Ethnocentrism [eth-noh-sen-triz-uhm]
–noun
1. Sociology . the belief in the inherent superiority of one’s own ethnic group or culture.
2. a tendency to view alien groups or cultures from the perspective of one’s own.

I want to take a look at this topic closer because now that I work in a multi-cultural environment, I get to see this happen more often than before. I mean really? What year is it anyway? You would think that at this day and age, people would be much more open and educated to avoid this way of thinking? Well you’re wrong, and so am I.

I remember sitting in my Cultural Psychology class back in college and thought, “ethnocentrism? there is no way that that still exist!”

The only difference is that it is happening in a much subtler way. All around us, wherever we are.

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Too often do I hear, “Well they shouldn’t have been doing it like that. Look at the way we do it in our country, it’s the best and only way to go.” Well unfortunately sometimes it isn’t the best and it definitely isn’t the only way to go. Many people forget about variables, or just the simple fact that other cultures are different. You can’t expect someone from a completely different culture to accept an new ideology with open arms. It’s not that easy (i.e. introducing Democracy in the centralized countries).

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As simple as, “Wow, them people are weird. Why are they acting like that? That’s so stupid!” Least to say this statement is completely shallow. I have learned that individuals who have not traveled or have been exposed to other cultures often seem to not be able to accept the fact that there are other cultures around the world. People do things differently. Just accept it, no need to criticize it, let alone degrade their social status.

What else can we really do. I mean, really. How many multicultural events will it take until everyone accepts the fact that we are living in a multicultural society?

The most dangerous part is ethnocentrism in children. Why? Because it leads to bullying. Children are much more expressive of their opinions, so what do you think children who believe in cultural superiority will do to immigrant children? More bullying.

It all goes back to ideology and beliefs, and I know that I’m naive to think that the world might be perfect one day.

Whining aside, I did learn a very important lesson and that is the lesson of friendship and to learn about people in general. Although I must say, those hours spent in Psych has gotten me to naturally observe people in a different way. It has come to no surprise that at this point in my life (at almost about quarter of my lifespan), friends have come and go. It used to hurt me when my friends would suddenly disappear. Change. Breakaway. But now I understand. It wasn’t my fault. It wasn’t theirs either. But our environment simply separated us.

The thing is, people’s personality don’t change. We are born with a personality. This is the first thing I learned in Psych. Just think about it, babies are born with a temperament. Some babies are cranky, and some are just adorably quiet. And we carry that personality with us for the rest of our lives. People’s behaviors, however, do change. When people say, “they’ve changed” — what they really mean is that their behaviors have changed. But really, it’s still the same person. Still the same personality. And, it has come to no surprise where that change has come from: their environment.

So I have observed the many people who’ve touched my heart and left me. Friends who made false promises. To always be there when you need me. To be your crying shoulder. I’m sure that I am not the only person who have experience this before. These individuals did not change who they are, but their environment has changed them. People learn something new, believe in different things and want to be in a fresh surroundings. It’s just unfortunate that I was not a part of that.

However, the many individuals who have stayed through thick and thin, have shown that there are no false promises, instead, only brighter days ahead. I’ve said this many times before, we are humans, and therefore we are social beings. We need people to always be around us and be there for us through no matter what. But there is no need to feel lonely when those whom you’ve trusted have walked away. Because if you not already have someone else to trust and be your leaning shoulder, you will only find new ones. Without the need to stress or fuss. I have learned, that if you stop wondering where your “friends” have gone, suddenly, you see that beyond the gloomy, lonely days, new people will enter your lives, and bring a fresh bundle of friendship.

To all of my darling friends. Thank you for always being there for me.

1. We stop at a Stop sign, even though, clearly, we’re the only ones in the intersection.
2. We let strangers take the body of the dead away from us
3. We dress up “funny” just to impress our neighbors
4. and so on…

Basically, we live in a society where rules boxes us in. It’s for the better, of course, since a society without rules would be like a pack of wolves without a leader. We need those rules, as ridiculous as they may be, we need it nonetheless. There is freedom, yes, but within boundaries — because that’s simply the society that we’re living in! Unhappy with that, you can simply move away and find a society that suits you best. It’s only a plane/boat ride away, no?

Perhaps the reason that we need these rules is because we are creative. Each individual has different wants and needs, different desires and ideas. If there are no rules, each person would fight to lead and establish what he/she thinks is right and wrong. As productive as that may sound, it would be very chaotic to let such a thing to happen. It’ll be like a roomful of politicians each with an idea completely of their own — yeah, imagine that.

