Did you know that there is a holiday dedicated to hatred?
Well there is, in Cambodia.
Every May 20th, people across Cambodia are encouraged to release their harboured hatred towards one specefically vile man; Pol pot.
This holiday was invented in the attempt of transforming the fear felt by the memory of Pol pot (The leader of the Cambodian communist movement in the 1970's and the Prime minister) with resentment towards him.
Although this holiday is still public, in most cases it is not thought of as a holiday but as exactly what it is, "The day of hatred." It is not celebrated for it is a day of remembrance for the many people who died under and due to Pol pot's rule.
How the government allowed this movement to pass, i'll never know, how its still present today baffles me. Everybody deals with things in their own way....if you want to dedicate a "holiday" to some evil dictatorlike man. I guess, whatever floats Cambodia's boat.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Culture!
Culture is such a funny word...no? I just wonder how they thought of such an ugly word (in my opinion) for such a beautiful reality. So for my culture blog i am going to tell you how the word "culture" came to be and what exactly it means. Exciting!
Culture came from the Latin word "Cultura" which originated from "Colere" meaning "to cultivate." Of course this is referring to the Agricultural term "Culture."
But what about the more commonly used "Culture"? Like for example a certain Country's Culture? WELL...
In the mid-nineteenth century, some scientists used the term "culture" to refer to a universal human capacity. Then, in the twentieth century, "culture" emerged as a concept central to anthropology, encompassing all human phenomena.
Culture can be summed up in 3 basic ways...
1)Excellence of taste in the fine arts and humanities
2)An integrated pattern of human knowledge, belief, and behavior that depends upon the capacity for symbolic thought and social learning
3)The set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterizes an institution, organization or group
Now in the anthropological sense "Culture" could be described as..
1)The evolved human capacity to classify and represent experiences with symbols, and to act imaginatively and creatively.
2)The distinct ways that people living in different parts of the world classified and represented their experiences, and acted creatively.
Well, there you have it!! Culture in all its multi-meaning glory!!
Thank you wiki....http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture
Culture came from the Latin word "Cultura" which originated from "Colere" meaning "to cultivate." Of course this is referring to the Agricultural term "Culture."
But what about the more commonly used "Culture"? Like for example a certain Country's Culture? WELL...
In the mid-nineteenth century, some scientists used the term "culture" to refer to a universal human capacity. Then, in the twentieth century, "culture" emerged as a concept central to anthropology, encompassing all human phenomena.
Culture can be summed up in 3 basic ways...
1)Excellence of taste in the fine arts and humanities
2)An integrated pattern of human knowledge, belief, and behavior that depends upon the capacity for symbolic thought and social learning
3)The set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterizes an institution, organization or group
Now in the anthropological sense "Culture" could be described as..
1)The evolved human capacity to classify and represent experiences with symbols, and to act imaginatively and creatively.
2)The distinct ways that people living in different parts of the world classified and represented their experiences, and acted creatively.
Well, there you have it!! Culture in all its multi-meaning glory!!
Thank you wiki....http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Change
Change. Everything is always changing. :D
This subject brought to my thoughts a conversation i just recently had with a college student preparing for a study abroad program in India. He is interested in the origin and history of language and is studying to be a multilinguist analyst...or something like that. Anyway, i asked him why he chose India to study abroad in and he said it was because they are one of the only countries that has not only preserved their ancient culture and tradition but they have also continually practiced them. Many cultures around the world have ancient teachings and kept traditions, but none are as widely practiced as in India. This would be a good example of how, although the world and it's people is constantly changing, India tries to remain loyal to their roots. It's admirable but at the same time somewhat misunderstood. It encourages people to think that Indian society isnt as modernized mentally and emotionally as the U.S., which really isnt true. The people of India just havent let their ancient beliefs slip away over time.
This subject brought to my thoughts a conversation i just recently had with a college student preparing for a study abroad program in India. He is interested in the origin and history of language and is studying to be a multilinguist analyst...or something like that. Anyway, i asked him why he chose India to study abroad in and he said it was because they are one of the only countries that has not only preserved their ancient culture and tradition but they have also continually practiced them. Many cultures around the world have ancient teachings and kept traditions, but none are as widely practiced as in India. This would be a good example of how, although the world and it's people is constantly changing, India tries to remain loyal to their roots. It's admirable but at the same time somewhat misunderstood. It encourages people to think that Indian society isnt as modernized mentally and emotionally as the U.S., which really isnt true. The people of India just havent let their ancient beliefs slip away over time.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
HOPE
SPOILERS!
