What does cultural relativism encourage individuals to do when examining their own culture?

Cultural relativism encourages individuals to take a step back and look at their own culture from a different perspective. This means that instead of simply accepting their own beliefs and practices as the norm, they should question why things are done a certain way and consider how these practices might seem strange to someone from another culture. For example, if someone grew up in a culture where eating with hands is common, cultural relativism would prompt them to think about how this might appear unusual to someone who is used to using utensils. By doing this, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of their own cultural values and recognize that other cultures have their own valid ways of living. Ultimately, this approach fosters empathy and appreciation for cultural diversity.