The Four Steps of Viewing the World:
1. We ogle.
2. We scan.
3. We judge.
3. We judge.
Optional: (4. And sometimes, we laugh.)
In a rapidly globalizing society, that is exactly what not to do.
And yet, this has become a poisonous habit which we cannot seem to get rid of. And so people impose. They force and mold others to conform to avoid looking biased. But is what we do right?
I certainly don't think so.
In different cultures, we may feel that things are out of order.
It was definitely so for me when I first came to Korea. I saw how respect was shown not in how things were said but in what was said. I saw how people bustled pass me without an "Excuse me." I saw the students dressed in uniforms. I heard Korean. In that moment of culture shock, the first thing I felt was, "Something is very wrong." But nothing was wrong. It was just that 
I did not know what to do. After all, the best the world had provided me with was the list above. It was time for a new list of rules. I realized that I needed to silence my complaints and criticisms and start to observe and understand what was going on. I had been much too loud to listen. I needed to comprehend the rationale behind the actions of these people. And fortunately, I eventually did. But this was a long, arduous process that was partially unnecessary. I didn't need to go through the four stages of the narrow-minded asinine. By simply accepting the differences and absorbing the culture, I would have been in an enlightened and luxurious stage of leisure.
I did not know what to do. After all, the best the world had provided me with was the list above. It was time for a new list of rules. I realized that I needed to silence my complaints and criticisms and start to observe and understand what was going on. I had been much too loud to listen. I needed to comprehend the rationale behind the actions of these people. And fortunately, I eventually did. But this was a long, arduous process that was partially unnecessary. I didn't need to go through the four stages of the narrow-minded asinine. By simply accepting the differences and absorbing the culture, I would have been in an enlightened and luxurious stage of leisure. And I adhere the much simpler list of the less-narrow-minded asinine.
How to REALLY View the World:
1. Shut up.
2. Observe.
3. Accept.
*Deceptively easy and definitely not for the faint-hearted.
5 comments:
Jihyun:
I love your post. It's really funny, but at the same time, it's really interesting, too (and thought-provoking [Ms. Searson]). I like how you make two different lists, one that shows how society thinks we should view the world, and the way you view the world. I think it's sometimes hard to just "shut up and accept though" (Ms. Searson agrees with this point). Especially for me, sometimes I just have to say what I'm thinking (I think you know this) and I can't accept things the way they are. I always want to change something and make it so it fits my way, but that doesn't always work. Facing different cultures is hard, but somehow we manage to get through.
Good post. :)
- Inhye (and Ms. Searson) -
"But nothing was wrong. It was just that I did not know what to do." I love that line in your post--I think it really sums up this thing we call "culture shock," that disorienting feeling that sets in when we're suddenly exposed to a different set of values and a different way to experience day-to-day life.
This entry was short, but it was all-around brilliant. You brought the writing back to full circle and kept me laughing the entire time.
Jihyun,
"I realized that I needed to silence my complaints and criticisms and start to observe and understand what was going on. I had been much too loud to listen. I needed to comprehend the rationale behind the actions of these people.
How to REALLY View the World:
1. Shut up.
2. Observe.
3. Accept."
Wow. Jihyun. This is a great post. I think that you have really hit the nail on the head with this one, especially your final list on how to view the world. The above portion that I quoted struck me as well. This is exactly what I would hope that all the students in this class would be doing as we examine culture and spirituality and the connection between the two. What you stated above was in connection with your learning to understand and deal with Korean culture, which as anyone who has lived in Korea can tell you, is a bit of a culture shock at times. If you were being totally honest in your blog, then I would like to challenge you, that in the same way you showed grace to Korean culture, show grace to Don Richardson and Christianity. That does not mean you have to accept it or support it, but if you follow the advice of your own post, I think you will find the rest of this book to be a rewarding experience. And don't only show this grace to Richardson and Christianity, but whenever you are confronted with different viewpoints or perspectives.
"I realized that I needed to silence my complaints and criticisms and start to observe and understand what was going on. I had been much too loud to listen. " this line was very strong and the conclusion that you come up with for
"How to REALLY View the World:
1. Shut up.2. Observe.3. Accept."
was very final as well however you are not showing your true opinion. Who cares if there are people that do not agree with what you think or if there is a minority, as long as you do not force people to believe in what you believe. Let your view be heard and there will always be people that want to hear it.
Fun post - profound ideas. oberving our environment and people will always help us make meaning of the world - but I do think that Danika is somewhat right,do voice your ideas. Give rspect, gain respect - learn from each other. Mrs.Mc.
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