Well, for my hope blog i'm going to make a connection to the book i'm reading, Breaking dawn. Hope is shown alot throughout the book. For example, when Bella is trying to have Renesmee she has hope and faith in herself that she can make it through painful pregnancy. Bella also has faith in herself, her husband, and her strength. Hope is a reoccuring factor in this book, something that i really didn't expect...i guess it'd be best if you just read the book and made your own connections...
Well, for my hope blog i'm going to make a connection to the book i'm reading, Breaking dawn. Hope is shown alot throughout the book. For example, when Bella is trying to have Renesmee she has hope and faith in herself that she can make it through painful pregnancy. Bella also has faith in herself, her husband, and her strength. Hope is a reoccuring factor in this book, something that i really didn't expect...i guess it'd be best if you just read the book and made your own connections...
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Religion blog
Well for my religion blog, I decided to study the Baha'i religion...no reason in particular, this religion/philosophy just intrigues me.
The Baha'i religion was established in nineteenth c. Persia, so it's a fairly new religion. It exemplifies the spiritual unity of all humanity. It ties together all the major religions of the world saying that they are all related to each other in the way that they all have a divine messenger which preaches criteria suited for the needs of that era. Thus its suggesting a string of Man made religions...or at least that's what I'm getting out of it. In my personal opinion i believe that Karl Marx was dead on when he described religion as "the opium of the masses." We decipher religious meanings the way we want to in order for our benefit. Religion Sates us because it gives us hope. Although i am a very religious person, i do still have my doubts relating to ancient scriptures and i often wonder if many biblical stories we are taught to idolize and abide by when we are younger are influenced and tampered with by man...i believe in every story there is a outline of truth, but it is not entirely realistic. It's like the game telephone, the more the thought or story is passed along from messenger to messenger the more warped it gets. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has had this controversial thought...but i just thought I'd share my opinion since i was already babbling on about the subject of religion.
I've lost my train of thought.
Anyway the Bahai religion encourages the unity of races, religions, teachings, and so forth. It is very anti-violence and pro-peace, which i admire a great deal.
That's enough for now...religion is a touchy subject...i never want to be offensive to anyone by stateing my opinion. Not only that but i dont think i could even put what i feel towards and about religion into words..it's so difficult to articulate my opinion...i like to think i am living by the Christian lifestyle but the Buddhist philosophy...with the exception of my belief in jesus christ.
Ehh Nevermind i dont think anyone would even understand...not that anyone reads my blogs anyway...so i'm basically just talking to myself....but that felt good to write.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bah%C3%A1'%C3%AD_Faith
The Baha'i religion was established in nineteenth c. Persia, so it's a fairly new religion. It exemplifies the spiritual unity of all humanity. It ties together all the major religions of the world saying that they are all related to each other in the way that they all have a divine messenger which preaches criteria suited for the needs of that era. Thus its suggesting a string of Man made religions...or at least that's what I'm getting out of it. In my personal opinion i believe that Karl Marx was dead on when he described religion as "the opium of the masses." We decipher religious meanings the way we want to in order for our benefit. Religion Sates us because it gives us hope. Although i am a very religious person, i do still have my doubts relating to ancient scriptures and i often wonder if many biblical stories we are taught to idolize and abide by when we are younger are influenced and tampered with by man...i believe in every story there is a outline of truth, but it is not entirely realistic. It's like the game telephone, the more the thought or story is passed along from messenger to messenger the more warped it gets. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has had this controversial thought...but i just thought I'd share my opinion since i was already babbling on about the subject of religion.
I've lost my train of thought.
Anyway the Bahai religion encourages the unity of races, religions, teachings, and so forth. It is very anti-violence and pro-peace, which i admire a great deal.
That's enough for now...religion is a touchy subject...i never want to be offensive to anyone by stateing my opinion. Not only that but i dont think i could even put what i feel towards and about religion into words..it's so difficult to articulate my opinion...i like to think i am living by the Christian lifestyle but the Buddhist philosophy...with the exception of my belief in jesus christ.
Ehh Nevermind i dont think anyone would even understand...not that anyone reads my blogs anyway...so i'm basically just talking to myself....but that felt good to write.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bah%C3%A1'%C3%AD_Faith
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Different Cultures blog
Since Thailand is one of my MOST favorite places, I decided i'll discuss their culture.
I believe that the first major difference between Thailand, or any asian culture for that matter, is their demonstrative signs of respect, not just to ones elders, rather to the whole society as one. This is something i believe the U.S. is severely lacking. In Thailand a greeting is done by placing the hands in prayer position and bowing the head low, this gesture is a respectful way of saying hello, it is also called The Wai.
