#uniculture

[idontmindifuforgetme]

To be fair I’m Arab on top of being American, and right now that’s just an awkward position to be in considering everything that’s going on. But even people who have no ethnic roots and only have American culture to fall back on don’t have much to work with. Like literally what do we have??? McDonalds and guns????

Being from the US is so funny bc I can tell literally no one is proud of it. Like we are all just ubiquitously embarrassed all the time

[lunatic-fandom-space]

Oh god, Im five minutes into the Shanghai Special and I definitely remember reading salt posts about this at some point, but I completely forgot that the inciting incident of Marinette wanting to go there was to follow Adrien and that she basically used going to visit her uncle as the excuse which is bad, especially considering Adrien is the whitest boy alive and the show does this weird thing where he knows chinese culture better than Marinette and knows how to speak the language better than Marinette and his family has more personal connections to the chinese miracle box than Marinette's, like, it looks really bad

But the reason Im making this post is actually because I wanted to talk a little about the way they handle Marinette being part of a, idk if this is the best way to phrase this, non-dominant culture. Im phrasing it like that because Im white and the child of two immigrants from the same country, so Im not getting into the additional nuances of being biracial or even of belonging to two different cultures here

First off, I think its fine that Marinette isnt super in-touch with the chinese side of things because she doesnt like, live there and her parents dont seem to be encouraging her to get in touch with it. Im in pretty much the same situation and I actually find it pretty relatable that she doesnt interact too much with her culture outside of like, food mostly. It is a shame because we couldve had something interesting with her initially not being interested in learning more about chinese culture and only researching it and ancient china to find out more about the Miraculous, but then a genuine desire to reconnect with that part of herself starts to grow from that, but I dont think its the biggest deal in the world

The thing that bothers me the most is that they not only basically had Adrien 'be better' at her own culture than Marinette, she doesnt react to it all beyond maybe being like "oh hes so talented" and its like. Im having a lot of trouble putting this into words, but I'll try anyway

When youre the child of immigrants especially and youre not very in-touch with your/your parents' culture, dont really speak the language, dont participate in any traditions and then you meet other immigrant-kids from the same country/culture and they do speak the language and are overall way more in-touch with it than you are, theres this incredible sense of embarassment that I could never explain to people who are, idk, unicultural ? is that a word I should use here? And like, with other people from a similar background theres atleast this sense of solidarity yknow, but with people who are not from there and who are maybe just good at the language and know the culture bc culture lessions are a pretty big part of most language learning lessions.... its a bit different I would imagine. I say 'I would imagine' bc my parents are from a russian-speaking country and we live in germany and, while a lot of schools here will offer some kind of voluntary russian lessions (atleast in my area) most of those are attended by immigrant-kids trying to learn or relearn their language and Ive never met someone who was born here without a russian or post-soviet background who knew russian beyond a few words and who was well versed in russian culture and the cultures of ex-soviet countriws.

However, if I did meet a person like that, I would probably be pissed. Thats obviously not the case for all immigrants and I think the reason why the thought of people not from 'my' culture being "better" at it than I am honestly relates to some deep personal baggage I have because I started crying when I wrote that previous section. And like, its good to learn other languages and to learn about other cultures, please dont let this post discourage you in any way, this is just because of some personal stuff that I dont want to share here.

My point here is, there are intense and complex emotions attached to your family's culture, even if you dont participate in it yourself for whatever reasons you may have. I dont like that its just being swept under the rug for Marinette because the writers would rather have her drool over an intensely bland guy than even begin to address how awful it feels to not be able to communicate with or understand a memeber of your own family due to cultural differences and because you just didnt keep in touch.

Thats it, if you're biracial or you were raised in a multi-cultured home and you have thoughts about this, please share them because I'd love to hear them!

[sivavakkiyar]

“Ramakrishna said the report on Keeladi is the “first of its kind in Tamil Nadu” and took a year to complete. He had begun documentation work in December 2021 with a core group of 10 members comprising archaeologists, experts, draughtsmen, and photographers.