We are wild and creative creatures who have learned the ways of this society. To not walk around naked, to fill out forms, to say good morning and good byes… Stephen would have to learn all this when he is 30-something and have lived his whole entire life in the wild. The only memory he has of societal life would be the baby books his mother used to read to him when he was three (before she died in a plane crash and thus left him stranded for the wolves to adopt). We are animals, trained, just like Stephen, to live the way we do.

I wonder what type of society we would live in if we were never given these rules in the first place? It would be something like the stone ages, most likely. I just think that it’s interesting how human have that ability to form this society and set rules — even though they were never told to do it. I mean, look around the globe and see the different societies people live in.

So rules are good, I suppose. Although I can’t help myself grunting every time I hit that breaks at a stop sign when clearly, there is no one around.

This semester I am taking Intro to Anthropology and we did a little section on religion and covered the Book of Leviticus, the section where they discussed the different dietary prohibitions. In Mary Douglas’ Purity and Danger, she covered a section on the Abominations of Leviticus and I found this section very informative! Douglas’ explanation of why Muslims and Jews consider pigs as unclean really opened up my eyes to understanding the reasons behind the prohibitions. For shorter explanation, I will just copy an excerpt from my textbook discussion this section of Douglas’ book:

“The Abomination of Leviticus” (Cultural Anthropology: A Perspective on the Human Condition, Emily Schultz, Robert Lavenda)

Consider the prohibition against eating pork. For Jews and Muslims, pork is inedible, culturally speaking. According to Mary Douglas (1996), this has nothing to do with ecological problems associated with pig raising in southwestern Asia nor with defects in the digestive systems of Jews or Muslims. Douglas analyzed the Jewish dietary prohibitions detailed in the biblical Book of Leviticus. She argues that certain animals were prohibited as food because something about them violated the prototypes for edibility recognized in ancient Hebrew culture.

Prototypically “clean” land animals were supposed to have four legs and cloven hooves and to chew the cud; pigs were an “abomination” because they were four legged, cloven-hoofed beasts that did not chew the cud. “Clean” beasts of the air were supposed to have feathers and to fly with wings; therefore, hopping insects were “unclean” because they had six legs, neither walked nor flew, and lacked feathers. “Clean” water animals were supposed to have fins and scales; shrimp were forbidden because, although they lived in the sea, they lacked fins and scales.

By itself, Douglas argues, a prohibition against eating pork is meaningless and appears irrational. However, when the prohibition against pork is taken together with other dietary prohibitions in Leviticus, and when these are compared with the foods that were permitted, a pattern emerges. Douglas and Isherwood write, “Goods assembled together in ownership make physical, visible statements about the hierarchy of values to which their chooser subscribes” (1979, 5). Thus, Jews who consume only “clean” foods that meet the ritual requirements laid down by their tradition are doing more than procuring the means to satisfy their hunger; they are also making a social declaration of solidarity with their religious community, and the care with which they adhere to the dietary laws is a measure of their commitment. Their need for food is being met, but selectively, and the selection they make carries a social message.

Basically, it’s not just the rules that the people are following but what it means to follow the rules. They may seem irrational and meaningless, but the whole point to follow the different rules is to be “holy,” and not be different. Basically, by following the rules, they are sending a message that they are able to make choices and show their commitment to the religion. So in the end, basically, pigs are unholy because the bible said so.

Well it’s a much better explanation than what I have understood all these years. I certainly appreciate the information, but whether or not I will return to Islam will remain a question.

There are what is called the real philosophers and the philosophers-wannabe. In my opinion, an actual philosopher often won’t attempt to use their ways of thinking in order to benefit themselves but instead to benefit others. Think about it, if you have a great idea you would like to share, would you make it sound like it’s rocket science when it really isn’t? If your true purpose of sharing your ideas to simply share, you would try to make the other person understand as best they could. Misunderstandings only lead to nowhere, and wouldn’t you want to have a great discussion in the first place, anyway?

On the other hand, a philosopher-wannabe would often make their ideas sounds grandeur. A point that can be explained in a simple sentence turn into a long eloquent paragraph. Sure it sounds intelligent, but once you hear closely to the points that is being said, there are multiple repetitions and the use of unnecessary verbs and adverbs. Really, just get to the point already.