In thailand everything is very Heirarchal, parents are superior to children, teachers to students, and so on. Status in the Thai culture can be determined by clothing and personal appearance, jobs, education, family name, and social connections. The Thai family has a much more noticeable bond when compared to typical western families, this is due to the strong discipline and kinship that goes toward strengthening the family.
The people of Thailand basically believe that you should be on your best behaviour 24/7, they believe that to be openly angry with someone might attract the wrath of the spirits, which in turn could cause violence and tragedy.
The last cultural difference i will state for now is the widespread practice of Buddhism, it is the largest and most prominent philosophy in Thailand, Whereas In the U.S. Buddhism is only one of the many religions that consume our modern day society.
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/thailand-country-profile.html
I believe that the first major difference between Thailand, or any asian culture for that matter, is their demonstrative signs of respect, not just to ones elders, rather to the whole society as one. This is something i believe the U.S. is severely lacking. In Thailand a greeting is done by placing the hands in prayer position and bowing the head low, this gesture is a respectful way of saying hello, it is also called The Wai.
In thailand everything is very Heirarchal, parents are superior to children, teachers to students, and so on. Status in the Thai culture can be determined by clothing and personal appearance, jobs, education, family name, and social connections. The Thai family has a much more noticeable bond when compared to typical western families, this is due to the strong discipline and kinship that goes toward strengthening the family.
The people of Thailand basically believe that you should be on your best behaviour 24/7, they believe that to be openly angry with someone might attract the wrath of the spirits, which in turn could cause violence and tragedy.
The last cultural difference i will state for now is the widespread practice of Buddhism, it is the largest and most prominent philosophy in Thailand, Whereas In the U.S. Buddhism is only one of the many religions that consume our modern day society.
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/thailand-country-profile.html
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Gender Roles
Gender roles have shaped our society to become what it is today, frankly being a woman my opinion is kind of biased. I believe women can do anything men can do just as good if not better, even if this means they have to work harder given their sexual orientation. It is true that often times women have to work harder than men either physically or mentally, just to get recognition. I'm not saying we haven't come a long way since women were simply stay at home mothers there to feed the family and please the husband but there is still a sort of unseen or ignored barrier that discoureges women from mens work. As we look back over history, nearly from the very beginning of time the world has been a Patriarch, There were rarely cases where women held political or social power, Even more rare if women were treated with equality. Luckily for me i was born in an age were women are no longer treated as property, but as close to equal as i think the world will ever be able to get. Maybe it's for the best that women arent given all the same opportunities that men are, i mean, we dont have the possibility of getting drafted for war, there's a plus.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Overcoming Struggles Blog
So, I was just reading this very intriguing and very simple story about the birth of a butterfly and a teacher and his students. The teacher wanted to show his students what a butterfly had to overcome in order to become an actual butterfly. He told the children not to assist or assualt the butterfly in breaking free from it's cacoon, he told them to leave it alone. One child, taking pity on the butterfly, broke its cacoon himself as a supposed favor to the struggling butterfly. Little did he know that small, 'helpful' gesture would actually kill it. The teacher came back in and explained to the class that in order for the butterfly to live it must overcome the first challenge in its life at birth. This reminded me of the struggles that people have to go through in their life. Nothing comes easy, everything you want must be gained though pursuit and effort, those who are simply given things will not be ready to face the world when its time for them to breake free of thir cacoons, or in human case, parental restraints. :]
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Disaster Blog
I know this is an assignment and everything but reading, and writng for that matter, about disasters just brings me down. I mean i'm not expecting to blog about rainbows and puppie but come on! As if international and local disasters arent publicized enough throughout the media but now we have to blog about it?!?! Not to mention read a book where it seems like every other chapter is plagued by death or suffering of some sort. I know it's a simple, unrealistic, and unreachable wish but, I just want the world and all of its inhabitants to be happy! Jeez.
Thai Food Scandal
It seems that Hundreds of people in the Southern province of Phatthalung fell ill with food poisoning as of late, this was due to a local outsource of contaminated canned fish. The fish had been sent as a relief to the south because of a recent flood there. I'm sure this gesture was meant to be helpful, but you'd think that after the 'bad peanut butter from china' situation people would generally be more careful about their insourcing and outsourcing. I guess not.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/
Thai Food Scandal
It seems that Hundreds of people in the Southern province of Phatthalung fell ill with food poisoning as of late, this was due to a local outsource of contaminated canned fish. The fish had been sent as a relief to the south because of a recent flood there. I'm sure this gesture was meant to be helpful, but you'd think that after the 'bad peanut butter from china' situation people would generally be more careful about their insourcing and outsourcing. I guess not.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/
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