A Term Left To Be Debated: Civilization

Civilization and to be civilized is such a loose term that to answer it completely would result in a manuscript of rambling blather. Perhaps we should think of civilization as a society that organizes by the ideals of culture, religion, and government. For example, we consider the Gauls barbarians but before the intrusion and invasion of the late Roman Republic, they were certainly a civilized society as they were already minting coins (see image to the right).


But of course, our definition of civilization and those that are part of this "club" are entirely the invention of Eurocentric minded thinkers. Unless one attends University or just has a nerdy interest in the annals of history and the tales that they can show, African civilizations are almost completely left out except for maybe the Nubians and Zulus. And in this respect, they are only given passing mention as they are directly in either conflict or proximity to the Western Civilizations of Egypt and the British Empire. But if we look at these civilizations that receive so little attention, one fact that remains abundantly clear is that both the Zulus and Nubians gained enough power at one time to conquer the civilized people of the West. The late 1870's brought the British one of the most embarrassing defeats of a modern and civilized army from an army that was of a warrior culture but nonetheless, a militia like force. The Battle of Isandlwana resulted in over thirteen hundred casualties for the British compared to the one thousand losses for the Zulus. A surprising victory by, what the British considered at the time, a "technologically inferior indigenous force".

Of course, this debate could extend into ways that we don't even think about. I am part Filipino and I constantly make an effort to reconcile beliefs that are considered barbaric by Americans and Filipinos. Americans would easily consider the consumption of dog meat to be barbaric and savage (if not disgusting). Although personally I wouldn't do it unless in a survival situation, I don't consider the practice barbaric. To understand this view point, one must understand the economic differences and cultural differences of the South-Eastern countries of Asia. Countries like Vietnam and the Philippines struggle in some areas just as hard as a heavily third world country. Food doesn't just pump out of a Hy-Vee or Dahls. Dog meat is easily available and abundant so why not consume it for protein and survival? A resounding "sure thing" would be answered by a country like the Philippines but in America? A very loud and horrified "Oh god no. A normal country wouldn't do that. Especially not a civilized one." Ah but a response like that would be said from Filipinos by the growing community of Atheists in America. Filipinos are extremely conservative and loyal to the beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church. Just like America even 25 years ago, being gay or atheist is considered completely barbaric and will immediately result in excommunication from a community (if not a devastating beating). I know because my mother is gay and she faced discrimination to the highest degree. So before we say something is barbaric or uncivilized, perhaps we should keep in mind that what is barbaric could be completely normal and accepted by another group of people.

Civilization is a term that will continued to be debated by Historians because we struggle to find new relevant arguments for a modern world. I happen to believe that a civilization can simply be an organization of people who are led by some form of leadership and leave a record of their existence through either stories, agricultural practices, or anything else related to the arts or trade. A long definition to be sure but I think it suffices to answer a question long held to be a complex conundrum.