Claiming a Monopoly on Time:
The Imposition of Linear Time in Supremacy Culture
Have you ever heard the idiom “CP Time?” It is a term referring to the stereotype that Black people are often late to something. (It is also a term only meant to be used BY Black people)
Did you know that there are other such terms for other ethnic groups of people? Such as Jewish standard time? Also built on a stereotype of them as a people and only allowed to be utilized BY Jewish people.
There is even one for the Irish, known as Irish people time which speaks to the inability of the Irish to leave their home therefore chronically late… The same rules apply here as above. The point of the examples I am providing is to let you know two things:
Supremacy culture will always find a way to be derogatory to various groups of people to ‘other’ them and in the case of white-skinned people; to force assimilation
For you to realize that time itself is a construct created in supremacy culture to create and perpetuate that sense of urgency pillar, dictate your time, and have parameters around capitalism. Indigenous groups of people have always had their own ways of keeping time, be it by seasons, moon cycles, or agriculture.
What is the Supremacy Culture's View on Time?
Supremacy culture, deeply rooted in colonial and Eurocentric ideologies, often champions a linear and rigid understanding of time. This perspective views time as a straight line, progressing from past to future, with an emphasis on punctuality, deadlines, and a 'time is money' ethos. Such a viewpoint can often marginalize cultures that perceive time differently, leading to a lack of respect and understanding in cross-cultural interactions.
Supremacy culture, particularly those that emerged from colonial and Eurocentric backgrounds, typically upholds a linear and stringent concept of time. This worldview is fundamentally different from many other cultural understandings of time and has far-reaching implications in various aspects of life, from business to interpersonal relationships.
In summary, the supremacy culture’s view of time as linear, segmented, and future-oriented, while instrumental in the development of modern Western societies, (and capitalism) it leads to a lack of understanding and respect for other time perceptions. Recognizing and valuing these diverse concepts of time is crucial for more inclusive and effective cross-cultural communication and cooperation.
How Do Other Cultures Understand Time?
Across the globe, numerous cultures have developed unique and varied perceptions of time that challenge the linear model. For instance:
Circular Time in Indigenous Cultures: Many Indigenous cultures view time as cyclical or circular. Seasons, life cycles, and natural rhythms are pivotal in this understanding. The emphasis is on a holistic, interconnected view where events recur in a cycle, reflecting a deep connection with nature and the world around you.
Flexible Time in African Cultures: In many African societies, time is often seen as event-based rather than clock-based. Activities begin when certain conditions are met, not at a specific hour. This approach values the event's quality and interpersonal interactions over strict adherence to a schedule.
Relational Time in Latin American Cultures: Known as 'Polychronic Time' (Polychronic time refers to a method of managing time, where many events occur at once. This multitasking approach can be attributed to the importance of professional relationships, as cultures that use polychronic time tend to value relationships over schedules because time is less predictable.), many Latin American cultures view time as something relational and flexible. It's common for multiple activities to occur simultaneously, prioritizing relationships and people over strict adherence to the clock.
Buddhist Concept of Time (South and East Asia):
In many Buddhist traditions, particularly those in South and East Asia, time is viewed as an illusion, a concept not necessarily tied to the physical world.
This perspective sees time as neither linear nor cyclical but as something more fluid and less tangible. Events are interconnected in a complex web of cause and effect (karma), transcending a simple past-present-future sequence. This understanding emphasizes the impermanence and constant change inherent in the universe, encouraging mindfulness and living in the present moment.
Hopi Turtle Islanders’ Concept of Time (North America):
The Hopi, a Turtle Island tribe, possess a unique understanding of time, distinct from the linear progression concept. Their language and culture reflect a view of time that is less focused on the past, present, or future as discrete categories. Instead, time is seen in a more holistic sense, with less emphasis on specific temporal divisions. The Hopi worldview emphasizes cyclical patterns and recurring events, focusing more on natural cycles and the rhythms of the earth and cosmos. This perspective fosters a deep connection with nature and an understanding of time that is intimately linked with environmental and ecological cycles.
Aboriginal Australian Concept of "Dreamtime":
Indigenous Australian cultures have a unique concept known as "The Dreamtime" or "The Dreaming." This notion transcends the Western linear perception of time. The Dreaming is a timeless concept that encompasses the creation stories and spiritual beliefs of Indigenous Australians. It is a complex system of knowledge, spirituality, and lore that is not strictly bound by time as understood in the Western context. In this view, the past, present, and future coexist. Ancestors from the Dreamtime are believed to be present and active in the world today, and the landscape is imbued with stories and spiritual significance from the Dreamtime.
These are merely a few examples of how ‘time’ is perceived by various groups of people and cultures. Supremacy culture erases these concepts because it looms over all of us as the dominant global culture. This is a simple way to understand the far reaches of colonization and recognize that what you face within supremacy culture is merely a symptom of the larger disease.