This is the first guest editorial for the Beacon of Masonic Light. The author, Br. Peterson is a member of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina.
Culture Shock: a state of bewilderment and distress experienced by an individual who is suddenly exposed to a new, strange, or foreign social and cultural environment.
When I was in the military we would have to attend long periods of instruction before deploying to a foreign land. The instruction covered the customs, traditions, languages and other aspects of the cultures we were sent to destroy... I mean sent to operate in. This was done to prepare the military members in a way that reduced culture shock.
Culture shock is a very powerful mental state. It causes unwarranted aggression, depression, and a host of other illnesses. Awhile back I realised I was suffering from this state of mind from an unlikely source, the internet. Logging on to the internet I traveled to foreign lands where Masonry is conducted a bit differently than in the comfort of my home land. I witnessed Masonic cultures that did not fit into my limited world view.
No one gave me a class to be prepared for this new and challenging environment. No one hinted that there were other ways of doing things. I jumped in unprepared and under the effects of this illness I lashed out at the very foreigners I chose to interact with. I have since regained control of my own mind, and now happily speak the language eat some of the food (some I can't stomach, but I won't judge them for enjoying it), and join in their activities.
By conquering my culture shock I gained a greater appreciation for the wonderful differences the world has to offer. So the next time you see a Newbe, fresh from his third degree and rampaging through our village, remember that he may be ill and in need of assistance. This assistance may mean forcefully restraining him, but more especially it means he needs education of OUR culture and time to adjust to it.
Br. Arthur Peterson
Lodgeroom US
May the Blessings of heaven rest upon us and all regular masons. May brotherly love prevail, and every moral and social virtue, cement us.
Brother Peterson,
ReplyDeleteGreat post, really great post, I am a newbe in Freemasonry and I am glad to have so many great brothers online who can be online mentors through their blogs (in addition to the many mentors in my own lodge). I think these blogs help to better build a brother in Freemasonry by making them think and defend their points. And yes I have been aggressive with some of my points (especially those points pertaining to the obligation which i hold very dear to me) because I am a newbe to Freemasonry, and Freemasonry on the net. I have no disageements with you Brother Peterson and think that this is a very accurate post, kudos to you!
-Freethinker
Join me on The Voice of Freemasonry at http://thevoiceoffreemasonry.blogspot.com/ for more lively conversations and for more information about the wonderful world of Freemasonry.
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