ABSTRACT
Cultures comprise a political and social organisation, a language, religion, morality, values, attitudes, beliefs, traditions, taboos, prejudices, rituals, symbols, and ceremonies together with their art, literature, and music. Culture often subsumes race and religion, and to a lesser extent political ideology, wealth, class, and status—all of which may overlap culture. The seductive appeal of Western capitalism, consumerism, materialism, and industrialisation has sometimes overcome political or theological ideologies—communism. Cultures encompass different perceptions and values of humanity and preferred ways of living together. The police and the armed forces have a conformist culture with a particular identity and values because they share a unique common risk. The peaceful coexistence of global nation-states having different cultures is made viable by a mutually recognised sovereignty, and a reciprocal but arm's-length toleration. Some may attempt to face up to the challenge and adapt to multiculturalism only to find that their integrity, and perhaps their very identity, are eroding.
