Dear diary.
I didn't realize that today was the last day of June. I can't believe that the first half year is already in the past.
When I look back on the half year, it was as awesome as when I was born. There were some tough situations though, I have experienced and learned a lot of very new things that I had never gone through in my life. The most differnt thing is the fact that if I go out of a house, English is inherent in daily life. From saying hi to my neighbor who lives next door to explaining grammar problems in my sentences, all of the things are in english. At first, I had to restrain myself from speaking something in Korean, but now I have to restrain myself from speaking something in English while I'm talking on the phone with my family in Korea. My english is still far from perfection though, I've been changed alot and I hope that I'll have changed alot again for the second half year.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
29th.june.2010
Dear diary.
A beautiful vocabulary day gave harsh time to me. There is anything wrong with a vocabulary day, but my brain is a problem. I guess my brain stops working and thinks about vain things that are not related to my english life, such as desert, bugs, dusts etc, eventhough there is a lot of things to do. However, one good thing is that I try to think all of these vain things in english. I think this is a miracle of a vocabulary day.
A beautiful vocabulary day gave harsh time to me. There is anything wrong with a vocabulary day, but my brain is a problem. I guess my brain stops working and thinks about vain things that are not related to my english life, such as desert, bugs, dusts etc, eventhough there is a lot of things to do. However, one good thing is that I try to think all of these vain things in english. I think this is a miracle of a vocabulary day.
The differences about family between Korea and The U.S.
The differences about family between Korea and The U.S.
When I saw this question, I deeply thought that what differences we have.
I’m not sure if you know about Korean family in the past well but I would say that in the past, Korean family was very very strict. It didn’t seem to be a relief place as home today. We still have this kind of concept. Fathers are very powerful in Korean family. Sometimes, this power makes their children give up his/her dream. I know it’s sad but it happens for real. And I think the way that mothers usually do to family is as same as mothers in the U.S.
I think this thing could be a huge difference. Parents support their children until before they got married in almost all families in Korea. I mean that financial support is also included. Even thought sons/daughters turn over like 25, parents still support their children. Parents give them allowance. And this allowance is supposed to be back to parents when they get older and can’t work well. It’s not necessary but usually people do.
Lastly, parents prefer sons to daughters. It has been changing so I’m not sure if it still works today. But I guess people still think like this. People’s name is supposed to be followed by their father’s name. So I guess that parents might be considering that only men can keep their family over and over. That’s why men is a little bit welcomed when they see the world for the first time.
When I saw this question, I deeply thought that what differences we have.
I’m not sure if you know about Korean family in the past well but I would say that in the past, Korean family was very very strict. It didn’t seem to be a relief place as home today. We still have this kind of concept. Fathers are very powerful in Korean family. Sometimes, this power makes their children give up his/her dream. I know it’s sad but it happens for real. And I think the way that mothers usually do to family is as same as mothers in the U.S.
I think this thing could be a huge difference. Parents support their children until before they got married in almost all families in Korea. I mean that financial support is also included. Even thought sons/daughters turn over like 25, parents still support their children. Parents give them allowance. And this allowance is supposed to be back to parents when they get older and can’t work well. It’s not necessary but usually people do.
Lastly, parents prefer sons to daughters. It has been changing so I’m not sure if it still works today. But I guess people still think like this. People’s name is supposed to be followed by their father’s name. So I guess that parents might be considering that only men can keep their family over and over. That’s why men is a little bit welcomed when they see the world for the first time.
Cultures are different but not better than others.
That cultures are different is an understatement. Depending where you come from, your point of view about things changes. But, for example,what are the main differences between an American and a European?
The first place where we start to acquire and learn our culture is at home. That's why, the best way to recognize the differences is analyzing both families.
Even though families from the same culture are not equal, there are some similarities.
Im not an expert about american families but I will try to be objective when talking about both cultures.
One of the main differences could be the number of kids per family. In Europe that number is decreasing so families there have less members than American families.
Education plays a big role in both cultures. Having the access to it is more complicated in the U.S. where a family with several kids can not afford to send all of them to private schools or College. In Europe, that family could have more opportunities due to fact that the public education is affordable.
It is also true, that once an American goes to College and starts working, the probabilities for him/her to make more money than a European are higher. It might be the reason why parents doesn't spend so much time at home and kids get independent sooner than in Europe where the living price is not so easy to afford for a recent graduate.
Nutrition is likely the biggest issue. Fast and inadequate food is a concerning problem for the American society. The lack of time forces them to get something pre-cook or not so healthy instead of cooking by themselves. In contrast, Europe is known for its handmade meals and mediterranean healthy diet that includes more vegetables and less fatty meals.
