SONGSOPTOK: We would like to start this
interview with your opinion on the theme of our current issue. Do you think
that cultural heritage has a role to play in modern society? Why?
DENNIS JOHN FERADO: Cultural heritage plays an important role in
all of our lives. It is a part who we are and who we are destined to
become. In most affluent societies it is a major influence on a
child’s life. The child is impacted by
its parents, siblings, surroundings and
the society it grows in
SONGSOPTOK:
How would you define cultural heritage? In your opinion, is it something
tangible or intangible? Or is it a combination of both? If so, in what way?
DENNIS JOHN FERADO: I think it is a
combination of both; the arts, architecture,
technologies are all part of our touchable culture. Science, literature, philosophy and our
mythologies are part of the intangible cultural heritage of each society. Together they work their influence on the
children of all societies.
SONGSOPTOK:
In the country and the society you live in, do you think culture and
cultural heritage are important? In what way?
DENNIS JOHN FERADO: I believe culture and cultural heritage are
important to the individual in giving them a sense of who they are (and who and
where they come from) but I don’t know
if it is good for a country as a whole. This tends to lock people into small
groups (which can create prejudice and fear of others) that are only concerned with their our
religions and their own cultures and keeps them from experiencing more of the
whole of humanity.
SONGSOPTOK:
What, if any, are the outward manifestations of this heritage in the day
to day life of the society you live in?
DENNIS JOHN FERADO: In my society it can be seen in entire
neighborhoods consisting of all Korean, Italian, Chinese, Russian, Irish,
Islamic, Jewish, German, etc, etc, where one language is spoken, one food is
eaten one type of entertainment is seen.
However, this makes for a colorful, exciting, and unique society where a
child can learn much about the world and its multifaceted inhabitants
SONGSOPTOK:
Do you believe that culture, in its different components, is taught or
learnt? Should it, for example, be taught to children? Or is there a different
way of transmission of cultural values to future generations?
DENNIS JOHN FERADO: “Culture, noun 1. the arts and other manifestations of human
intellectual achievement regarded collectively, and a refined understanding or
appreciation of it. The customs, arts, social institutions and
achievements of a particular nation,
people or other social group.”
It we
take the word (culture) and its meaning from the dictionary, as written above,
then my answer is yes. It is taught, it
is learned and it is automatically
absorbed by every child who grows in that specific society and its future
generations.
SONGSOPTOK:
In your opinion, can culture be equated to tradition? Or do you believe
culture is actually a living thing that tends to evolve over time?
DENNIS JOHN FERADO: There are many aspects to
culture which include; morals, customs, laws, belief system, the
arts—literature, dance, painting, music, religion and rituals, etc. These are all part of a society’s heritage
which tends to continue and evolve and grow with each generation. So I believe
culture has both aspects; it is to be equated with tradition and it continues
to evolve.
SONGSOPTOK:
Do you think that the increasing importance of technology and
mechanization of the modern society play a significant role as far as cultural
heritage is concerned? Does the word ‘heritage’ have any relevance to the society
you live in? Can you please give us some examples to illustrate your answer?
DENNIS JOHN FERADO: I think technology and mechanization of
modern society plays a significant role in cultural heritage because it can act
as a tool to supply us with worldwide information at our fingertips. Cultural
heritage is the legacy of physical artifacts
that is inherited like a piece of furniture or a ring of gold. Cultural heritage is also intangible
attributes inherited from a group or society of people who came before us. They include tradition, myths, language,
knowledge and folklore.
SONGSOPTOK:
What, if any, are the impacts of your own cultural heritage in your very
personal sphere? If you live in a multicultural society, how would you analyze
the interaction between different cultures?
DENNIS JOHN FERADO: I grew up in a
neighborhood filled boasted every nationality from around the world and was
definitely multicultural and included Asians and Muslims although mainly
European immigrants of every language and shade. I can honestly say that the interaction
between cultures, although, naturally, sometimes misunderstandings would
happen, was like a league of nations who helped one another in times of stress
or family misfortune neighbors would lend a hand. No matter religion or country
of origin or color of skin we always helped our neighbors through bad
times.
SONGSOPTOK:
Do you believe that you have to stop being traditional – that is, give
up some of your beliefs and practices in order to be ‘modern’? Or do you think
that there is no incompatibility between the two? What is your personal
experience?
DENNIS JOHN FERADO: Understanding is the key word, ignorance
begets fear and fear begets violence. Once we get to know our neighbor and we
understand where they are coming from there is no longer ignorance of him and
his beliefs but an understanding and fear will wither away and friendship will
saturate one’s being. An understanding
of out fellow human beings will help us understand that we are all the same
beneath our outer skins and our souls
seek the same things in this world; Love and Peace. We can keep our cherished traditions and be
modernized and find compatibility
between the two and with our neighbors, all at the same time.
SONGSOPTOK:
Do you believe in ‘cultural imperialism’? What is your personal
experience? In this context, do you believe that the world is increasingly
becoming mono cultural based on the principles of the modern society?
DENNIS JOHN FERADO: I do not believe in ‘cultural imperialism’ in
any form in any way. My experience is
growing up in New York City where all cultures exist and thrive. My dad was
Italian and my mom was Irish so I started off with a multi-cultural
beginning. I believe eventually we will
all be living in a multi-cultural society because the world is getting smaller
and people are growing closer (not governments but the people) and we are getting a better understanding of one another
through the internet and social media.
DENNIS JOHN FERADO: IS A POET, FICTION AND NONFICTION WRITER OF SHORT STORIES AND MEMOIR
AND A TWO ACT STAGE PLAY AND FILM SCRIPT.
HE HAS ALSO WRITTEN AROUND 50 SONGS.
We sincerely thank you for your time and hope we shall have
your continued support.
Aparajita Sen
(Editor: Songsoptok)
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