Are all Cultures Valid?

This was a question posed by my teacher this week and that got me thinking. Are all cultures really valid? The word valid to me means effective or correct. So during class when we were discussing this it was brought to my attention that no, not all cultures are valid. Every culture believes they are correct and others are repulsive. To Americans the middle eastern culture is controlling. The way women are perceived and treated by men is not acceptable in American culture. In other cultures women get married off young. These are extreme cases. In the context of the family not all cultures are effective in creating the ideal family life. Some cultures accomplish the family way better than others can and do. The american culture has made divorce socially acceptable while in Latin countries they are solely focused on their families and divorce is not an option. The Latin culture wins at this part of "the family" Some cultures are effective in the way they govern and run their families. For example, in Holland everyone gets the same salary. If your a trash man you get the same amount of money as a doctor. The people in Holland seem happy because there is no competition over money or status. This is their culture. Everyone is deemed equal. Holland may be more effective in the wellness of their people then maybe those Asian cultures who are told when and what to do everyday. The Asian race in general does not seem as happy as other cultures. this may be because their key ideals is to be honored and hard working. They are always serious. CBS news released a study done that declared Latin Americans as the happiest people. Why? what in their lives makes them so happy. The article can be read here.  My answer to the posed question is No. No not all cultures are equally valid. May cultures have different traditions and practices that seem strange to others, but it doesn't matter how "weird" it is. what matters is the reason, and meaning behind it.