In summary, each culture and family is different but they all have good and bad things. Our responsibility is to learn from each other and try to improve our family unit that way.
The first place where we start to acquire and learn our culture is at home. That's why, the best way to recognize the differences is analyzing both families.
Even though families from the same culture are not equal, there are some similarities.
Im not an expert about american families but I will try to be objective when talking about both cultures.
One of the main differences could be the number of kids per family. In Europe that number is decreasing so families there have less members than American families.
Education plays a big role in both cultures. Having the access to it is more complicated in the U.S. where a family with several kids can not afford to send all of them to private schools or College. In Europe, that family could have more opportunities due to fact that the public education is affordable.
It is also true, that once an American goes to College and starts working, the probabilities for him/her to make more money than a European are higher. It might be the reason why parents doesn't spend so much time at home and kids get independent sooner than in Europe where the living price is not so easy to afford for a recent graduate.
Nutrition is likely the biggest issue. Fast and inadequate food is a concerning problem for the American society. The lack of time forces them to get something pre-cook or not so healthy instead of cooking by themselves. In contrast, Europe is known for its handmade meals and mediterranean healthy diet that includes more vegetables and less fatty meals.
In summary, each culture and family is different but they all have good and bad things. Our responsibility is to learn from each other and try to improve our family unit that way.
The difference between a Venezuelan family and an American family...
I think that an American family is very different from a Venezuelan family, both has positive and negative sides that if we manage to mix them together it could be the perfect family model.
Education in the US is a main objetive in families that fortunately the goverment offer it for free and with a better quality than Venezuelan public education, in consequence Venezuela have aproximately 70% of people who don't know how to read or write, it would be a very positive step if Venezuelan families and the goverment had the same education goal as Americans. On the other hand, I noticed that alimentation is a problem in American families because they feed the children with microwaved food and soda which in a period of time can be very unhealthy to the children, in Venezuela is the opposite families normaly try to cook healthy food and make natural juices for the kids because microwaved food is too expensive and good alimentation is a main objetive in my country.
To sumarize, fortunately I have a family who give me a good education and a healthy alimentation but these two are the ones that I had notice, I could problably be wrong because I don't know any American family and the only diference between my family and them is that I didn't move out of my house at a early age as US citizen always do because in Venezuela is normal to move out when you get married no matter what age we have.
Education in the US is a main objetive in families that fortunately the goverment offer it for free and with a better quality than Venezuelan public education, in consequence Venezuela have aproximately 70% of people who don't know how to read or write, it would be a very positive step if Venezuelan families and the goverment had the same education goal as Americans. On the other hand, I noticed that alimentation is a problem in American families because they feed the children with microwaved food and soda which in a period of time can be very unhealthy to the children, in Venezuela is the opposite families normaly try to cook healthy food and make natural juices for the kids because microwaved food is too expensive and good alimentation is a main objetive in my country.
To sumarize, fortunately I have a family who give me a good education and a healthy alimentation but these two are the ones that I had notice, I could problably be wrong because I don't know any American family and the only diference between my family and them is that I didn't move out of my house at a early age as US citizen always do because in Venezuela is normal to move out when you get married no matter what age we have.
MY POINT OF VIEW
I don't want to generalize or upset anybody, so I'm going write about what I've seen, it can be wrong, but that's what I think about this subject.
I think that the biggest difference is time, in Venezuela we live with our parents until we get married and sometimes many newlyweds live with their parents until they can buy a place of their own. In the US the kids leave home as soon as they come out of high school and they never come back home, they are independent. For me, because of that Venezuelan families are much close than Americans, because we have the opportunity to live with our parents more time.
I don't exactly know the meaning of family for an American, but for many Venezuelans family is the most important thing in the world, for me being away from my family these few months have been very difficult. My family mean the world to me and without them I'm nothing!!!!
I think that the biggest difference is time, in Venezuela we live with our parents until we get married and sometimes many newlyweds live with their parents until they can buy a place of their own. In the US the kids leave home as soon as they come out of high school and they never come back home, they are independent. For me, because of that Venezuelan families are much close than Americans, because we have the opportunity to live with our parents more time.
I don't exactly know the meaning of family for an American, but for many Venezuelans family is the most important thing in the world, for me being away from my family these few months have been very difficult. My family mean the world to me and without them I'm nothing!!!!
Friday, June 25, 2010
25th.June.2010
Dear diary.
Saying goodbye to somebody we know and like is really difficult and sad.
At the last moment when we see the person's face, all of the memories with the person pass our head quickly and it makes us happy and very sad at the same time.
This feeling drives us crazy, because we can't do anything with the feeling.
However if there is a greeting, there is always a farewell, so everything we can do is just to confront this and accept this as a part of our lives.
