This article reminded me of a story my mom introduced me to that highlighted how different cultures honor transgender people in their societies. In certian Pacific Island cultures, Hinduism and several other religions being transgender is magical and something to be praised and revered. I remeber first learning about this and my shock as to the stark differences between how transgender people are treated in other cultures and religions versus how they are treated in a majority Christian United States. Of couse not all Christians or Americans are anti-trans rights; however, I had learned a great deal already about the prevalent violence against trans-people in the US. I thought it was incredible that other cultures around the world could not only accept people with different gender identities but actually honor them and believe them to be magic or godly.
I was reminded of this difference in values as I read about the differences in mental health and how cultures can have such different ways of handling the same emotions. The article talks about mental health and how certain approaches of counseling and medication proved to be “rather useless” in helping people who were dealing with symptoms of depression for different reasons. While counseling and medication can work for certain people depending on their causes of frustration or hopelessness, it can be completely unhelpful for others. I think it is important in every context to assess how we view certain characteristics, identities, or even universal feelings because our responses to the same things can vary so massively.
Understanding cultural or religious differences is critical to not only respect and teach one another but also to respond appropriately and effectively to shared experiences. In the same way that two cultures can look at trans-rights with completely opposite lenses and beliefs, two cultures can also view mental health entirely differently. I learned from this story and article to not assume that universal emotions or identities means that one response or solution will work for all.