Nearly 6,000 artefacts were unearthed during the first two phases of the Keeladi dig, which the excavation report termed as a “unicultural” site. The report details how Keeladi became an urban centre due to a slow and steady growth in rice production, which also increased internal and external trade and commerce activities. The settlement was also an animal-based economy focused on cattle (cows and bulls), buffalo, sheep, and goats, dated between the 8th century before common era and the 3rd century common era.

According to Ramakrishna, the lack of detailed reports of previous excavations has posed difficulties in documenting Tamil Nadu’s historical record, for instance, in fixing dates. He said the Sangam Period is dated to 300 before common era to 300 common era, based on literary references but archaeology can authenticate these literary references. “It is important to excavate sites, but it is equally important to document everything”, Ramakrishna told Scroll. ​“

[tony-the-tigers-juicy-armpit]

I hate capitalism for making valentine's day a unicultural holiday. Instacart not delivering. I know all of you motherfuckers arent catholic

[silly-jellyghoty]

Unisex, unisize, uniculture... we really need to get back to wearing giant scarves and rolls of raw uncut fabric. Like, as a global thing. It works in all seasons and in all climas.

Btw you can use squares and rolls of fabric as socks too. Including high shin pieces for warmth like

Just saying

Costume. Chitons.

[josephine-practicum]

That Was Fast

Log for 11/12/2024

Today I worked from 11AM to 4PM. I started by writing more of my article and later moved onto more research. I managed to get a lot done with my article, and I can see myself finishing it by the end of the week.

My introduction remains the same, but the body of my essay has gone through major changes. I had originally thought my initial experience learning about archives during my undergrad would play a larger role. Additionally, I figured I could throw in a segment about my grandfather's oral history interview. However, I found these bits unsubstantial to warrant their own in-depth analysis. Furthermore, said analysis would steer the article in too many directions.

My article now focuses on the "good and the bad" of archives. Why I think they're interesting, and why they could be better. I framed this argument around critical race theory. What people don't often realize is that the act of revolutionizing archives (making them for diverse essentially) is exactly what CRT is about. It's about introducing marginalized experiences and giving them an equal platform with which to speak. For this essay, I used this quote from Gary Nash as he spoke at the Lawrence E. Brewster Lecture:

In the context of arguments today over multicultural education, it is important to realize how unicultural the profession was until after World War II. Before then, history writing was the province of white gentlemen. Though certainly varied in their historical interests, political proclivities, and methodological approaches, historians partook deeply of the scientific racism of their day, had little interest in women's role in history, and were largely indifferent to labor history. (Nash 1996)

Additionally, I referenced the recent news of the National Archives censoring US history for the sake of the political right. These two sentiments when placed side by side explain that this has been an issue, and continues to be an issue. My article then explores the ways in which archivists are changing this narrative. At this point, I will bring in Invisible Histories and their role in correcting the harmful effects of poor archivism.

After figuring out this direction, I found a good stopping point and started researching. My goal was to find more historical societies to search through, although I doubt the ones I found have Queer content we could use. I did get a response back from the Birmingham Museum of Art, however, and I plan to response tomorrow during work hours.

This log was especially long, as you can see I'm excited about this paper. Until next week!!

[rametarin]

You want to know what I think?

I think it's oil money. OPEC is predominantly Middle Eastern nations, except then it's Russia, the US or some South American countries, and a few East Asian countries.

It's not JUST Saudi Arabia, but Muslim countries recognize that Islam is, first and foremost, the most important part. They may have arguments between Sunni and Shia, but all agree that if it's Islam, it's correct. Anything that is not Islam, according to Islam, is an imperfect pre-Islam artifact before religion was perfected, or it's an abberation created by shaitan.

Jews have long been involved in academia, medicine and other arts. All things that, wouldn't you know it, Arab and other Levantine peoples dabble in. It's just, there are so many more Arabs than Jews, so many more oil wealthy families than Jewish ones. There are, at most, 15 million Jewish people on planet earth in 2024.