Saying goodbye to somebody we know and like is really difficult and sad.
At the last moment when we see the person's face, all of the memories with the person pass our head quickly and it makes us happy and very sad at the same time.
This feeling drives us crazy, because we can't do anything with the feeling.
However if there is a greeting, there is always a farewell, so everything we can do is just to confront this and accept this as a part of our lives.
Why not?
Andy's presentation about being an entrepreneur was very interesting and motivating.
By explaining his own experience, he helped us believe in the 'American Dream' and how sometimes dreams can came true.
Andy believed in his idea and made it real by working hard on it. But according to his own words, the reason why he could make it was his supportive wife and family.
Even though the story about starting his own business was fascinating, his advice was even better."You also need to know when to stop', he said. I think this is a great piece of advice coming from a very clever person who was not able to sacrifice his home for his dream because family always comes first.
However, he encouraged us to believe in ourselves because if we don't believe in our own ideas, no one will.
By explaining his own experience, he helped us believe in the 'American Dream' and how sometimes dreams can came true.
Andy believed in his idea and made it real by working hard on it. But according to his own words, the reason why he could make it was his supportive wife and family.
Even though the story about starting his own business was fascinating, his advice was even better."You also need to know when to stop', he said. I think this is a great piece of advice coming from a very clever person who was not able to sacrifice his home for his dream because family always comes first.
However, he encouraged us to believe in ourselves because if we don't believe in our own ideas, no one will.
Taking the risk...
Yesterday we had a presentation from a entrepeneur who explained how he build his business and why he did it. After his speech I was impressed on how someone could be so in love to an idea that even having a family he took the risk to go for it, I think that he managed to do the most difficult thing to acomplished his business.
I only have one personal experience were I tried to have my own business by developing a software that didn't exist in my country, fortunally I became partner with an university friend and we sell it to only two business that had the need to implemeting it, and unfortunately we stop selling it because we couldn't manage to study and had a company at the same time, we were young and didn't had the capital to had employees. As a consequence of his speech and my personal experience I felt so many emotions, first I felt very excited by the fact that I had the AHA! moment, ask for help and work very hard for it, but then I felt a little disappointment that I didn't take the risk of keep selling my product, my situation wasn't that difficult comparing to someone who have a family with two daughters. I hope to have the strength that Andy had to not give up his dream the next time I have an AHA moment.
I only have one personal experience were I tried to have my own business by developing a software that didn't exist in my country, fortunally I became partner with an university friend and we sell it to only two business that had the need to implemeting it, and unfortunately we stop selling it because we couldn't manage to study and had a company at the same time, we were young and didn't had the capital to had employees. As a consequence of his speech and my personal experience I felt so many emotions, first I felt very excited by the fact that I had the AHA! moment, ask for help and work very hard for it, but then I felt a little disappointment that I didn't take the risk of keep selling my product, my situation wasn't that difficult comparing to someone who have a family with two daughters. I hope to have the strength that Andy had to not give up his dream the next time I have an AHA moment.
100% MOTIVATION
For me when you love something it shows, so, when I was listening to Andy's presentation his emotions were transmitted to me, his excitement, his inspiration, his eagerness, I could feel all of his emotions. For me he is the typical American, a person who had a really good idea and he fought against adversity to materialize his idea, the real entrepreneur, a hero for American society and for many people around the world who want to have the opportunity of materializing their dreams.
I think that all of us (in the class) learned something really important with Andy's presentation besides knowing how to start our own business, it was perseverance, never give up your dreams, be surrounded with people who loves you, put a side your pride and ask for help and most importantly trust in yourself!
I think that all of us (in the class) learned something really important with Andy's presentation besides knowing how to start our own business, it was perseverance, never give up your dreams, be surrounded with people who loves you, put a side your pride and ask for help and most importantly trust in yourself!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
24th,june,2010
Dear diary.
I arrived at the class late. I felt bad in the subway in the morning, because I knew how horrible a waiting person's feeling is. In addition, I came back late after 15minutes long break(for me it was 20minutes long break).
There were lots of reasons of my being late, such as my tiredness, SEPTA's employees' lazyness, Starbucks' employees' lazyness etc. I know that all of these sound like excuses and I hate myself when I find out that they are excuses which I have to concede. So, I'm going to close my eyes, deeply regret what I did and carve "Don't be late" in my heart.
I arrived at the class late. I felt bad in the subway in the morning, because I knew how horrible a waiting person's feeling is. In addition, I came back late after 15minutes long break(for me it was 20minutes long break).
There were lots of reasons of my being late, such as my tiredness, SEPTA's employees' lazyness, Starbucks' employees' lazyness etc. I know that all of these sound like excuses and I hate myself when I find out that they are excuses which I have to concede. So, I'm going to close my eyes, deeply regret what I did and carve "Don't be late" in my heart.
