Chapter 3 - The self perception on others

[part one - 26.02.09]
Today we are thought in class about the Gantt Chart and self perception. We are asked to go back and prepare the Gantt Chart for our own blogs to show a clearer record of our work for the blog and etc.

For the self perception, it means how we see others in the style of talking, looking, behavior and etc. We also become aware of whatever happens to us, example, we smell something different, we go through the same noise and almost everything we perceive. Do we perceive almost everything around us? The answer is no as different people has different perception and depends on the situation. We do not perceive everything as our friend Julia goes for handsome guys and Teik Houng for pretty gals[its a joke]. Evon on the other hand, perceive how the way our class goes on. She perceive that there is ntg change between week 1 till now, and very suprising to see a lecturer very friendly. Buveni on the other hand thought all of semester 1 are friends as in known when secondary school because they can talk and make so much noise when she first time studying in Segi College. Later on she found that they are not friends during secondary school and they are just friendly.

What we use for perceiving others?
Our 5 senses.

What we perceive?
1.Whatever catches our attention
2.Yee Chern said experience

Miss Cheryl told us a story of hers when in Rakan Sebaya Camp. She is loud thats why she could make friends with almost all. She tell that there is this gal who go to the camp with short skirt. One of Miss Cheryl's friend commented on the gal saying that the gal is weird for she shave her legs. Miss Cheryl commented back and said she did shave her legs too. Her friend immediately commented and said that Miss Cheryl is different and she can shave her legs. [dominant people]
As for people who comes from small town, they usually perceive gals who wear short skirt are bad gals. All people has different self perception as we perceive only selective thing.

As for another assignment for our Interpersonal Communication, we are asked to go back and watch Star Wars III, Revenge Of The Sith [one of my favourite movie] to write out the dramatic changes of character[mostly Anakin Skywalker because he is the one who is expected to be the good guy turns into something nasty] and initial perception and does it change.


something to share with you all.. hope you like it..

We also did learn selective attention and selective exposure. Selective attention is purposely focusing your conscious awareness onto a specific stimulus or paying attention to whatever we like only. Selective exposure is a theory of communication, positing that individuals prefer exposure to arguments supporting their position over those supporting other positions.

As we group 4 are called to present the 4 steps of perception. Firstly was presented by KC on selection. We firstly select whatever we wanted to perceive for example, interest, skill, etc. The organization is the 2nd step of perception and was presented by Sanique and May Kwoon. After selection, we organize our thoughts and basically our self interest or skill to use it and talk to people depending on thier self interest and skill. Interpretation is the 3rd step of perception and it was presented by Claudia and Yike Heng. We interpret people more when they are closer. Sometimes people do interpret strangers if they have nothing to do. Basically, we interpret almost everything. For example, we can say if someone smiles at you, we interpret as if they are just being polite or show some interest towards you. We tend to interpret people more when they hang out more. Lastly the 4th step of perception was presented by Shakirin and Winnie. The negotiation is communicators influence each other's perception through communication. For example, they exchanged their stories during communication.

Lastly we are asked to go home to find self fulfilling prophecy and implicit personality theory to prepare for tomorrow's class.

-yike heng-

JOHARI WINDOW

The Johari window is a way of showing how much information you know about yourself and how much others know about you. It is named after the first names of its inventors, Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham.
The window contains four panes.

A four paned "window," divides personal awareness into four different types, as represented by its four quadrants: open, hidden, blind, and unknown. The lines dividing the four panes are like window shades, which can move as an interaction progress.

1.OPEN PANE
The "open" quadrant represents things that both I know about myself, and that you know about me. For example, I know my name, and so do you. However, when I first meet a new person, the size of the opening of this first quadrant is not very large, since there has been little time to exchange information. As the process of getting to know one another continues, the window shades placing more information into the open window, as described.

2.BLIND PANE
The "blind" quadrant represents things that you know about me, but that I am unaware of. For example, we could be eating at a restaurant, and I may have unknowingly gotten some food on my face. This information is in my blind quadrant because you can see it, but I cannot. If you now tell me that I have something on my face, then the window shade moves to the right, enlarging the open quadrant's area.

3.HIDDEN PANE
The "hidden" quadrant represents things that I know about myself that you do not know. So for example, I have not told you what one of my favorite colours is. This information is in my "hidden" quadrant. As soon as I tell you that I love ‘pink’, it means that I am effectively pulling the window shade down, moving the information in my hidden quadrant and enlarging the open quadrant's area.