A minority of those Jewish people will become professors as an occupation.

And while it's true that Jewish voices and people have always been right in the heart of both liberal and hard-left politicing and social justice activism, for better or worse, they've always been an undeniable influence to the conversation by virtue of BEING a minority and being a very in living memory victim of actual white supremacism. It's very difficult to tell a people whose immediate families were cooked or gassed to death by a genocidal regime of ethnosupremacists in Europe that they aren't an oppressed minority.

But their fairweather friends never liked them. Traditional Marxists have always hated Jews, and found the religious aspect, the ethnic aspect and the cultural separatism to be infuriating to their idea and model of a classless, raceless uniculture society that is equal and with no differences considered barrier making. To Marxists, Jews have represented an infuriating impasse. If they speak out against Jewish hereditary identity, Jewish culture or Jewish religion (and it's a people and religion lacing all three of these things), then they become the antisemites they allegedly despise- and make such a god damned big showy stink about despising. So long as those antisemites are skinheaded wearing their HORL HORTLER symbols.

To a Marxist, defending minorities isn't about righting wrongs or healing historical wounds. It's about bolshevising, shit stirring and pied pipering tormented and furious minorities on pretenses. All things begin and end with the march of Marxism towards a Socialist and/or then Communist society, and all social ills are just excuses to twist another agrieved party towards that end, telling them it's capitalism and private ownership of propety rooted in what led to their abuse. That's why they try so hard to make The Patriarchy, White America and Capitalism synonymous and irredeemably extensions of one another in their narrative. Consolidating them towards dissolution and abolition of these things was always just and purely convincing misc. minorities to fight against capitalism without rallying them under explicitly anti-capitalism.

Jews do not want to give up their culture, Jews do not want to give up their hereditary identity, Jews do not want to give up their religion. They want to be Jews. And trying to take that away from them just makes communists more like the Nazis than they'd like. So, as important as Jews are for socialist and communist organizations as indirect advocates for related causes, the actual communists hate them for what they are and cannot trust them. They need their participation, and money.

Or did.

In comes the westernized or affluent Arab or Arabized Muslim immigrant families, migrating across Europe, Asia and the Americas. College educated, getting themselves into other facts of western life. Engineers, professors, doctors and businessmen. More numerous than Jews, and also counting as 'oppressed minorities' in the hard-leftist/socialist narrative that Christians from Europe and their evil evil Capitalism are oppressing the globe. And suddenly Jewish influence finds itself being filibustered in academic debates, outspent from a nigh inexhaustable source of money to invest and grease wheels and serve to replace Jewish financing.

The Hard Left, the Marxist-Socialist and Communist bend, finally feels free to not even care about entertaining the idea Jews are members of the Oppressed Minority club. They have too many enemies within the Oppressed Minority club of golden children- namely, Arab Muslims and black people, so naturally they're on the outs with the two most powerfl members of the People of Color club. Among oppressed minorities, Jews get considered honorary white people and colonizers.

Notice how the supposed "social justice" minded, empathic, "equality(TM)" minded people that dare call themselves capital P Progressives, only really cared about Jews when they were minorities. And they could speak up abstractly, on behalf of them, in law and arguing for more legislation and government changes to benefit minorities. They used them as posterchildren for white supremacism's dangers (in fact, focusing on that element of the holocaust) and doubled down on it as proof white people, specifically, were an oppressive danger to the planet. That any notion that Europeans had culture of their own and hereditary community, like they acknowledge for everybody else on earth, was tantamount to white nationalism. As soon as they were free to speak how they really felt about Jews, Judaism and Israel, they sure as fuck did say the quiet parts out loud.

Now of course, they feel the same way about Islam and Arabs, but right now, that oil money is helping to finance a lot of tenured professors and greasing palms across universities and other little socialist revolutionary projects across the world. But I believe it is the Arab oil money and thus, their bias, that has changed the game and narrative and allyships among hard leftists. Made them more bold with their antisemitism and their real feelings- Even if they're just letting the Arab-Muslim interests take front stage.