"Rags to riches"
Before I came to Philly I already knew how important was the American Dream to the US citizens but after my presentation about Walt Disney history I realize that not only Americans feel identified with it, also people from another countries as I explain in my presentation. In addition, yesterday our english teacher explained how the "rags to riches" histories are attach whith the american dream, because the movies, books or cartoons always have a poor character who become rich and famous in a period of time and I realize that all the Disney movies not only became famous for using the idea of a "fish out of water" but also became famous using the "rags to riches" history.
I think that I'm becoming a fan of the Disney history because after my class research I'm obsessed to know and learn about the Disney company as a business and how this person had such a perfect strategy to become who he is nowadays with his movies and themeparks and also how his ideas are always attach to the American and foreign happyness, and quality of life.
I think that I'm becoming a fan of the Disney history because after my class research I'm obsessed to know and learn about the Disney company as a business and how this person had such a perfect strategy to become who he is nowadays with his movies and themeparks and also how his ideas are always attach to the American and foreign happyness, and quality of life.
THE SIMPSONS
Yesterday in class we saw a chapter of The Simpsons called Brother can you spare two dimes? I don't know if somebody knows what this chapter was about, but for me was the perfect example of equality of opportunities. There were a bunch of bums in the dumpster talking about how they lose all their money, Homer's brother was there explaining how he lost his money because of Homer's stupidity but of all of the bums he was the only one who had hope and the only who believed in having a second chance. He didn't surrender, he made an effort and had a great idea, he was an entrepreneur, he thought about a innovative idea and succeeded, he became rich again and the conquered the american dream!... For me this is equality of opportunity because all of the bums had the same chance of succeeding, the only thing they needed was motivation, hope and a innovative idea!
Satisfaction
I saw a musical, Dream Girls, last night. It shows the story of American dreams. It exactly represents "rags to riches". The main charactor got a big opportunity and became famous and rich. However while he was earning lots of money, he did some illegal work like copying other singers' songs. He thought that if people want to succeed they should do anything that make them succeed, even bad things. We can easily see some news about some rich Koreans' trying to break some laws to decrease their taxes or to give their children thier wealth. One of my teachers told me that if you want to succeed, you should be never satisfied with yourself. Honestly, I have tried to follow his advice so far. However sometimes it looked scary for me because it made me comfused. I strongly believe that people should live with pursuing happiness and satisfaction is important point of making us happy. The rich guys, who did something illegally to be richer might be never satisfied with their wealth. Are they really happy even though many people blame their behaviours? Well I can't have the answer because I'm not rich. It motivates me to be rich to know the answer...........Whatever~~.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
23rd.june.2010
Cara! Should I write here?
Before writing, I'm supper happy now because of winning a bonus prize which is what I'm doing.
This is my first diary. Actually, this is not the first diary, because I had kept diaries every day since I came to the U.S and since the third month in the US, my lazyness had made me stop keeping diaries. However, thanks to cara, finally I can be free from my lazyness!! I can keep diaries even here!(In fact, I should..:)) but I think this is a great chance to look at myself again and change my same routine even though it is not a big deal and takes just a few minutes.
Before writing, I'm supper happy now because of winning a bonus prize which is what I'm doing.
This is my first diary. Actually, this is not the first diary, because I had kept diaries every day since I came to the U.S and since the third month in the US, my lazyness had made me stop keeping diaries. However, thanks to cara, finally I can be free from my lazyness!! I can keep diaries even here!(In fact, I should..:)) but I think this is a great chance to look at myself again and change my same routine even though it is not a big deal and takes just a few minutes.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Let it be!
To me, that U.S president's celebrating a specific religious ceremony is totally acceptable. It doesn't mean supporting or making a national religion. It's just an action that makes their relationship better like celebrating friend's birthday. In addition, the mayor's making and naming christmas tree is also acceptable because of the same reason.
Honestly, I'm still not sure about my thoughts of the seperation between states and religions. Mostly I think that it is totally right. However whenever I saw some bad news about religions, I thought that governments should control religions. I think there's no exact answer about this problem.
Honestly, I'm still not sure about my thoughts of the seperation between states and religions. Mostly I think that it is totally right. However whenever I saw some bad news about religions, I thought that governments should control religions. I think there's no exact answer about this problem.
