockalingam & National Center for Cultural Competence (U.S.), 2003).
Ethnocentrism enables health workers to hold on to their own beliefs while expecting the same

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from the host populations. Therefore, health workers ought not to challenge how different people
learn or what interest them in life. It is imperative for health workers to understand ethical
practice and policy in public health is propelled through appreciation of different forms of
knowledge and values (Purnell, 2005 and Felemban, 2003).
Conclusion
Perlezs article depicts the Shariah law that governs Indonesia. There are laws pertaining
peoples mode of dressing, gambling, drinking of alcohol and improper dating. Additionally,
Perlez highlights the punishment subjected to offenders of the available laws; offenders are hit
by a cane. The article evokes a feeling of anger towards authorities in the country for enacting
oppressive laws. It is essential to note that ethnocentricity does not change my viewpoint on the
Indonesian culture. Health workers need to acknowledge that cultural differences exist in
different regions.

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References

Bronheim, S., Sockalingam, S., & National Center for Cultural Competence (U.S.). (2003). A
guide to choosing and adapting culturally and linguistically competent health promotion
materials. Washington, D.C: National Center for Cultural Competence.
Felemban, E. (2003). Transcultural competency in the Curricula of Nursing. Journal of nursing,
4(2), 23-34.
Gilbert, M. J., & California Endowment. (2003). Principles and recommended standards for
cultural competence education of health care professionals. Woodland Hills, CA: The
Endowment.
Purnell, L. (January 01, 2005). The Purnell Model for Cultural Competence. Journal of
Multicultural Nursing and Health, 11, 2, 7-15.
Perlez, J. (2006, August 1). Indonesian Province Embraces Islamic Law - New York Times. The
New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia. Retrieved August 21, 2013,
from http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/01/world/asia/01indo.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
Gilbert, M. J., & California Endowment. (2003). Principles and recommended standards for
cultural competence education of health care professionals. Woodland Hills, CA: The
Endowment.