Principles that so-called "leftists" have abandoned since October 7th

Being against religious fundamentalism: You guys used to think that fundamentalism was a bad thing. Don't get me wrong, you still believe that OTHER religions that are fundamentalist are bad, but Muslim right wing religious fundamentalism is very much okay with you. When you express support for religious fundamentalist groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, or the Islamic Republic, you are supporting suppression against women, LGBT people, and Jews (though the latter doesn't bother you at all). These are not resistance groups, they are terror groups.

Anti-racism: Mocking Israeli accents is suddenly funny to you. Jews aren't oppressed any more and antisemitism isn't as important as other forms of ethnic hate. It's okay to discriminate against people based on where they're from (the treatment of twenty year old Eden Golan is a particularly disgusting example). Indigeneity expires if you're Jewish. You support land back efforts for everyone but Jews. You employ the noble savage stereotype against Palestinians, because "That's just their way!" Holocaust inversion and even denial? NBD. Jews are trying to take over the world and are bloodthirsty monsters who support genocide. And the blatant tokenization is horrific. Some of you have even used the expression "Good Jews".

Being against ethnic cleansing: You bleat about the non-existent "genocide" in Palestine (and it is NOT a genocide according the the actual definition of the word), but your only solution is to ethnically cleanse Jews from the Middle East instead of supporting the two state solution.

Anti-nationalism: Jewish nationalism is bad. Arab nationalism is good. There are 22 Arab states and over fifty Muslim states, but even the two state solution in which there would be 22 Arab states, over fifty Muslim states and one Jewish state isn't enough, because Jews bad. Arab and Muslim conquest and imperialism? It's a good thing, ackchuyally!

Belief in science: Genetic studies prove that all ethnic Jews (yes, that includes Ashkenazi Jews) are indigenous to the Levant, but you guys seem to believe that we fell out of the sky. Archaeology proves that Jews were there first, but those findings are "fake" according to you.

Once again, I am asking why are you guys willing to sacrifice your principles for Palestine?

[teanicolae]

"i wrap my sadness in sequins" - written in may 2018, published in Cake Magazine in 2019. i feel moved reading my older poetry. i was in so much turmoil. i remain grateful for the lessons that came with it all - as painful & uncomfortable as they often were.  i wrote this one in my first year of uni for one of my seminars and it’s my favourite poem from that time. when i sat down to write it, my intention was to write about club culture and the glitz and the glammy, sticky sadness that came with it.

[ramyeonupdates]

{ #historymemes } || source: uni.memess

[fullclasshelpers]

Got assignment due? DM for professional. Full class help available #help#economics#economicsmemes #universitymemes #unimemes #collegememes #lecturememes #econmemes #econmeme#philosophymemes #alevels #geographymemes #chemistrymemes #historymemes #politicalmemes #financememes #physicsmemes #uniculture #economicclass#studyeconomics #pharmacymemes #economicstudent#studyinmadrid (at Kaplan University Online) https://www.instagram.com/p/CjgomHNjMBa/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[mtheland-lockedmartian]

Seriously though, I do love the American people. It doesn't seem like it, living in the Urban Western world but so so much of the world unicultural, and that's beautiful in its own right, but I am forever appreciative to get to live in this wild, fantastic, jumbled mess of amazing people. I know we fight online for 99% of the year, and I know many folks choose to see only the nationalism of the holiday, but coming out into the community and seeing a group of people come together to celebrate being here - and so many of them only recently gaining citizenship- its heartwarming, even if I do have to extract dogs from inconvenient hiding places

Congrats America, we are once again free of the Brits

[sarashafni]