Christmas tree? Holiday tree?
since we talked about the Christmas tree, I've been confused about the freedom of religion and establishment things. when they built the U.S. over the new land, furthermore, when they came from england, the reason why they escaped from england was because they pursue the freedom of religion. but somehow, as history goes on and on, people in The U.S. started to think that The U.S. is the country of Christianity and celebrating on Christian events on public places. this facts is a little bit ironic. i feel like these actions are kind of invisible pressure to people who live in The U.S. and don't believe in Jesus. I have the same experience as it. when I was in military in Korea, it was the Chinese new years day and as usual, we celebrated it. but the problem was the way of celebrating is for Buddhist and all soldiers are supposed to take actions of the way of Buddhist. but as you know, Christian doesn't do thing like this and even don't bow to ancient. of course, it was allowed to soldiers that just standing at the set of table for celebration and pray. we could choose what to do in front of table. Korea is not the country of Buddhism. but we did it and we do now as well. I didn't believe any religion at the time, but i just did what Buddhist are supposed to do. definitely I felt pressure for that. what i want to emphasize is that if someone who has authority try to make his/her belief public so often, it is unfair and violation of freedom of religion. this is invisible pressure for other people.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
What kind of things can be an establishment of a religion?
What we talked about today was extremely sensitive and hard to say. Apparently, the symbol of one of the most famous holiday, Christmas, have recently become a talking point as a controversial problem in the U.S. As everyone knows, the symbol is a christmas tree.
Some people said that the government, the administration, or other authority should not cerebrate a specific religion because the conduct would be an establishment of a specific religion. For this reason, it is getting popular among the American citizens to call the christmas tree the holiday tree. I can understand why the people insisted that kind of opinion. However, changing the name is pretty weird for me as a solution because the event has been established or started as the holiday of Christianity, of course Christians should have the right of naming the symbol of the event unless other religions have the similar event using this kind of trees on the same date. Meanwile, I also understand, the multicultural big country, America, have a lot of different people who live by their own principles. The government should probably consider abount that. But i still don't think the christmas tree should be changed to "the holiday tree". It sounds weird and ridiculous for me. In addition, I'm not Christian.
Some people said that the government, the administration, or other authority should not cerebrate a specific religion because the conduct would be an establishment of a specific religion. For this reason, it is getting popular among the American citizens to call the christmas tree the holiday tree. I can understand why the people insisted that kind of opinion. However, changing the name is pretty weird for me as a solution because the event has been established or started as the holiday of Christianity, of course Christians should have the right of naming the symbol of the event unless other religions have the similar event using this kind of trees on the same date. Meanwile, I also understand, the multicultural big country, America, have a lot of different people who live by their own principles. The government should probably consider abount that. But i still don't think the christmas tree should be changed to "the holiday tree". It sounds weird and ridiculous for me. In addition, I'm not Christian.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
If you really want to know ....
I almost forgot to write a blog today , but thanx to my teachers wonderful way of remembering things i can now write what she asked me to write . We are talking about religion and government and how it is related and it is agents each other and how it is seemlier to one another , i didn't get the whole thing from today and i told my teacher at the end of the day that i got confused about what we talked about and to say the truth i'm still confused . ever one in our class has his own thought so its kinda difficult to get one common answer between us so this week i thing we will do less writing (( and thats what i'm looking forward to )) and more speaking and saying what you think and i'v always wanted to know what my classmates think in everything so i can know them better .
Freedom with responsibilities
The freedom of religion is people's right. Especially in the US, according to the first amendment it is one of the most important rights. Therefore we should respect others' religion, in addition governments don't have to interrupt or handle people's religious beliefs. I mean I totally agree with the separation between religions and states. However we are in communities, not living alone. In my opinion, if you want others to respect your behavior, you should respect others first. I mean even though the freedom of religion is important, people should follow public rules first. Of course I think governments should not judge peolple's religions, but people should try to keep harmony. For instance, if someone made lots of noise at night to practice their religions like some special religious ceremony, neighbors or police officers should make it stop because it might be annoying others. Well, people should have the right of religious freedom, but before do this they should be responsible.
I'd like to know why people believe in god.
I know I'm kind of weird person about religion. I think I can call myself atheist. but it doesn't exactly explain myself 100%. I've believed what I've seen and what I've experienced. every things that happen around us have reasons definitely. this is what I believe. I like to talk to myself not to god.only myself give me the answers. I also believe everyone has 2 faces like devil and angel. life is tug-of-war between them.
do something or stop doing it. no one dare knows what you are supposed to be and controls you. I don't know what I'm talking about~ am I supposed to say this?
do something or stop doing it. no one dare knows what you are supposed to be and controls you. I don't know what I'm talking about~ am I supposed to say this?
the separation between the government and religions.
I basically agree with this idea, but its extremely hard to say.