4.UNKNOWN PANE
The "unknown" quadrant represents things that neither I know about myself, nor you know about me. For example, I may disclose a dream that I had, and as we both attempt to understand its significance, a new awareness may emerge, known to neither of us before the conversation took place.

CONCLUSIONS
The Johari window, essentially being a model for communication. However, it can also reveal difficulties in this area. In Johari terms, two people attempt to communicate via the open quadrants. On the simplest level, difficulties may arise due to a lack of clarity in the interaction, such as poor grammar or choice of words, unorganized thoughts, faulty logic etc. This induces the receiver to criticize you, the sender, by revealing something that was in your blind quadrant. Then, if the feedback works, you correct it immediately, or perhaps on a more long term approach take a course in reading and writing. On a deeper level, you may be in a group meeting, and while you secretly sympathize with the minority viewpoint, you voted with the majority. However, blind to you, you actually may be communicating this information via body language, in conflict with your verbal message. On an even deeper level, you in an interaction with others, may always put on a smiling, happy face, hiding all negative feelings. By withholding negative feelings, you may be signaling to your friends to withhold also, and keep their distance. Thus, your communication style may seem bland or distant.

A video made from other country

BY: NUR SHAKIRIN

To Sharon With Love

It had just been yesterday that we went out to eat at McD..little did i know it'll be our last lunch together with the others..and I remembered you jokingly told yee chern why he had to order the same burger as hers..

I was so glad when we get to work at starbucks at the same time..and we were so proud we could make coffee,we even ask Vernn and Lina to join us..Having you as a dance partner during prom had been the funniest when we had to pretend to be some 'hiao' cabo..Me and you , together we were both so nervous in doing the dance but end up forgeting our steps..

I had so much of laughter when you tried to promote your "LOC" product in public speaking class..'This product ar.. hrnnh.. verry good wann!' is your first line that made the class collapsed with laughter...I'm glad that we went shopping together, and you keep assuring me that i made the right choice, no need to regret buying..And in college, u would buy big box of fries and we would all share them over stories from you..and i was shocked when you teared up in class then you told us that you felt bad when Mr.vincent told the theory about a child will be drifted apart from his mother as he grow up..and you said your mum buy you so many clothes this new year, close to a thousand ringgit and she herself had only bought herself one new blouse thats what made you felt so bad..with that i knew you love your mum alot..

The memories you gave to me and to all of us had been such a bliss and it put such a big impact on us all now that you're not around anymore..I even remembered how you told us that you wanna get married because you wanna don that beautiful wedding dresses after seeing Lisa's wedding magazine..I remembered you saying, "Wo yau chier huen!"..
Everyting is still so vivid in my mind.. it had only been weeks when we come to your store that night and you made us drinks..you and your smile and signature loud laughter...

I hope that you'll be somewhere beautiful now and be happy like always..

our dearest Sharon having a short nap on my lap...

Self-Concept

Self-Concept Of Me

I think I am a quiet person and I don't like to talk so much. I prefer to listen from someone's view. Besides, I like to do the things that I am interested and I don't like someone force me to do the things that I do not like so much. I also need freedom in my life because freedom just likes my wings which can fly me everywhere to do the things that I like so much. In addition, I am also a polite person and I like to share my things or experiences with my best friends. On the other hand, I don't like the persons who are rudely in their behaviours. This is because rude is a act which can make someone feels uncomfortable and disrespect on others. Many people think that I am a high EQ person but sometime I feel that I am a quiet emotional person. Furthermore, I feel that I am lack of confident when I attend the classes. Although I already prepared well for the classes, I would felt the materials are not enough or perfect for the classes. This behaviour may be proof that I am also a perfectionist.

-KC-

Who am i??

Hye everyone..welcome to self concept of 'NUR SHAKIRIN'..people said that the self concept is the accumulation of knowledge about the self, such as beliefs regarding personality traits, physical characteristics, abilities, values, goals, and roles. Therefore, i would love to describes self concept of mine based on the traits listed aboved. Generally, i'm a strict person as i love to focus and give full concentration on every single thing that i do. this characteristics make people around me taught that i'm arrogant, but i'm not. Actually, i'm a person who love to be with my friends, talk with them, share the laughter, tears everything. for me, that is a wonderful moment in my life. To be a good listener for me is such a beautiful thing as it is sweet and caring. in the aspects of ability, i didn't discover yet. but the one taht i know is i love cooking and i can cook dishes with simple recipe. lastly, goals in my life would be 'SUCCESS'.As the only child in my family, i love to be a successful daughter to both my parents in all aspects of life..i THINK THAT'S ALL ABOUT ME..THANK'S FOR YOUR TIME..