I love fashion designer's that learn to adapt and blend with cultures with modesty, one such designer is the renowned Czech Fashion Designer 'Mirka Talavaskova'. . . Her brand @talabayadesign is about respect to diversity across times and cultures. Talabaya is a story about a woman, her creativity and desire to freely express her personality. . . This minimalistic and monochrimatic shirt dress 'Emma' comes with a powder pink and black dress with a cape/veil. The perfectly tailored dress has a very creative twist to it, you could use the cape to tie a knot, leave as a wrap or use as a scarf, so many styling options with this dress all we have to have is a bit of creativity. . . The shirt dress gives a very stylish yet chic look making it great for formal events or even style it for a casual look with a sporty footwear. This collection is so versatile it fits women from the West and East a dress so diverse it supports #uniculture . . The fabric is made of light and airy georgette, making it suitable for warm weathers and can be easily maintained. . . Check the spring/summer 2020 collection at www.talabaya.com. . . You can also find Talabaya fashion brand at BEYOU boutique here in Dubai @beyouboutique or at @harveynicholsriyadh in Riyadh. . . 📸 @shafnisara . . #ad #UNIculture #fashiondesigner #modestfashiondesigner #dubaifashionblogger #fashionblogger #multiculture #ramadanfashion #talabayaramadancollection #hijabstyle #styleblogger #talabayass2020 #talabayadesign #springwithtalabaya #czechfashiondesigner #czechdesigner #modestfashionblogger #modestfashion #bodypositivity #browngirlblogger #diversefashion (at Dubai, United Arab Emirates) https://www.instagram.com/p/CAU9KVODkhj/?igshid=1ojkllphmjici

[eemalloy23]

The Connections, Reflection 1

90 percent of the population falls into the category of living in an unicultural world. This means they grew up with people similar to them in ways such as race, religion, age, and economical status. I was a part of that 90 percent. Having gone to private catholic school for the first 14 years of my life. I was not exposed to different beliefs or live styles until high school but even then my friends were very similar to me. Most of us celebrated Christmas and played sports. One difference I noticed was how my friends addressed adults, most did this by calling them their by their first name which was a new concept for me. I grew up respecting adults with firm handshakes and addressing them as Mr. and Mrs. I was raised in the image of the American Dream. My parents had three kids and were married. My dad climbed up the corporate ladder to fund the whole family while my mom had a part time job and watched after the kids. They believed men should be strong gentlemen and woman should be treated with respect. Us as the children are expected to finish schooling and get married, continuing this American dream.  

[delicatelysublimeforester]

SOS Elms Coalition Speaks out

SOS Elms Coalition came to fruition with a passion to save Elm trees across the province of Saskatchewan  during the rampage of Dutch Elm Disease DED in North America. Keeping abreast of the progression of the disease and forestry practices, SOS Elms was on top of the situation when the provincial Dutch Elm Disease program was cut from the budget in 2010. In lieu of the program, individual towns, municipalities and cities are taking responsibility upon themselves of educating the public in their area about DED and best conservation practices.

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, West Swale Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

Winter in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestaton Area, Saskatoon, SK, CA

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon, SK, CA Winter

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Spring time

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon, SK, CA

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area in the fog

Communities established a regional urban forestry community group or NGO, and in Saskatoon, it is the SOS Elms Coalition providing that support for the city of Saskatoon. These local foresters have had a keen eye out for Dutch Elm Disease, and work together with the City of Saskatoon Urban Forestry Program, and so were able to implement the Dutch Elm Disease DED response plan, so the single infected tree in Saskatoon with DED would not promote a city wide infestation.