I dont mean that the government shoudnt be related to any religion. However, if the government followed the order of the specific belief of some religion in muticultural countries, such as the United States, it would cause prioritizing religions or religious things unconsiously or automatically. Probably, it would be inevitable. It would probably viorate other religions, especially smaller ones if the government which strongly tied with one specific religion existed and enforced some lows besed on its religious principles. Meanwhile, I dont think the goverment had better gevern without thinking and care about religions. it would be much worse than i had mentioned. In the dairy life, we naturally respect someone's religeon and thought for protectiong the right of freedom and the dignity. Yet, we all know that we should not accept any conduct of treading the right under foot even though the conduct is based on the belief of someone's religion. I believe that we can say the same thing to the government. This common knowleadge is not only come from teachings of religions, but proper education or educational environment can teach us these kind of well-balanced sense of value.
I dont mean that the government shoudnt be related to any religion. However, if the government followed the order of the specific belief of some religion in muticultural countries, such as the United States, it would cause prioritizing religions or religious things unconsiously or automatically. Probably, it would be inevitable. It would probably viorate other religions, especially smaller ones if the government which strongly tied with one specific religion existed and enforced some lows besed on its religious principles. Meanwhile, I dont think the goverment had better gevern without thinking and care about religions. it would be much worse than i had mentioned. In the dairy life, we naturally respect someone's religeon and thought for protectiong the right of freedom and the dignity. Yet, we all know that we should not accept any conduct of treading the right under foot even though the conduct is based on the belief of someone's religion. I believe that we can say the same thing to the government. This common knowleadge is not only come from teachings of religions, but proper education or educational environment can teach us these kind of well-balanced sense of value.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
CULTURE OF FEAR IN AMERICA
It's not easy to talk about this because for me is very difficult to understand WHY???... I'm having a hard time, but I'm sure that I'm going to be capable of answering this question. If you want to understand more about what I'm talking about you can find this youtube video very interesting. It's a cartoon from the movie Bowling for Columbine!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPBHtjZmSpw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPBHtjZmSpw
How other countries see Disney
Today a receive an email from my cousin who live in Spain and had a master in filmaking!. She told me very interesting things on how she sees the Disney company and how she felt about the amusement parks.One of the many things that she told me was that being on a Disney park make people forget about where they are from and what skin color they have, people just are looking to have fun and enjoy all the amenities of the park.
Personally I never thought what I felt when I visited Disney parks but now that she told me her opinion, I think that it's a general feeling of the Disney parks visitors.
Personally I never thought what I felt when I visited Disney parks but now that she told me her opinion, I think that it's a general feeling of the Disney parks visitors.
demand and supply
what kind of demand is there? If a style of supply changed, would the demand change? how about market? thinking about my topic, arts administration and the internet, it is inevitable to think about that.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Footballholic
is it correct? footballholic? can I say footballholic? I don't know lol
football.. why is it so popular especially in the U.S. I didn't understand why..
i tried to understand why Americans are so into football and watched football games several time even though i had no idea about specific rules. I just caught myself zoning out....what i'm watching now like this...I used to just turn the channel in 10min. 10min was more than enough at the time. however, since I've started to research it and realize some rules, which is very important, I feel like I'm getting into it. am i going into that black hole?
football.. why is it so popular especially in the U.S. I didn't understand why..
i tried to understand why Americans are so into football and watched football games several time even though i had no idea about specific rules. I just caught myself zoning out....what i'm watching now like this...I used to just turn the channel in 10min. 10min was more than enough at the time. however, since I've started to research it and realize some rules, which is very important, I feel like I'm getting into it. am i going into that black hole?
Bring it on
At first I just wanted to research the History of the Blues. Wow honestly it's getting more complicated than what I thought. The impact of the Blues to American musics is amazing. I can't finish it easily and simplely. I also don't want to do like that. I mean I want to master it. Step by step.
Lost in translation
In my country, Korea, when we meet someone for the first time, we speak in a way that we use when we speak to elder people even if the person is younger than us. This is a manner to a person who we meet first and we think this way is polite.
To be polite to people we met is really important in Korea. However, ironically, we don't say "sorry" or "excuse me" when we pass somebody and hit somebody. It doesn't mean we are rude. To American people's eyes, we look very rude and we don't care about other people, because American people always say "sorry" and "excuse me" even when his or her behavior doesn't disturb others not much.
Eventhough we don't say those kind of words, we don't care and we understand each other, because this is part of our culture. If you are from somewhere where it is important to say those kind of words, it will be really hard to understand my culture. I totally understand, because I went through adjusting to American culture and I thought that these things, which my country doesn't have, are strange.
To be polite to people we met is really important in Korea. However, ironically, we don't say "sorry" or "excuse me" when we pass somebody and hit somebody. It doesn't mean we are rude. To American people's eyes, we look very rude and we don't care about other people, because American people always say "sorry" and "excuse me" even when his or her behavior doesn't disturb others not much.
