07-29-2012, 08:42 AM
In general, as humans, we like to be able to categorise things. It's easy on the brain. It's why stereotypes and universal symbolism exists, as well as the symbolism important to various cultures. We're often conditioned by our culture/society, experiences and lifestyles, and spiritual beliefs among other things, as well as history. We can say otherwise, but history (both personal, national and global) has a big baring on how we see and relate to the world. Traditions are ingrained in the collective psyche whether we're aware of it or not, and regardless if we choose a different path, or rebel from society/religion etc, those traditions and ideas are still there beneath the surface.
"Poets are shameless with their experiences: they exploit them." - Friedrich Nietzsche