“Urban forests in Canada have been dominated by three themes: superficial support by the provincial and federal governments, individuals’ commitment to developing urban forests of excellence, and awareness and action fueled by natural disaster….Cities like Saskatoon, Regina and Moose Jaw saw urban forests created largely with elm due to the limited number of species choice. In the 2000’s greater efforts were expended to diversify these forests. Regina’s Wascana Centre has had a lead role in maintaining tree cover in the prairie city as has SOS Elms in Saskatoon.”~Rosen

“The arrival of Dutch elm disease in the early 1960’s virtually wiped out the American elm (Ulmus americana L.) the street tree of choice in Canada’s cities. From this an urban forestry movement was born including the creation of a number of organizations – from community groups such as SOS Elms”~Rosen-Kenney

SOS Elms Coalition, reached out to the public for unique and spectacular trees of Saskatoon, and published a full colour booklet of these sites. These large tree centenarians grace Saskatoon’s Urban Forest. As an example of some of the trees presented are a Ginkgo Biloba, Limber Pine, Prairie Silk Honey Locust, Black Walnut and Northern Pin Oak grow against all odds in the City of Saskatoon, rare and unique species, indeed.

Heather Cline, a local artist visited the sites of Saskatoon Trees, which were presented by SOS Elms in their tree tour booklet. Her inspiration, resulted in a placement of artwork entitled the Urban Forest

SOS Elms Coalition sets up conference displays, initiates programs for schools, and assists in community projects bringing to the Saskatoon community an awareness of environmental issues and the precautions to mitigate the spread of Dutch Elm Disease.

Members of the SOS Elms Coalition were at the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Clean UP in the summer of 2016. Robert White, of SOS Elms Coalition, was the official photographer at the clean up. As was the case in 1972, Manchurian Elm, and American Elm were afforested, along with hardy drought resistant tree species such as Colorado Blue Spruce, Balsam-poplar, Scotch Pine, Caragana.  If Green Ash, Manitoba Maple or Willow were planted, there was not a large survival rate of these in the afforestation area.  Native prairie Trembling Aspen Groves are mixed within the afforested woodlands. SOS Elms members recognizing the various locations of Elms in this urban regional park will truly ensure best conservaton practices.

SOS Elms placed the City Urban Forest ~ the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ~ in the December 2016 SOS Elms Coalition newsletter

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

The power of citizen action

by Robert White

“For 37 years, the 660 acre Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (RSBBAA) in southwest Saskatoon (see map) was mostly neglected even though proclaimed by City Council in 1979 as an “urban regional park” and a “forest in perpetuity”. The park began in 1960 with a visionary idea of City planners” …

…to read more about the RSBBAA in the SOS Elms newsletter click here (pdf)

To learn more about the SOS Elms Coalition or to join this Saskatoon Urban Forestry Organisation, see their Webpage; SOS Elms Coalition Welcome.

The present is full of opportunity. Never before in the history of the planet has mankind been given the privileges and opportunities that are at his disposal today. A great light has been raised and is penetrating the darkness of the world, but alas, too many with dust blinded eyes have yet to catch the vision. Some of us have. That is our privilege and our responsibility.~Richard St. Barbe Baker.

For more information:

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map Facebook: StBarbeBaker Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Facebook: South West OLRA Contact the Meewasin Valley Authority in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. The MVA has begun a Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area trust fund. If you wish to support the afforestation area with your donation, write a cheque to the “Meewasin Valley Authority Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area trust fund (MVA RSBBAA trust fund)”. Please and thank you! Twitter: StBarbeBaker

“When tree cover is destroyed it is a threat to both man and the creatures. The protection of world wildlife was in the vanguard of the conservation movement and it was very soon recognised that it was not possible to protect the wild animals and the threatened species without protecting their tree-cover habitat because they, like ourselves, need an adequate supply of oxygen, the very breath of life. The main source of oxygen is the evergreen tropical forests. ” ~ Richard St. Barbe Baker

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

@LoraxYXE Twitter.

13th Annual Environmental Activism Awards. Saskatchewan Eco Network. Spring 2015. Paddy Tutty, Director SOS Elms.

Canadian Urban Network Prairies Region Update

Eco-Friendly Sask. Honouring Saskatoon’s Trees. SOS Elms Coalition Urban Forestry Mascot in Saskatoon. Lorax YXE who speaks “for the trees for the trees have no tongues.” EcoFriendly Slide Presentation.