Eventhough we don't say those kind of words, we don't care and we understand each other, because this is part of our culture. If you are from somewhere where it is important to say those kind of words, it will be really hard to understand my culture. I totally understand, because I went through adjusting to American culture and I thought that these things, which my country doesn't have, are strange.
My first post ever!!!!
Hi! as Jessica said, we have to make a paper about American Culture, when I heard that, the first thing that came to my mind was food, but after thinking a little bit more I realized that food wasn't a very interesting subject, so my paper it's about THE CULTURE OF FEAR, why Americans are so afraid of everything.
For me this is a very interesting subject, because when you live in another country you think that the US is the best country in the world, but after living here and, most of all, after watching the movie Bowling for Columbine, I realized that Americans are obsessed with fear and I cannot understand why. So, in order, for me, to understand this situation I'm going to write about it!!
For me this is a very interesting subject, because when you live in another country you think that the US is the best country in the world, but after living here and, most of all, after watching the movie Bowling for Columbine, I realized that Americans are obsessed with fear and I cannot understand why. So, in order, for me, to understand this situation I'm going to write about it!!
My first post
Yesterday we went to the library because we have to write a paper about a subject of american culture, the trip was very interesting because the library was a very peacefull place were everyone (except for the kind lady from de desk) offer to help us find information about our subject. My subject is about how Walt Disney influence the american and other countries culture, in the library I found only one book about him, but someone who work at the library said that in a week they can find me another book to do my research.
I had found so many interesting things about Disney that I didn't know, for example during World War II the U.S military called Disney to ask them to use animated characters to spread propaganda and educate Americans about their enemies and they did a Donald Versus Hitler cartoon.
I had found so many interesting things about Disney that I didn't know, for example during World War II the U.S military called Disney to ask them to use animated characters to spread propaganda and educate Americans about their enemies and they did a Donald Versus Hitler cartoon.
The Blues
I'm still trying to find some information about the Blues, but one thing that I'm sure about is that it is strongly related to African-Americans' responses to everyday matters such as work and love. When I traveled in Chicago, I went to a Blues bar. It was my first time to listen to Blues. Well, I don't know about every song but to me it was the best music that makes me emotional so far.
By the way, let's go Flyers!!!..........sorry.
By the way, let's go Flyers!!!..........sorry.
Business chance
We started to research about our essays. My topic is the history of arts administration in the U.S.
it is harder to find proper infomation than I expected, even on the internet. However, it means only few people have knowledge about this area. there is always a new business chance.
it is harder to find proper infomation than I expected, even on the internet. However, it means only few people have knowledge about this area. there is always a new business chance.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
trip to free library
Actually,it wasn't my first time to go to free library. I hate to say this but when I was in drexel, I was given assignment to visit free library which is located in around vine street and participate in some activities. and i didn't know there is another free library except that place that i mentioned. and i heard they have a lot of events that is very helpful. anyways, i went to free library near kaplan and i was a little bit surprised that there were a number of people there. we all looked around the library and got a card and finally borrowed a book. but a woman was so upset with us. I know she was busy but..how dare.. argh.. i don't want to say it anymore. i just want to keep it as a cultural difference. sometimes, we need to be more patient with something that we can't accept. thank you for your time!
Introducing some new people
Mits Ota, an entrepreneur and musician from Japan, and Jessica Fuentes and Andreina Urdaneta, best friends from Venezuela are joining the proficiency class and the blog.
Also, please enjoy this post from HoEun Lee in the advanced class!
Also, please enjoy this post from HoEun Lee in the advanced class!
Monday, June 7, 2010
my relationship in my family
If someone asks me what my family is lik, I will say that my family is like a harmonilus orchestra without a composer. In some families, fathers always act like a composer but my father doesn't. He is not like a composer but like a bass. A bass is the lowest instrument in the orchestra. Usually, we can't hear the sound of bass when all of the instruments' are played. However I think all of the instruments' sounds are controled by the bass. If the bass is not in the orchestra, the sounds of each instrument is not in harmony and also the sound of music is not as beautiful as the music that includes the bass. Similar with the bass, my father is not talkative and not a powerful leader. However he always puts his status on other family members which is a same relationship between the bass and other instruments.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Different living places make different values.
I was thinking about the difference between Amaericans and Koreans. There are lots of differences like appearance, food, fashion, etc. However, the biggest difference or the root of every differnce is the difference of thought.