-Nur Shakirin-

What i FEEL bout myself...

Seriously, i feel that i actually having a few different traits which some were known but some does not. First, everyone may perceive that i am a outgoing or chilled person, with the halo effect, people feel that i'm childish and not serious( haha), but in fact, i'm a person who think before i do or i speak. i'm a person who sometimes need to have a quiet environment and totally confidential, this attitude has once made me become a little bit anti-social and do not like to go out of my house. other than this, i am person who actually nto well in rejecting people's requests. i always promise to giving out helps, but sometimes end up i did not manage to help effectively( haha). Beside this, some people may think that i could not stay focus on certain task, due to the playful image i gave. but in contrast, i am person who exactly pay my full focus and attentions toward the task once i've decided to complete it, and only stops when i feel it's perfect enough. this happens to me during the time i prepare for examinations. another thing which i believe in myself is, i have a flexible physical movement and fast catch-up for physical tasking. this helps me alot during the time i learn breakdance during secondary school, i'm the one who master a skill faster than everyone did. As well as in my Karate training, i manage to perform certain difficult actions just by looking at my instructor demonstration once.

-Sanique-

My self concept..hmm.. i suppose, sometimes i've got a spilt personality, when i'm crazy and cheerfull i'm all that but when i'm down its a totally different story.. when i'm in that down mode, i'll be extremely quiet, no smiley face..there are people around me that says i'm very easy to be pleased..like a small kid having given a candy..ironically, i feel that the only thing that can cheer me up without fail are ice creams and donuts..dont ask me why as i do not know the answer myself too..maybe cause of the sugar in them that elleviate my mood..perhaps..one thing bad about me is that i trust people almost instantly and my first impressions of people are always on a positive note , but then if i know anything bad at all then my whole perception will make a 360 degrees.. Overall, i'm an extremely shy person which put me in a very bad position in public speaking but somehow i do better if in a group like apresentation or a school drama..*hearts* being involve in school plays!

claudia

I am quite a shy person, but after sometime I will get used to the people around me and will talk like normal. Hyperactive in making fun of another's talk sometimes. I don't like to reveal to people my thoughts of another but if provoked, I would. You respect me, I respect you. If you don, why the hell should I? I did mix up my emotions with my work as I am actually a very hardworking person. Trying to let go of the past and you will see my "hardworking" feature. That's all about me.

yike heng

selF

Self concept

[12.02.09]
We are thought in class about Self-concept, Self-awareness and Self-esteem.
Besides Shakirin's explanation of self-concept,i would like to explain it in more simple ways. Self-concept means how we think and evaluate ourself. For the self-esteem, it means a person's overall evalution of his or her own worth.It it also something like your good or bad opinion about yourself. Self-awareness means concept the one exists as an individual, seperate from other people,with private thought.It is also a self conscious state in which attention focuses on oneself. This makes people more sensitive to their own attitude and dispositions.

During the class, Ms Cheryl asked us 1 question "Who are you?".And....everyone start to give different kind of answers.i have to admit that some of those answers are really creative and funny.^^example like 'i'm a human beings', 'i am who i am' and so on.But still, she couldn't get the answer that she want. And finally some of us start to ask her back the same question.
Through her explanation and answer, we only know that we have to describe ourself to others to let them know that who you really are.
And this is how she answered.She said that she is actually a very serious person especially in life issues. (study,relationship...) Besides,she also seems playful among friends n she also know that many people might think that she is very open minded(so do i).But suprisingly,she is a secretive person.
The way she answered really makes us understand her more and who she really is..^^

-3li-

selF-Disclosure~

[13.02.09]
In today lesson, the main thing that has been taught by our dear lecturer was, the self disclosure.
Self-disclosure, is defined as the intention of revealing informations to others, and somehow, every person practices the different level of disclosures. But instead saying self-disclosure as providing information to another one in one-way, i would define self-disclosure as the sharing information which carrying risks and vulnerabilities on the person part.

So, why we disclose our information to others?
Self-disclosure performs several functions actually, it is a way of gaining information about another person.
We want to be able to predict the thoughts and actions of people we knew, whereby self-disclosure is one of the way to learn about how another person thinks and feels.
once one person engages in self-disclosure, it is implied that the other person will also disclose personal information. This is known as the norm of reciprocity, it do helps to enhance trust in a relationship as well as improves the understanding between each and another.
you also come to feel better about yourself and your relationship when the other person accepts what you tell them.

