The Rachels' essay give a thorough analysis of the downfalls of cultural relativism, but it also shows how the theory can be a lesson to people. The issues presented in the essay are faced almost day to day in modern times, and often in literature as well. In the book Things Fall Apart, the issue is presented through the struggles of the Igbo tribe when the Europeans come through and ultimately refute the Igbo's way of life. If the Europeans had understood the main principles of Cultural Relativism, then it is possible that the Igbo tribe could have been spared.
This concept can be related to today's issues as well. A simple example would be in the topic of abortion. Abortion is a nationally disputed issue in the United States. Everyone take sides; pro-choice or pro-life. And just like as said in the Rachels' essays, each side believes that they are completely right and the other is so wrong that it is disgusting and inhumane. But who really is right?
in this case, I would suggest looking at the last two pages of the Rachels' essay to look at this issue more objectively. The second point that Rachels makes about what can be learned from Cultural Realtivism is that it can help a person be more open-minded. In the case of abortion, the pro-choice activists are typically democrats, while the pro-life activists are typically republican and often Christians. The Christians value life because of their religion; God put each person into this world by choice, no pregnancy is a mistake, and life is valued at the highest because each of us was made by the Creator. Even in the situation of a pregnancy as a result of rape, pro-life activists would say that God chose to have that child be created, and that it is not our will to take away that childs life. Through every situation, pro-life side says that abortion is immoral and disgusting.
Pro-choice activists on the other hand, have a more open-minded perspective. They say that it is up to the mother to decide whether or not she births a child, no matter the situation. They believe in the free will. To them, they see pro-life as disgusting because it is making the decision for someone else, and to them that is immoral and cruel.
If either side could consider the open-mindedness of Cultural Relativism, maybe this problem could be solved in a more civilized way. Pro-life activists might see that it is wrong to take away another persons basic rights of having the choice to give birth - it is their body after all, why shouldn't they e granted that choice? But pro-choice activists could see that in reality, only 1% of abortions are a result of incest or rape, and the rest are just unprotected sex or other like-accidents.
No matter the situation, a Cultural Relativism is useful in helping people to be more open-minded and respect the decisions of others in their community. It is wrong for someone to say another persons opinions are wrong simply based off their own beliefs, so Cultural Relativism helps people to see the world more broadly, and open their mind to other ideas.