I, the most normal Korean....whatever, think that Koreans have prefered the good relationship among neighbors and family. We have been learning the importance of the harmony with others and we are thying to work together. Of course, Americans are also trying to have good harmony with others, especially we can find this value in John Winthrop's speech easily, loving your neghbors as yourself. However, these days Americans prefer Self-reliance more than good community. What made Americans change their thoughts?
In my opinion, the most important reason is the impact of their environment. In Korea, our land of living is too limited. Unfortunately, Korea is smaller than NY state. Therefore, the only way to survive in Korea, a small land, is harmony. We can't have our own big enough living space. If we hadn't prefered harmony, we would always fought eachother to get more things for surviving. However, in America, they had to live in huge frotiers. Each person had enough land and they didn't need to share their things. They might only think how to protect their lives by themselves from native Americans, dangerous animals, also their neighbors. In these reasons made them prefer self-reliance.
I think Americans values are very different from Koreans' as much as the difference of appearance. I'm still curious about the differences and I still want to learn about American culture more.
I, the most normal Korean....whatever, think that Koreans have prefered the good relationship among neighbors and family. We have been learning the importance of the harmony with others and we are thying to work together. Of course, Americans are also trying to have good harmony with others, especially we can find this value in John Winthrop's speech easily, loving your neghbors as yourself. However, these days Americans prefer Self-reliance more than good community. What made Americans change their thoughts?
In my opinion, the most important reason is the impact of their environment. In Korea, our land of living is too limited. Unfortunately, Korea is smaller than NY state. Therefore, the only way to survive in Korea, a small land, is harmony. We can't have our own big enough living space. If we hadn't prefered harmony, we would always fought eachother to get more things for surviving. However, in America, they had to live in huge frotiers. Each person had enough land and they didn't need to share their things. They might only think how to protect their lives by themselves from native Americans, dangerous animals, also their neighbors. In these reasons made them prefer self-reliance.
I think Americans values are very different from Koreans' as much as the difference of appearance. I'm still curious about the differences and I still want to learn about American culture more.
Oklahoma land rush... and heroes.
As soon as I sit, Cara started to show us some video clip. I didn't know what that was but I just watched. in the video clip, everyone was standing at the starting line riding horses. some of them had wagons. all of a sudden, all people who was at the starting line started to run at starting signal. "what the heck are they doing?" at first, i thought it was kind of ancient sports game. but it was not. I was totally wrong. it was the way of taking the land in the past. as a citizen who lives in such a small country, Korea, I was shocked a little bit and I was jealous of the way that they took lands as well. it's sad that even South Korea is smaller than Pennsylvania. anyways, after that day, we've learned what happened after people took the land and how they survived. "how do they survived in that deserted land? it was the first question that popped up in my head. although I knew how hard that was through my military experience, it's essentially different situations. surviving from nothing. it's surprising and amazing.I guess that's why people live now romanticize them. we all know how tough it was and i think no one dare try to put themselves into that situation. self-reliance. perhaps, that's the reason how The U.S. has reached this top status among the all countries. although America's history isn't that long compared to others, they already knew it how to survive by themselves.
Images of heros
This boring post is brought to you by Mits. This is my first post on Cara's Class Blogs :)
If I asked you what a hero usually is like, What would you say? someone who has a super power and can defeat villains easily? or who is extremely self-relreliant and can get over any obstacles? We studied the American stereotypes of heroes and how those have been composed by learning an american historical background.
In American Movies, it is not so hard to guess who a mein hero is when I first see the person. Usually, American Heros are macho men and mandsome. they dont really make mistakes.
How about it in Japan? Old japanese heroes are usually humble, unobtrusive,of course amazingly strong, and scattercrains. they dont usually tried to lead others in front of a lot of peope. they do their hero's jobs secretly.
As I mentioned, these historical background and images of heroes have definitely influenced the cultures and the senses of value in each contries.
When I see this kind of the hero movies next time in my contry, Japan, I would like to analyze how the directors and playwrights have been influenced by Japanese historical backeground of the image of heros.
If I asked you what a hero usually is like, What would you say? someone who has a super power and can defeat villains easily? or who is extremely self-relreliant and can get over any obstacles? We studied the American stereotypes of heroes and how those have been composed by learning an american historical background.
In American Movies, it is not so hard to guess who a mein hero is when I first see the person. Usually, American Heros are macho men and mandsome. they dont really make mistakes.
How about it in Japan? Old japanese heroes are usually humble, unobtrusive,of course amazingly strong, and scattercrains. they dont usually tried to lead others in front of a lot of peope. they do their hero's jobs secretly.
As I mentioned, these historical background and images of heroes have definitely influenced the cultures and the senses of value in each contries.
When I see this kind of the hero movies next time in my contry, Japan, I would like to analyze how the directors and playwrights have been influenced by Japanese historical backeground of the image of heros.
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