Understanding Cultural Relativity Through the Lens of Affirmative Theory

When I think about cultural relativity, I imagine each culture having its own “inner flame.” This flame keeps the people in that culture warm—their truth, their source of life, and the radiance that animates them. It’s how they see the world, understand themselves, and relate to others.

For example, in my culture, Pejoalo, we hold a simple truth: there are two genders—male and female. That’s just how it is for us. It’s part of the warmth of our cultural flame. But here’s where things get interesting: I know other cultures have different truths. Some recognize more genders, and those truths are just as valid. That doesn’t mean I have to change my beliefs—it means I honor theirs alongside mine.

This idea of respecting other flames and other truths is central to affirmative theory (AT). Instead of imposing our beliefs on others, we get to step back, appreciate the warmth of their flame, and celebrate the diversity of the human experience. This approach allows us to stay rooted in our truths while being open to the truths of others. Isn’t that beautiful?

Race as a Love Story

Now, let’s talk about race—something that’s often so divisive but doesn’t have to be. In Affirmative Theory, we frame race as a love construct. That might sound strange at first, but hear me out.

Every racial group is a collection of adaptations born out of the distinct love language of a people. Think about it. A culture’s love language shapes how people live, relate to their environment, and care for one another. Over generations, these love patterns create what we now recognize as “racial” traits.

Let me put it this way: just like a tomato can be cultivated for sweetness or a dog can be bred for loyalty, humans adapt to their surroundings through love and care. These adaptations are written into our very DNA. Skin tone, facial features, and even dietary tolerances tell the story of how our ancestors loved, lived, and survived in their unique environments.

So, race isn’t some arbitrary thing. It’s not just a box to check or a category to divide us. It’s the physical and cultural expression of a people’s love language. Just like a love story, it must be cherished and respected to be perceived accurately.

What Is Affirmative Race Theory (ART)?

This is where Affirmative Race Theory (ART) comes in. It’s a positive, loving way of looking at race—about appreciation, not division. ART invites us to see race as a manifestation of diversity and adaptation, not as a hierarchy or something to “overcome.”

Here’s what ART teaches us:

• Cultural and Racial Realities Are Contextual: What’s true in one culture might not be true in another, and that’s okay. Pejoalo culture has two genders, while another culture might have five. Both truths coexist beautifully.
• Racial Diversity Is Radiant: The differences in people—skin color, features, traditions—aren’t flaws. They’re the radiance of humanity, shaped by love and adaptation.
• Love Is at the Core: At its heart, race is about the love languages that formed our ancestors’ cultures and shaped our world today.

ART is about stepping back from judgment and looking at racial realities through a lens of love and cultural sensitivity. It’s about celebrating the diversity that makes humanity vibrant, not erasing it or pretending it doesn’t matter.

Finding Warmth in Each Other’s Flames

I know these ideas can feel big or even a little abstract, but they’ve helped me approach the world with more love and understanding. Instead of seeing differences as problems, I see them as stories. Every culture, every race, every tradition is like a different flame—warming its people and contributing to the shared light of humanity.

What if we leaned into differences instead of fearing or denying them? What if we saw diversity as something beautiful, a gift to be cherished? That’s what Affirmative Theory and ART invite us to do. And honestly, I think the world could use more of that now.

Having a healthy racial identity makes diversity a strength and enables us to be stewards of our own racial strengths. All humans have strengths to draw upon, and these arise from recognizing the intrinsic values that make each of us unique and deserving of love.

What’s your flame? How does your culture radiate its truth? I’d love to hear about it. Let’s keep the conversation going and warm ourselves with the collective fire of humanity.

You are loved ❤️