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I was watching MSNBC DATELINE, and it was about a case involving a homicide in Atlanta, Georgia, where this traditional Asian father had contracted to have his daughter -in - law killed because she was not Asian, but rather a Black American. A terrible tragedy that should have been avoided at all costs. Obviously, he felt strongly enough in his beliefs that he will stopped at nothing...........even murder and the loss of an innocent human being had little meaning for him.
During my studies, I have researched Asian cultures, specifically from India, and know that traditional parents can be exceedingly controlling, when it comes to their children's education, lack of choice of spouse, to the point that many marriages are arranged by them. They can also be very controlling, when it comes to different religions, within their own cultures, and want their children to abide by their cultural differences and marry within their own religion, at all costs.
Education is extremely important to them, obviously because they want their children to be successful in life pursuits. Divorce is not acceptable, which is one of the reasons for the arranged marriages. And there is a class- stratification process within their culture, which is strictly abided by most citizens of that country.
Going back to the case in Atlanta, the main point the defense made was that this father was an extreme racist, and he narrowly missed the death penalty. The cultural differences of that country, and the way that its millions or billions citizens think, never came into focus.
I know of people from India and Bangladesh who care very much about not 'marrying down', but not enough to murder as is the case here. Most 'arranged' marriages are actually setting up dates with the hopes that the two would hit it off. I do feel in certain more introverted cultures this is a common way to match up young people of similar interests. It's foreign to western cultures since we go through school expected to date and breakup and date constantly, in many asian cultures there's just the expectation to attend school to establish a career, not find a potential mate.
India has a huge problem with racism specifically geared towards Dalits, or the Black Untouchables. I do try very hard to understand the differences in all cultures vs my own. On going on what little that I know of this event, I just don't think there is any need for layers of understanding of culture here.
Quote:
even murder and the loss of an innocent human being had little meaning for him.
If we look at the cultural differences, why would we suspect that he even regarded her as a human being?
Going back to the case in Atlanta, the main point the defense made was that this father was an extreme racist, and he narrowly missed the death penalty. The cultural differences of that country, and the way that its millions or billions citizens think, never came into focus.
What do you think?
Considering the fact that the trial was held here in the US, I wouldnt think that the culture and traditions of another country would even come up in either defense of prosecution.
Thats the thing here in the US, we expect all people that immigrate to assimilate. Unfortunately, not all are willing, or capable of doing so.
I guess one could use cultural differences as a mitigating circumstance, because you can ony plead one of these three ways:
Yes, I did it.
No, I did not do it. or,
Yes, I did it but,....
I don't see it working out that well, though.
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