But, what if the person u disclosed to, acted in the way you unexpect?
there are risks for self-disclosure inspite it's functions in relationship. one of the risks could be, the person you disclosed to would not respond in a favourable impression towards the informations. however, self-disclose does not eventually resulted in good and positive impression.

another risks could be, person who receive information would gain power as he/she posses it. too much self-disclosure or self-disclosure that comes too early in a relationship can damage the relationship. T.T
so make sure we are rational before making self-disclosure.



Beside, it was a very interesting lesson for today class, Miss Cheryl prepared 3sets of self-disclosure test for us, which are related to self-disclosure to our classmate, our relationship partner, and so on.
After all the test taken, i found that i am a person which actually do not like to disclose about myself much(sanique here) @@

with contrast with my characteristics, i realised that i'm actually not so willing to share my secrets with friends, even close friends and family. although i sometimes i behave like a reporter when i was home, tell my dear mother about everything happened on that day, but still and always, i keep something in heart which i never tell.
even with friends, only a person who initially disclose himself to me, only then i willing to share the similar informations of mine with him.


Communication Apprehension is another lesson we have learnt on the day. It is generally defined as "an individual level of fear or anxiety associated with either real or anticipated communication with another person or persons" (McCroskey, 1977).
But in fact, communication apprehension is different with the so called first stage fright frequently found during stages speech or presentations, it is actually further more than the fright where it could be involving oral communication of ones, social-skills, and self-esteem.

it is believed that communication apprehension would be the major affect of the failure of self-disclosure. but what causes the communication apprehension? @_@

Professional suggested it is due to the general personality traits(traits apprehension) such as quietness, shyness, and reticence frequently precipitate communication apprehension. According to Friedman (1980), when the ability and desire to participate in discussion are present, but the process of verbalizing is inhibited, shyness or reticence is occurring. The degree of shyness, or range of situations that it affects, varies greatly from individual to individual.
another pattern of communication apprehension is the state apprehension which claims that having fear to communication in specific situation only.

-san-

And let me ask a simple question.. who know us better than our friends??
as for self concept, i don't think anyone can 100% describe themselves, cause being someone, we tend to look at the positive side of ourselves..

so we decided to make a video of all out members making comment about each other and see we describe ourselves ^^

started off with yike, claudia shakirin and winnie

and then goes on with may kwoon and KC

We continue on with San and here goes the total discussion

and the total discussion from everyone

Even from this forum itself,
some may have noticed that some of us here are loud,
some are quiet
some are observant
some introvert
some extrovert and so on
these can be observed not only thru listening to what the members said
but also thru how the members communicate...

still dun get what i mean??
go thru the whole and listen properly and then answer these questions

1. Who are dominant? Name 2 people.
2. Who are observant? Name 2 people
3. Who are loud? Name 2 people
4. Who is an extrovert? Name 1 person
5. Who is an introvert. Name 1 person

-kwoonzz-

Thaipusam

Since we are living in a multi racial country, we decided not only to discuss about a chinese culture but both "Chap Goh Meh" and "Thaipusam" To some of us, it was actually our first time going to Thaipusam. May Kwoon for example was shocked and she was staring into each and every cavadi's like they were gold. It is amazing when you look into someone's culture because it is entirely new to you. The cultures may be different or it may be similar, but it is always magnificent to learn new things and especially when we experience the whole new culture with our own eyes.

First let us start with the original idea of celebrating thaipusam. It's original purpose was to celebrate the birth of Lord Murugan, the God of War, also the son of Shiva and Parvati. As time passes by, eventually like all cultures, it began to differ little by little. However, the meaning behind Thaipusam is still there.

We passed by the road along botanical garden at noon and realised that there was a few stalls selling drinks and food. The crowd was not much and it was not any lively.


However, it totally became a drastic change when night falls. In just a blink of an eye, the whole road is filled with people from different colours [of course most of them are indians], comes from every size and shape and different cultures. Music began filling our ears and just like in hindustan movies, indians are well known of their wondrous ability in dancing and it has been proven true in this thaipusam.

Look at the corwd from out side. it was hard to walk from one end to another.
This are one of the statues that was put up.

Even the reinforcement came to make sure that the traffic is smooth.
Thus, to make sure there is no commotion.

