Culturism (cŭl-ch́әr-ĭź-әm) n. 1. A philosophy which holds that majority cultures have the right to define and defend themselves. 2. The philosophy, science and art of managing and protecting majority cultures. 3. The study of culturism.
Culturism is a political philosophy, art and science based upon the understanding that cultural diversity is real and important. Western culture believes in free speech, feminism, and the separation of church and state. Islam does not. Western culture is based on individuals applying their intelligence towards progressive and productive ends. Other cultures value tradition, festivals and large families. Culturism does not hold that any culture is better or worse than any other. It does hold that all cultures, be they Islamic, Asian, Western, African, Latin American or other, have a right to define and defend themselves. All cultures have a right to implement culturist policies. Western culturists hold that Western countries also have a right and responsibility to implement culturist measures designed to perpetuate our unique and valuable cultural vision.
The book culturism starts by showing that the U.S. has a long tradition of culturism. Culturist dynamics in world history are then explored. The chapter on anthropology shows just how wide diversity is and what we can expect to naturally emerge if we do not practice culturism. When we realize how disgusting and broad diversity has been and is we are finally ready to move on to the chapter in which we define Western culture. The excursion into natural sciences shows that culture has unique functions in primates like man. Furthermore, group survival and boundaries preceding us demonstrate that culturism is not just a figment of man’s imagination. The chapter on culturist psychology applies the dynamics we discovered in nature to man and helps us know who we are and what we need to do. The last chapters try to pull Western philosophy back into its traditional culturist mode, compare culturism to multiculturalism, and suggest culturist policies.
Overall, the book shows that culturism is a real and important dynamic in our world. It argues that Western nations need to be as culturist as other nations. Finally, it argues that we can start in that direction immediately by identifying ourselves as culturists!
John Kenneth Press is currently a doctoral student at NYU studying the History of Education. He holds a Master’s degree from UCLA, an administrative credential, and two teaching credentials. He taught U.S. history, philosophy and psychology at the high school level for eight years and has traveled over much of the globe.