Culture is one of the hallmarks of what it means to be human. No other species develops and protects diverse ways of life, traditions, habits, foods, and practices like humans do. Indeed, nonhuman animals cannot even conceive of things as complex as culture. Of course, this is because humans are made in God’s Image. However, even the irreligious is forced to recognize man’s unique role and abilities.

Recent research on Neanderthals has demonstrated the intuitive notion that humans are above the other animals. Neanderthals are the supposed hominids who existed alongside modern human in the prehistoric past according to an Old Earth schema of the history of the planet and humanity. Several archeological digs have concluded that Neanderthals were fully human and, thus, only a subspecies of Homo sapien – Homo sapien neanderthalensis. This conclusion was made because Neanderthals were found to bury their dead. In fact, Neanderthal and modern human remains were found alongside one another. Burial implies culture and beliefs about the sanctity of life. All human cultures have developed ways to honor the dead in some form of laying to rest service. No nonhumans do this.

The differences between cultural burial practices are intriguing. Some burn the dead on pyres. Some bury the dead permanently (as is dominant in the West). Some bury the dead temporarily and then exhume the bodies of the deceased due to a shortage of land. Some lay the dead to rest at sea.

Beyond how different societies deal with their deceased, culture is a fascinating thing. One of the greatest joys for the adventurous heart is to explore new lands, meet new kinds of people, and learn new ways of life. Indeed, studying anthropology and the humanities in a class can only take the student so far. Eventually, the learner must leave the class and enter the world.

Some cultures are/were more depraved than others. Some cultures better exhibit the truth of God and humanity better than others. All are flawed and none are perfect. There is something to be learned from all ways of life. Even the wicked teach about the true nature of humanity.

But in the pop-Western culture, it has become shameful to “appropriate” another culture. There are many who say that all cultures are equal and deserve equal respect and protection. Oddly, the same people who are cultural and ethical pluralists don’t want ‘outsiders’ exploring other cultures. If all cultures are equally good, why can’t someone benefit from a culture beside his own? Of course, multiculturalism is a tool by certain politicians to manipulate minorities.

However, part of the problem is that the Westerners of today have lost their roots. With the rapid urbanization of the 20th Century and the Age of Information being the 21st Century, the world has never been a more pluralistic society. When change happens quickly (and 100 years is very quick in the grand scheme), there are often unintended consequences.

A lack of cultural affiliation and the rise of hyper-individualism are some of those consequences. The average American seems to be unable to describe the culture from which he hails.

With the rise of identity politics and ideologues for whom ideas of oppression are their cornerstones, culture has been manipulated. It has turned into an intricate area of study to another political ‘card’ – akin to the ‘race card.’ Because of the weaponization of culture, minority cultures are defended while the often-rootless majority is attacked.

When being American (or some subregion of America) is not viewed as a valid cultural identification, the legitimacy of America is subtly questioned. Why are White people called European Americans and why are Black people called African Americans? If the people are only a generation away from immigration, this makes sense. However, many people have ancestors who have lived in America for generations.

Americans can appreciate their non-American roots. However, Stop identifying with Europe or Africa. Americans need to think deeply about what it means to be a cultural American.

Douglas Phillips is a native Texan, having been born and raised in the Lone Star State. He writes on political philosophy and current events.