Back to the Thaipusam celebration, we saw many new form of beliefs compared to ours [for those non-hindus] it was a one in a lifetime experience and some would like to thank Miss Cheryl because if it was not for the sake of this assignment, we may actually never bother to attend this event. An event initially was just for the sake of assignment became a lifetime experience.


There were parade cars and this is one of the parade statues.
Comment from MK sayin, "this is a little similar to Wesak Day when we parade too"


This is a cavadi. In other countries, cavadi is pierced to their whole body but over here in Penang, most of them wear a modern cavadi that was already ready-made and they had some piercings on their cheeks. Those with "modern-made" cavadies danced with the rythyms of the musics.

This is the front view of a cavadi wearer. This cavadi wearer is still very young and this proves that even youth nowadays do participate themselves in religious activities.
Not only that, there were also some shocking cultures that never occured to our mind. The piercing of bodies was widely known and we were very sure that we would be able to see them. However, seeing them for real was really a different story.

This is a picture of the piercing. This piercing was done at noon.
All these people are actually having their back pierced so that they would pull the parade car forward.
This is a picture of a kid pulling a smalled parade statue.
The piercing of the entire body


Cavadi wearer from rear view


There are bands playing with olden instruments

some dancing video


When we finish walking through the whole long road, we decided to head home as the long walk was a little tiring. We were glad that this has been a memory for us. Imagine if others were to asked us about Thaipusam, and we would be so ashamed of ourselves if we could not answer them since we are after all Malaysian. It was a thrilling experience and we cant wait to explare more on other's culture.

-LMK-

Chinese Culture-'chap goh meh' also known as the Yuan Xiao Festival at Padang Kota Lama

'Chap goh meh' is a last day of Chinese New Year and it is also a Eastern Valentinne's Day for the chinese to celebrate it. In my opinion, 'chap goh meh' is a romantic day for the couples and the singles. The couples can enjoy their datings during this romantic day. For example, they can write their wishes on the chinese oranges and then throw those oranges to the sea. Besides, the singles can also meet and find their soulmates in this romantic festival. For instance, the women can write their names and contact numbers on the chinese oranges and then throw those chinese oranges to the sea. On the other hand, the men will collect those chinese oranges to meet and find their soulmates. In conclusion, 'chap goh meh' is a nice day for the couples and the singles to celebrate the festival.

-KC-

sanique with the ox cartoon~

chinese big flag performance.

foreigners were also participating themselve in chinese cultural events.

the full moon of the night.

the Lantern (lights).

the "Chap Goh Meh" which pronounce in the language of Hokkien, actually carried a legend which almost far 2000years ago from China. In Mandarin, it is pronounce as "Yuan Xiao Jie", the lantern festival. The 15th day of the 1st lunar month is the Lantern Festival because the first lunar month is called yuan-month and in the ancient times people called night Xiao. The 15th day is the first night of the year to see a full moon. So the day is also called Yuan Xiao Festival in China.

The accurate history of the Lantern Festival is originated since 2000years, during the Dong Han Dynasty. The emperor, Ming Di, was promoting Buddhism in China aggressively. He found out that during the 15th day of 1st month, the Buddhists will light up Lantern and pray to the Relic of Buddha. As to show his respect to Buddha, he ordered his people to light up the lights of all temples and castle during the night. The people of the country slowly followed this acitivity and light up lights on their houses and streets.

Until the Sui Dynasty in the sixth century, Emperor Yangdi invited envoys from other countries to China to see the colorful lighted lanterns and enjoy the gala performances.

By the beginning of the Tang Dynasty in the seventh century, the lantern displays would last three days. The emperor also lifted the curfew, allowing the people to enjoy the festive lanterns day and night. It is not difficult to find Chinese poems which describe this happy scene. And this was the time for the couples of that century, have an opportunity to meet up each and other, and spend their time together celebrating the festival. However time passes, a lot of people confused it as the valentine day for chinese.

In the Song Dynasty, the festival was celebrated for five days and the activities began to spread to many of the big cities in China. Colorful glass and even jade were used to make lanterns, with figures from folk tales painted on the lanterns.

However, the largest Lantern Festival celebration took place in the early part of the 15th century. The festivities continued for ten days. Emperor Chengzu had the downtown area set aside as a center for displaying the lanterns. Even today, there is a place in Beijing called Dengshikou. In Chinese, Deng means lantern and Shi is market. The area became a market where lanterns were sold during the day. In the evening, the local people would go there to see the beautiful lighted lanterns on display. People who is still single would take the opportunity to search for their life-partners.