Heather Cline – URBAN FOREST Reception: Saturday, June 18, 2:00pm June 18 – July 14 The Gallery / Art Placement

Just a reminder, we have some pretty cool trees growing at innovation place. The Scene. April 2015

Towns will have to monitor elm trees:Sask CBC News March 31, 2010

Marjan, Richard. Co-president of SOS Elms Richard Kerbes with a giant cottonwood in the 200 block of Eighth Street East in Saskatoon on August 6, 2014. Saskatoon Star Phoenix. December 4, 2014.

Modjeski, Morgan. Saskatoon Lorax gives local trees and forestry a voice on twitter. Metro Publishing News.

Re-Imagining Saskatoon towards Sustainability 2015 Slideshow. EcoFriendly Saskatchewan. Dec. 28, 2015.

Rosen, Michael, Trees Canada. A Brief Historical Perspective of Urban Forests in Canada. As published in Histoires Forestieres du Quebec, HIver 2015, Vol 7, No 1 Pages 27-32.

Rosen, M.R. and W.A. Kenney. Urban Forestry Trends in Canada. 0752-B1

SOS Elms News 2016 Deecember No. 30

Williams, Sara. A Celebration of Saskatoon’s Trees. Saskatoon Star Phoenix. March 11, 2016

Williams, Sara. Trees, Trees, Trees Garden Bhat. BAttlefords News-Optimist. March 5, 2016.

SOS Elms Coalition Speaks Out SOS Elms Coalition Speaks out SOS Elms Coalition came to fruition with a passion to save Elm trees across the province of Saskatchewan  during the rampage of Dutch Elm Disease DED in North America.

[culturalpsychologyblog]

Blog post # 2

Entry # 1

consider contemporary news events that call for a consideration of how culture plays a role in the event, and reflect on these events using your knowledge of culture and human psychology.

A recent news event that comes to mind is that of the COVID pandemic. In the United States especially, different cultures seem to have drastically varying views on the severity of the pandemic. More ‘northern’ parts of the U.S, both in a physical, and psychological sense, tend to view the pandemic more for what it is, a deadly disease with the power to spread like wildfire. This is showcased by an increased number of people who wear masks in large northern cities compared to southern parts of the U.S. Those in the south tend to view the pandemic in a more selfish unconcerned way, comparing it to a common cold, and refusing to wear a mask. These vast differences in how people from the same country react in terms of their own health and the health of those around them, shows how different cultures within one country, and different psychological states can have an effect on the way people react to different exogenous situations.

Entry # 2

What aspects of your family’s past history may still be having an impact on shaping your thoughts and feelings (e.g., immigrant or migration history, traditions, ethnic group membership, etc.)?

Since I do not have a huge migration history and have not moved from different countries I do not think my family's past history has had a huge impact on me today. Although on a smaller scale my parents did grow up here in Nova Scotia and then moved out west to Saskatchewan where I was born and raised. I think through visiting Nova Scotia multiple times and having relatives still out here I always felt it was a place like home, due to my parents roots in this province. When I eventually moved here three years ago, I found there was not much acultration to be done as I was already accustomed with certain traditions celebrated and slang used by Nova Scotians because of learning them from my parents.

Entry # 3

Reflect on how your level of comfort with your cultural self may be dependent on whether you are a member of a dominant/minority social group, whether you are a first/second-generation immigrant 

(and the reasons for your immigration), or whether you live in a unicultural or multicultural setting

Reflecting on my level of comfort with my cultural self I would say I am pretty content. I believe that is because I am not part of any minority group and have not experienced the kind of oppression I know others have. Although we live in a multicultural society I am still aware that racist ideologies still exist in certain institutions but I do believe being surrounded by multiple cultures does help reduce one's likelihood of being eurocentric. Growing up being engaged with people of different ethnicities I think benefits people in gaining a respect for other cultures. As demonstrated in the States through times of segregation this only creates false, damaging stereotypes about people in different cultures and results in them facing oppression due to their race. I think it was a positive thing being raised in a multicultural place where this kind of isolation between cultures was not present. 