I’m a believer in simplicity and speed. The faster and more efficient one way is, the better. So I don’t see a point in wasting another person’s time trying to explain an idea simply to make myself look smarter. Let’s face it here, “big” words aren’t used in everyday language, only in written scholarly journals for its own separate purpose. If you can simplify a 30 page journal into a simple, yet content-heavy paragraph when trying to summarize a journal, then your original intent is kept. Simple, fast, to the point.

There is also the issue of purpose in starting the conversation in the first place. One is to simply share an idea, the other is to push that idea onto another person because one think that that’s the only idea that’s right. You can hear it in the person’s voice and words when they simply want to share. They will ask for your opinions and be open about it. In the end, it simply turns into a healthy discussion resulting in better understading of both sides’ points of view. On the contrary, a selfish and “all-righteous” individual would try and push their idea to the other person and not listen or even ask for the other person’s opinions.

Can you see where I’m going with this?

To all individuals trying to sell dignity and respect through blatant philosophical bullshit, please stop. Just get to the point, and be quick about it.

P.S. Sorry I haven’t written in a while, school’s been taking over my life.

I must say, I have grown even further away from my culture’s beliefs and ways of life. I don’t blame modernity and technology, really, I simply grew into a more individualized person who wish for no attachments with religion and silly customs. What do I get for voicing out my opinions? Criticism from my own blood relatives.

I have grown to be much more open in life, to accept things as they are, and to explore every inch of possibilities there are to offer. Arts, for example, is one way that I really express my thoughts and feelings. But sometimes, even arts can be viewed as taboo. Nudity, sex, profanity and everything in between are parts of arts itself. In my opinion, if that’s what it takes to express your artistic views, then that’s the only way there is. No need to shy away from honest expressions.

Unfortunately, even until today, I am still unable to express my views wholly. My views on sex, drugs, the beauty of nudity and using profanity. What will the family say!

“It’s not just all about you. It’s about our culture too, you have to preserve it.”

Aren’t I preserving my culture anyway? In ways that doesn’t require signing up for religion and following the customs. I am proud of my heredity, of my ancestors and the way the community live their lives. I am proud to be Indonesian, to have shared such rich background and be able to experience such different lifestyles. But I am me, and to be proud of my culture, I don’t think I HAVE to live the life everybody else is living.

In fact, I know many individuals who perhaps have the same ideas and thoughts as me, who wish to be more open and expressive, but are bound to the ties of their culture. The result? Hypocrites. Individuals who say one thing and do another. Who wears veils for nothing, who reads the Qur’an for nothing, and who live a life of lies. Who swears for no sex before marriage, who swears for no alcohol or drugs… lies. It’s a shame, really.

At least I’m honest. I am not brave enough to be as expressive as I’d like to be, but hey, I’m getting there. It isn’t easy to be slowly breaking away from the ways of one’s customs. It isn’t easy to be a separate individual. But perhaps and hopefully one day I will be able to express my thoughts in feelings in my own open ways. I’m sure some people will understand. I’m sure some people won’t judge me, won’t look at me from where I came from, whose family I was raised with and so on. I’m sure that there are and will be some people who will view my expressions for what they are.

Me vs. the culture. Today, I win.

But then of course, any type of sugar is okay in moderation, right? This is true, but there are much more options out there than sweetening your food with high fructose corn syrup and/or even regular white sugar. Try organic cane sugar, that “sugar in the raw” stuff, or honey, or maple syrup. There are much less processing to those products, and since there isn’t much need for shipping, it is more nutritious (no need for extra preservatives).

Sure, the FDA stated that it is “Generally Recognized as Safe” and the American Medical Association concluded that it does not contribute to the increasing level of obesity in America… This is because high fructose corn syrup is not deadly / poisonous (we all know that), and of course, the increasing level of obesity is not because of high fructose corn syrup itself, but the products that it is in. When is it that you see an organic healthy food containing high fructose corn syrup. Although it may not be as unhealthy by itself, healthier foods often opt for healthier sweeteners, and high fructose corn syrup isn’t it.

A recent reading in the Washington Post, “High Fructose Corn Syrup: Not so Sweet for the Planet” also concluded that the production of high fructose corn syrup is not environmentally friendly. Ouch. Since the production of corn requires large amounts of land specifically for corn, there is no diversity. Also, corn production requires extra fertilization and insecticides causing the top soil to “die” and become nutrion-less and leads to erosion. An area in the Gulf of Mexico the size of New Jersey already is a dead zone, because there is a soil runoff from Mississippi and therefore nothing could grow there.

