1. Critical Insight: Understanding different cultures in America
First of all, I’ve learned through the culture introduction video and group conversation that culture is perspectives, practices, and products. This concept made me think about why people think, behave, and express themselves in different ways. I wondered where these cultural differences between groups were from. I’ve also learned that culture passes from the old generation to the young generation, and that culture is second nature. Nature isn’t made in the short term and differs according to environment. This is very similar with history. The long story of humans is their history. Each story has a character (identity, behavior), style (product), and message (think, value). If people want to understand a whole story, people have to consider these factors. Thus, I realized that people need to know other culture’s histories to better understand how their culture is defined.
I’ve also learned through the cultural iceberg video that there are more hidden aspects of culture that people can’t see than observable parts. This image is strongly imprinted in my mind. The invisible parts are made through a long history, therefore it is difficult to understand other cultures and people without understanding what they’ve received from old generations.
Lastly, I’ve learned about the definition of American culture through texts and lots of discussion questions in class. Even though I didn’t have to answer all the questions in class, I was surprised that I started thinking about them outside of the class. For example, I wonder why the concept of American culture has changed from a melting pot to a salad bowl. If people became like a salad bowl, does it make people more separated? And can the salad bowl be an excuse for people not to be interested in each other’s cultures because they are different? On the outside, the salad bowl concept sounds very modern and reasonable, but what do people actually think? Also, I wonder what new concept will be coming next.
My Aha moment was when I learned about stages of culture shock and that I’m not the only one who has felt depressed and confused in another culture. Culture shock is not only a personal matter, but anyone can experience similar stages when they encounter other cultures. Therefore, I can see myself both within one of the cultural phenomena we learned about and as an individual in American culture.
3. Bumper Sticker
Love Your Accent! 💜
4. I didn’t know that…
I didn’t know that old culture affected how people’s self-images are formed. I had thought mainly gender, physical appearance, and pop culture influenced me in making my self-image. My generation in Korea tends to be disrespectful toward the older generation. However, I can’t deny that I have been and always will be affected by the older generation. Therefore, young people’s hatred of their parent’s generation is likely related to how they feel about themselves, and probably they aren’t proud of themselves, too. In conclusion, it could have a negative effect on their society. Prof. Gitte said that old and young generations should understand each other, and not be disrespectful. It’s still difficult to me, but I will try to understand the older generation and see them in different aspects.
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