Additionally, throwing "kam"(Mandarin, small orange with loose skin) to seek for relationship only happens in Malaysia Chinese society. This activity has become the main purpose of the Yuan Xiao Festival in Malaysia, instead of watching Lantern and poems. People believes that this activity was actually originate from a Hokkien song, which tells that, throwing mandarin will get you a good husband, throwing apple will get you a good wife... Hence, this throwing mandarin activity only found in Malaysia and Singapore which it has become an unique culture activity for the local Chinese here.

other than that, during the Yuan Xiao Festival, Chinese will ready a unique cuisine which is the "Tang Yuan"(rice ball, as the picture below), and eat with their family as to indicates the meaning of "Gather".

however, when the original Chinese culture was brought into Malaysia, the malaysia local Nyonya culture has eventually changed the traditional of eating rice ball to bobochacha instead, which a cuisine we are so familiar with. Hence, during the 15th of the 1st month, malaysian chinese will prepare the cuisine to share with family and friends.

Chinese Culture-Lion Dance At SEGi College

CULTURE TERMINOLOGIES..

A FEW WORDS ABOUT CULTURE…

Culture - the language,values,beliefs, traditions & customs people share and learn.
-HIGH CONTEXT CULTURE -
*relies heavily on subtle,often nonverbal cues to maintain social harmony.
*communicators abstrain from saying "NO" directly.

-LOW CONTEXT CULTURE-
* Uses language primarily to express thoughts feelings, and ideas as directly and logically as possible.
* clear, eloquent speech considered praiseworthy. verbal fluency admired.(RESEARCH BY:Anthropologist Edward Hall(1959)

-INDIVIDUALISTIC CULTURE-
* Self is separate,unique individual;should be independent, self-sufficient.
* individual should take care of himself or herself and immediate family.
* high value on autonomy. youth, individual security, equality.

-COLLECTIVISTIC CULTURES-
* People belong to extended family or in groups.
* person should take care of extended family before self.High value on duty, order, tradition,age,status and hierarchy.

-POWER DISTANCE-
* Describe the degree to which members of a society accept an unequal distribution of power.

-LOW POWER DISTANCE-
* Believe in minimizing the difference between various social classes.
* US & CANADA-LOW POWER DISTANCE.(Hoftede's research)

BY: NURSHAKIRIN

SWEC Culture

A vacuum cleaner??
When it comes to culture, different people would practice different culture based on what has been passed down by their ancestors. However, as the culture were passed down from generation to generation, eventually the culture will be "modified" to adapt with the lifestyle of an individual.

In my family, [especially without the presence of my mum as she is in UK which leaves me and my sister] the culture that we practice may differ from what other chinese would have praticed all their lives. We have a simple way of life and we practice whatever that is convenient to us. For example, if we have to have a reunion dinner before Chinese New Year, then me and my sister would just meet up and go have our dinner in a coz cafe and that would be our reunion dinner rather than to prepare and cook the food at home and ended up washing all of them all later.

Not only that, as me and my sister are often out from our home, we usually wrap things up and do what we have to do all at once. For example, in the 7th month, you would have to pray your ancestors in their grave and then pray to the God at home and prepare some offerings to be burned for our ancestors. Me and my sis would take a same day off from work, go all the way to our grandpa's and grandma's grave to pray [and then leave early cause its hot] and then to put incense for the God in our house and finally burn all offerings we have bought in a day.
Even on the 9th month when we pray to the 9 Emperor God, we need to use new utensils so that it is not polluted by the essence of meat that was there before. We would have to be a vegetarian for 9 days and go for the parade on the last day. Me and my sister would eat outside like we used to so there wont be any problem with the utensils [but the food is extremely expensive >.<] and we would skip the parading part.
When i was asked to bring am item that represent my culture, i was thinking of bringing something old and antique. However, my thoughts came to me, i am not the type that actually practice my culture head to head. So if i were to bring something antique that represents my culture, it would reflect a wrong concept of my culture. So critical thinking happened for a fw hours and then it just came up to me that the perfect item was in my car. ^^
and proudly presents, the car vacuum cleaner.>>>>>>

Some may wonder what has a vacuum cleaner has got to do with my culture. Well, a vacuum cleaner is just a simple technology that completes its task magnificently. Imagine how would we clean carpet without it. So it is very similar to the culture my family practiced. We may not be the family who practiced our culture every single bit with the correct steps but we never ignored our culture and regardless of our busy schedule we would always make some time get together. We may do it in a very simple way but we still complete our tasks.

