Tradition refers to the set of actions that people carry out because others do. However, this does not imply that they are true. One phrase I love is from Cinderella: “It doesn’t matter what people think is right; it’s only what we know is best!”
During my upbringing, I used to wonder why things were done just because ‘that’s how it has always been.’ Whether it was a family tradition or something everyone in school did, I wanted to understand whether there could be another way.
For example every Thanksgiving my family has turkey for dinner. It’s a tradition that has been passed down through generations. But one year when we were sitting at the table eating our meal and talking about other cultures around the world who don’t celebrate this holiday or eat these types of foods; someone asked “Why do we always have turkey? Why not something else?”
At first no one really knew how to answer the question so they looked at each other with blank stares on their faces until finally someone said well maybe its because turkeys were abundant during that time period when this holiday first started being observed and so people would hunt them and cook them as part of their feast but then over the years it became more about spending time with loved ones and being thankful for what you have…that’s just one theory though nobody really knows for sure which made me think even more about all those other traditions we follow blindly without ever questioning them in the first place
Traditions, to me, should contain meaning and intent. It’s necessary for us to re-evaluate everything if we’re only doing them because “it’s always been this way.” The world is a changing place.
That isn’t to say that questioning tradition is the same as disrespecting it. It’s merely taking another look at something and wondering if there might be a better method. It means thinking for ourselves instead of following blindly along with what everyone else does.
For instance, I’ve never understood why boys are supposed to like blue while girls are supposed to like pink. Who came up with that idea, and why? In my opinion, colors do not belong to any one gender; people can enjoy whichever ones they prefer.
I don’t understand another custom, the idea which says some jobs are for men and others for women. Why should someone’s sex decide what kind of work they can do? I think people should be free to follow any career they love without considering gender.
Questioning tradition can be quite scary since it means stepping out of our comfort zones. Even though, it can also result into positive change and development. If we did not question traditions; we would still think that the world is flat or that women should not vote.
To sum up, It is very important to challenge tradition. Just because something has always been done this way does not mean it is the best method or right thing to do. By questioning traditions, we create a better world for all.