@Merlin-James
No. Culture is important, but it is not binding. Certainly the cultural norms present some differences, but the culture itself is not static .. and it has always been important for the evolution of societies. Strssa culture is evolution. I always look at everything with curiosity, without prejudice, I am led to think, rather than to judge, to ask more than to find answers. The culture itself in any society is not limiting are the corporate dogmas .. a legacy of superstition and religion mixed together. Knowledge helps to understand, where ignorance has doubts and hinders any culture. So I still think not, no cultural norm is binding in itself.
I always think it's up to the individual to make good use of our cultural heritage :)

Whatever we experience since our birth makes us. Everyone reacts to situations differently as everyone grows with different atmosphere and the reaction is just the reflection of our present and past.