Cultural Symbolisms

Abstract

Chechen cultural symbolisms are male dominated and perpetuated. It is men who largely tell the tales of Chechens, who debate proper behavior and prescribe the norms that must be followed. Themes of warriors, honor, and courage exude imageries of strength and survival against disproportionate odds. Yet, oppression and incapacitation are absent; Chechens, although victims, are not crybabies. In these themes, honor buttresses morality—one cannot be moral if he is not honorable. Honor, moreover, closely relates to pride: in being a correct Chechen, of following the (Chechen) rules exactly, being doggedly faithful to Chechen-ness, and being loyal to the Chechen nation. In Chechen culture, right and wrong relates more to appropriate behavior than to philosophical notions of goodness and evil.