Just like the vacuum, we "sucked up" all our practices and tradition and do it all at once just like how the vacuum sucks up all the dust and placed it at the centre of the body. This small car vacuum cleaner is easy to carry and can be used perfectly. Just like our family, we may be small in numbers but we can easily handle the things we have to do. We may encounter problems at times, as we are both very young and there are many things that we may not know how to handle but there is always kind people around to help and assists us.
A simple mechanism that completes its task perfectly. Exactly how i would reflect the culture of my family. We are simple and we do things in a simple way. Perhaps some may call it the "Fast-Culture" concept following the "Fast-Food" concept. But we still get out things completed. We may face some difficulties or at times do something wrong just like how a vacuum might be stuck due to too much dust but eventually, we will clear our way out of it [or at least a lesson learned]

-Exclusively by SWEC 8 [LMK]-

Identity of my Family

I and my family members are Chinese Hokken. Therefore, I choose the pineapple be the identity of my family. My family members believe that pineapple will bring a lot of fortune to us. This is because the Chinese Hokken called the pineapple as "Ong Lai" in our dialect. "Ong Lai" means the fortune will come to you. If the family use the "Ong Lai" as decoration during the Chinese New Year, that family will get a lot of good luck and fortune especially the wealth. Since, the pineapple is a sacred fruit for Chinese Hokken because they need it to bring a lot of wealth and money to them.

-KC-

Me and my Chopstickz

I would like to use Chopstick to represent my own culture.
Chopsticks play an important role in Chinese food culture. Chopsticks are called “Kuazi” in Chinese.Chopsticks can be classified into 5 groups based on the materials used to make them, such as wood, metal, bone and compound chopsticks.





Bamboo & wood chopsticks are the most popular ones in Chinese homes. Gold and silver chopsticks became popular in the Tang Dynasty. It was believed that silver chopsticks can detect poisons in food.There are a few things to avoid when using chopsticks. Chinese people usually don’t beat their bowls while eating, since the behavior used to be practiced by beggars.
Also, don’t insert chopsticks in a bowl upright because it is a custom exclusively used in sacrifice.

-Winnie-

Of Nickel back.. or maybe not..

Having been born into a Catholic family, i still remember how i use to like having rosaries(a kind of chain like a necklace with small beads)..I would want to have the most beautiful one and would bring it just especially during Sunday school in church and me and my other little friends would be excited to compare who had the most colourful and the most nice smell ...haha..kids..

Now all grown up and wise..ahem..it is safe to say our family have this culture to

bring along our St.Benedict medals with us whenever we go..right above here, is my pic of my own medal, the one on your left is the St.Benedict medal and the one on your right is a medal of the Christ's image..its not that clear though..Here on your left is a clearer picture of the front & back of the medal..

so why do i have it around?well..first & foremost, i think the words that being engraved onto it is kewwwll...:)..right..what i mean is the many prayers for the beholder in this small piece of metal..

As u can see at the back, the vertical of the cross has the letters C.S.S.M.L, which means Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux(May the Holy Cross be a light for me)

The horizontal beam says N.D.S.M.D, which means Non Draco Sit Mihi Lux( Let not the demon be my guide.)

The letters encirling the cross on your right has the letters,V.R.S.N.S.M.V which is Vade retro satana; nunquam suade mihi vana..( Get behind me Satan, suggest not to me thy vain things)

As for S.M.O.L.I.V.B encircling on the left stands for Sunt mala que libas, ipse venea bibas (The drink you offer is poison, drink that poison unto thyself)

The four large letters at the angles of the cross; C.S.P.B stand for Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti(The Holy Cross of the Father Benedict)..

There's more i think but i cant remember..the purpose of this medal is for protection against the evil one a.k.a Mr. S.A.Tan..

Anyways, Jewel saw my medal when in class and she said,"Hey! He looks like the lead singer from Nickleback!!" and i said, "Nolahhh..His name is Jesus from Nazareth!"..

..hehe..signing off..tutoot..

-Claudia-

My Baju Kurung




BAJU KURUNG is very synonyms with my culture. It has a very high traditional values. It is usually being wear by most of the women in the past. However, nowadays, perception towards it start to change among my culture groups. most of them think that it is out-dated. So, it is only being wear to most of the formal function only. The most common fuction where baju kurung can be seen now is during wedding. However, most of the baju kurung that they wear nowadays is not the traditional one. This is because, in this modern era, most of the fashion designer has modernize it. So, most of the people would prefer to wear the modern baju kurung rather than the traditional one. As for me, I prefer the traditional one. I feel ease when I wear it. So, whatever perception of people towards it, I accept, but I will still wear it most of the time because I love it.