So, I’m sorry “Sweet Surprise”. Your high-fructose-corn-syrup-is-healthy advertisement is not completely true.

Global warming swarms a panic. Environmentalists screams for help. The government is stressing out. Who are we kidding here? After watching and reading various documentations, studies and theories, I have come to a conclusion that it is not Earth we should be saving, instead it is ourselves and our fellow living organisms that live on Earth.

One of National Geography’s most treasured show (in my opinion) would be Earth: The Biography, among many others. The show premiered just last month and it took my breath away! Truly an amazing way of showcasing the history and biography of Earth, the planet us humans are living in. There are so many interesting facts that are shown in this documentary, and the one fact from a study that I found most intriguing is how Earth has gone through so many throughout its history of development.

Funny how we think that humans are destroying Earth. In fact, Earth is so strong and such a unique survivor that it withstand the attack of various meteors and soaring heat. Yes, humans are destroying Earth now, but Earth will survive, and Earth will return to its original form once humans are no longer capable of surviving in it.

Link this to another showcase from National Geography, Aftermath: Life After Humans which focuses on how the Earth will take over everything that humans have created and destroyed and return to its original true form. Mother nature will let pollution breathe itself out, leaving only clean air within merely 100 years. Imagine unpolluted air; oxygen that current humans never even naturally breathe.

Every civilization has an end, and so will the human civilization as well. We can only survive for so long in this weather and conditions. The Earth is changing so much, unfortunately much too fast for humans to keep up. Let’s face it, humans are not evolving as fast as we would like us to be. We are unable to live in sweltering heat, with not enough vegetation, harsh weather and short supply of other resources. Unfortunately, the end to humanity is not too far and the human civilization is short lived not by any other factor but humans themselves.

Well, there is no turning back now. The Earth will move forward with its course, changing and being changed, surviving every step of the way. But will the humans survive? Nope. What to do? Nothing.

There is only so much that the green living idea can do to our own survival. It is a way for us to slow down our own extinction. A way to slow down and let our later generations live on this Earth that we love so much. A chance to breathe some air, a chance to survive before the end of humanity. Thinking green day today will not undo the environmental harm that humans have done, but it will give humans the time.

Live your live to your fullest, said a good friend of mine, Ann Tran. It wouldn’t be long until our later generations would simply be wiped out by natural disasters triggered by human actions. Our time on Earth is coming to an end. Not in my lifetime or your children’s, but maybe your later generations. You only live once, and don’t take that to advantage because you have no idea how lucky you are to still be able to breathe the oxygen, here on Earth.

People like Jamie Lynn Spears who was 16 when she discovered that she’s pregnant. The media’s turn on this? That it is a great thing, Jamie will get all the support she needs, the baby will be okay, it’s not her fault, and so on. Well, the truth is, viewing teenage pregnancy like this will not help other teenage girls to look up to Jamie (who, by the way is Britney Spears’ younger sister), and actually believe that teenage pregnancy is okay.

Then we have the movies and TV shows. For example, Juno. If you have seen this movie, then you would understand. This movie is not for young girls who does not understand the complication and risks of getting pregnant. Why? Because this movie is about embracing and coping with teenage pregnancy. One scene from the movie goes like this:

Juno: “I’m pregnant.”

Stepmom: “Oh God.”

Juno: “But I’m going to give it up for adoption! I’d already found the perfect couple, they’re going to pay for the medical expenses and everything, and, and, 30 odd weeks so we can just pretend that this never happened! “

Dad: “You’re pregnant?”

Juno: “I’m sorry… and if it is any consolation I have heartburn…”

… And then they started talking about who the father was, and started making fun of the boy who had gotten Juno pregnant in the first place, and the focus of the later conversation was straight onto dealing with the pregnancy. You could almost feel that when you’re there with the scene, there is no stress level, no worries and it’s like telling your parents that you stole gum from the hardware store. Big deal.

Well the truth is, pregnancy is a big deal and is not an easy thing. A normal parent would not deal with their children’s pregnancy as easy and relaxed as the parents in this movie. Sadly, young oblivious teenage girls would not understand this, and would actually believe that if they are pregnant, it would just be as easy as telling your parents your stole gum from the hardware store.