Entry # 4

Think of your typical patterns of interacting in the variety of settings you encounter in your daily life— your personality patterns. How might these be affected by cultural or social conventions? 

Personality traits of those in Canada come to mind as being unique personality traits. Canadians are viewed as kind, warm-hearted, and respectful by those in other parts of the world. This is true among Canadians who are met with the same level of respect and gratitude. This is not always the case among different cultures though. Take the U.S for example, it may not be as common to wave to a stranger, or say hello to a passer-by. These different ways that Americans interact with others may have an effect on how we as Canadians interact with Americans and people from other cultures. Not receiving a wave in return, or getting a funny look when you say hello to someone you don’t know, may be discouraging to a Canadian that has experienced that reciprocated level of respect their whole lives. This is a prime example of how different cultures can have an effect on personality traits, especially if it is a new culture that you have not experienced before. 

[dhruunscripted]

Being myself

Reflect on how your level of comfort with your cultural self may be dependent on whether you are a member of a dominant/minority social group, whether you are a first/second generation immigrant (and the reasons for your immigration), or whether you live in a unicultural or multicultural setting.

Being an immigrant myself, I must say that I fight a constant battle with a self identity that I have been raised with and society which is totally opposite of it. For a brief introduction, I identify as a BIPOC international student - a fact that will set the direction of this band will be at central of our discussion with regards comfort levels, cultural conflicts, self doubt, dilemmas and so on.

It is important to note that, the insight I provide is very important as I have experienced living in both uni-cultural and multi-cultural settings. To begin with, let me take you through my journey of being and growing up in India which unlike west (where there are racial majorities and minorities) has religious majorities and minorities. Since I am from religiously major culture, I can say that I have lived privileged life to an extent in India (definetly very different from west). Reflecting upon that, I can surely say that being a dominant societal member provides one with a level of comfort that minorities can never have. For instance, I always had handy access to worship places, cultural food and most of all societal capital that my friends from minority backgrounds could not even dream of. When I say societal capital I mean mentors, instructors, facilitators and most of all 'role models'. We will take a simple example. For example, the god of cricket - Sachin Tendulkar (from majority) motivated all Indians to play the game of cricket and especially bat like him as he is considered the best batsman of all times and today when he is retired India has the best batting line up (thanks to Sachin) in the game of cricket and I would be scratching head to name 5 good batsman that have made to team India and are from minorities. This one example is enough to explain a lot of barriers that minorities may be facing and I do not have a clue about them being in India as I was from majority group.

Now, I have been living in Canada from past 2.5 years for my education and I must acknowledge that the struggle is real for minorities and I can talk for hours about my experiences. First and foremost, the most important component according to me is role models and the culture that they set up. Being a South Asian, it is very easy for me to either choose a career in computer sciences and medicine as I can count n number of role models from my racial background that have made it up in these careers. Furthermore, it also does not mean that the fact that having jobs in STEM careers removes cultural barriers. For instance, as a person raised in different culture I always have a level of self discomfort amongst people from majority culture which is very consistent feeling amongst my friends as well. Meaning individual upbringing sets one's mindset which further sets conversations on table and societal happenings. For instance, a person who identifies as a Hindu who has been praying cows as holy animals for whole life will find it difficult to chat with people who are always talking about steaks. Additionally, staying as an immigrant also reduces the privileges such as major religious holidays, cultural celebrations, availability to cultural capital and food and so on. It is almost like putting a lion in Alaska where it may not be the king of jungle.

Additionally, being a minority also creates a sense of solidarity and familyhood for people from same similar cultural backgrounds which according to me is a great thing and it also helps us in maintaining our culture which eventually will cumulate when there are enough members in the community.

Undoubtedly, Canada is very multi-cultural but it still does not change the fact that it will have racial minorities and majorities for quite some time.

Thank You So Much For Reading....