-Nur Shakirin-

Chapter 2 - Culture

[part one - 05.02.09]
Today, Ms. Cheryl asked evryone of us to write down our own culture,whether we understand it or now. Though this activity, we are able to understand others' culture better and this can prevent us to have conflict between each other. And once we understand these cultures, we can practice it more meaningfully. Below are the lesson i have learn and i would like to share you.

Everyone do have their own culture....There is nothing proud for us to say :"My culture is better than yours"...Such a ethnocentrism thinking shouldn't raise up in our heart. If not, we wont learn from others and improve ourselves.

Instead, learning various culture can let us understand and respect for others more. With this, we can prevent conflict...Especially we, Malaysian, consist of various races and ethnicity.

1. In some Indians family,they are not allow to wash their hair on every Thursday and the day they

born. Chinese,too, are not allow to wash their hair on the 1st day of Chinese New Year and during menstruation.

2. Besides, it is a taboo for Chinese to sweep floor on the 1st day of Chinese New Year.

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3. During the hungry ghost festival, people are not encourage to go back home after 7pm or go to beach. The foods that has been prayed for the ghost cannot be eat too.

4. It is better for us to turn our face and not to see the funeral or grave when we pass by.It is a kind of respect. Kids, ESPECIALLY, have to practice this because they are still very young and is velieve that they are able to communicate with those spirits.

5. For Chinese, when a baby is born for one month, the baby's parents always treattheir friends, neighbour and relatives with "Nasi Kunyit","Curry Chicken"," Red hard boiled eggs" and "Ang ku". This is just a ritual to inform everyone that the family has a new member. It is advise that children cannot eat those foods, or else, they will be very stubbrn when they grow up.

6. Malays do not consume pork. Because it is believe that pork contains germs that is unhealty for us.

Wesak day - This video is taken in amsterdam.. most of it are pictures of how the chinese in amsterdam are celebrating wesak The way of celebrating are actually quite similar with the ones in local.. However, in amsterdam, since there are not much of buddhish, thus all of them gather only in one single sity to celebrate Wesak Day or they called it as Buddha Day [equivalent to the day Budhha was born] if noticed, instead of parading, it is more on gathering and understanding and listeing to the preaching of the monk.


JOM BUKA PUASA - This video is taken


Thaipusam parade



In addition : -
3 important terms that we should remember are ethnic identity, enculturation and acculturation.

Ethnic Identity : It is believed that this relationship has common ancestry that share same characteristic and sociocultural experiences.
For example, they are believed that all chinese with the same surname has same ancestor and therefore, they (the couple with same surname) cannot marry with each other.

Enculturation : a process by which a person learns the requirements of the culture that surrounded and acquires values and behaviours that are appropriate or necessary in that culture.

Acculturation : The exchange of cultural features that results when groups come into continuous firsthand contact; the original cultural patterns of either or both groups may be altered, but the groups remain distinct.

-winnie-
-maykwoon-

[part two - 06.02.09]

Today, we started out quite badly. We let our lecturer down today..nobody seem to have read anything or prepared for her class..guess that we had been so used to be waiting for instructions then only we act since during our early schooling days..wish our education systems would not just be revamped but to be revolve to suit our world today..things that are done in the past and turn out great could not do the same after many centuries..why can't they see that?

It is the same with our cultures too.. things that we do that had been done the same way many times by our fore fathers..questions like what is ethnic identity and whether race is just a myth looms around our head..the class is buzzing with "hyperactivity" as we were being given a piece of paper with circles in a cluster..with that, we are suppose to write out our attributes that strongly identify us..it makes us think and i mean, really think about who we are and what we are.. Evonne came up and said that she felt really out of place when people talking about things behind her back just because she is a Eurasian but more on the Chinese features..

I also think that christians in other dominations do have the stereotype that the Catholics do not know their Bible verse..they would be like saying with confidence, "Enter through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many would go that way. How narrow is the gate that leads to life and how rough; few there are who find it, Matthew (7:13-14)" and the Catholics would be "Oh! Is that really from that verse?Wow!Sungguh hebaaat!!" Anyways.. cultures, ethnic, race, or religion, these are all a few things that will make or break a relationship..it is almost crucial to be aware of them so that we know what can be said or done when we are at places foreign from our own..

-yike heng-