Adding to all this, is the so-called “pregnancy pact” that happened in a high school at Gloucester, MA. Apparently, about 17 girls decided to get pregnant and raise the children together, and these girls go as far as getting random homeless man to get themselves pregnant. What is this, a pregnancy sorority? So many girls are trying to join the pact and so many girls are willing to do whatever it takes.

The blame to all this? The media, the lack of sex education (which apparently only reached up to Freshmen), and most importantly, the parents.

Perhaps it is about time that every young girl around the nation know and understand fully the risks, the process and everything in between of getting pregnant. It’s not as easy as how they showed in the Hollywood. If you really would like to see real pregnancy and real parenthood, go to Discovery Health channel and watch is once in a while. And, to know what it’s like to take care of a baby, take care of one for a night.

Plus, it’s expensive! If you think that your current household could definitely afford a baby, think again. A baby’s first year could cost $9,000-$11,000 (www.surebaby.com), and that’s only the first 12 months. And the cost only go higher as your baby grows older. And this is only the money figures, babies not only cost dollars, but they can cost you time as well. The time you will have to spend taking care of the baby considering a newborn is in need of constant care and attention. Lacking any of this will cause the baby a failure to thrive (both organically and emotionally).

Also, another important fact is that teenage girls are not physically nor mentally ready to have a child. This is probably a known fact that many teenage girls miss. A teenage girls’ body (say, around 13-16) are still in the stage of developing. Adding a baby to the mass of that developing body could cause complications to not only the growing baby, but to the carrying girl as well.

Then the most important of it all: the beginning. Having unprotected sex is really a dumb choice. Pregnancy is not the only risk (especially when these girls really want it), but there are other risks like STD’s. And, really, how much do you know about STD’s? How much do you actually remember about the different kinds of the most common STD’s out there? Or the fact that many STD’s does not show any symptoms in the first few months and some could even be deadly? And STD does not only proof a threat to the girls themselves, but to others that they may have sex with again in the future as well as the baby (if they are pregnant).

So, pregnancy isn’t so pretty after all ain’t it? Isn’t it about time… NOW, that we need to inform our young generations of healthy and full-of-potential girls about sex, pregnancy and everything in between?

1. Cycling, Walking, or just Run!

Really, not only will you burn fat and look SO good, you will not spend more than $10 / month with biking/cycling. And the money spent usually goes to maintenance of bicycle or if you’re a walker, well, safety pepper spray, an umbrella and one pair of extremely comfy shoes. Imagine the amount of money you will safe. A LOT. You will definitely won’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on insurance, gas and maintenance.

Why is it so difficult? Yes, I understand how hard it can get during the tough seasons. But, raining boots usually help as well as a reliable public transportation. Or Taxis once in a while. And really warm weather and a decent pair of boots in the winter will make your walk more than bearable.

A little extra information:

Bicycle sales has actually gone up to almost double their last year’s sales. Strangely, people who are ditching their cars are usually those of older/senior citizens. Apparently college students through 30 year olds are still opting to drive instead of cycling. Even with their better physique.

2. Public Transportation

As a committed public transportation user, some states / cities actually offer really reliable systems. For example, while living in Montgomery County, getting to even the most remote places is never a problem. Thanks to the RideOn and Metro system that really helps me getting around.

Plus, most of the buses are hybrid which, of course, are very environmentally friendly. And the quality of the service as well as the buses are often quite acceptable. Some of the newer RideOn buses are actually really nice too. Comfy, safe ride that will get you to places.

3. Hybrid Cars

Hybrid cars have actually been around longer than I had expected. Plus, I have just come to understand what the term “Hybrid” really means: combining two or more power resources in powering the car engine. Choices ranges from gasoline, electricity, compressed hydrogen, soybean, corn or other bio-fuels. I will post a separate entry on the details of one of my most desired hybrid car: the Honda Clarity which says to be released this summer. The Clarity uses compressed hydrogen which powers electricity to run the car. Zero emissions, only water. How cool is that? I am still doing some further research on how it actually works, but I think that’s really cool! Honda is even planning to use the energy station, using hydrogen to power not the only car, but the whole house as well. Even cooler!

Point is, there are so many other alternatives to driving high-mileage gasoline cars. Plus the prices of Hybrid cars are lowering! And bicycles are always out there for you to buy. It is a fact that many people who have cars has grown so accustomed to driving 1-2 miles down the street to grab a thing or two instead of opting for walking or cycling. What a waste. And you would think that along with the current economic downfall you will be able to afford a gasoline car by a couple more years? Maybe not.

Set an example, walk and ride