The product of Society or Not?

 

 

Yes. We are all the products of the conditions we live in - both material, and non-material. As far as all of these conditions are created by the Society and Culture within which we exist, this way, yes, every of us is a product of a Society in this or that way. Why is it so? To my mind, this becomes possible because our everyday routine, which is spent in some certain conditions, is something that influences our attitudes, lifestyle, habits, knowledge and experience, behavior and etc. As a result, I am definitely sure that our circle of communication, our family, friends, our mates, the school we attend, the way we spend our time, the way we celebrate any holidays, and the way we are used to do this or that type of activity - these all is what makes us the way we are.

 

An example of this straight interdepending of these aspects can be the history facts about the untamed children. In the other words, the life stories of the kids who, because of these or those reasons, were raised in the inhuman conditions - in the wild, or in the place far from civilization, or even far from any contact with another person. Such kids, been found after years of isolation, did not have most of the abilities which normal people, who grew up in the human society, had. This fact proves the theory that we all - are the products of the community we live in.

 

All in all, in my personal opinion, our language, customs and traditions, and even the emotions we express - these and other aspects are the result of our socialization and interaction. Without it, with only the lower level of communication, the human kind would, probably, look just like all the other biological species and would never achieve that progress which we have nowadays.

Nature or Nurture?

One's sexual orientation - what is it influenced by? Is it a question of one's DNA or a question of one's environment and society he/she lives in? Personally, I think that both of the factors can influence it. On the one hand, I definitely think that sexual orientation straightly depends on the Nature. To my mind, this is something that a person "achieves" just been born. And, I am pretty sure, that it can be extremely hardly changed during the life process. However, on the other hand, I guess and can say that, all in all, one's orientation probably can be changed. This becomes possible because of the society we live in, because of our social network, our circle of communication. In my opinion, one's sexual orientation can be changed under the pressure of all these factors. All things considered, I think that both variants are possible. Though, I still prefer the Nature factor in this question.

The school week

Here has just passed by my another week of living and studying in the USA. More knowledge, more experience, other 5 school days. What was new for me?

Probably, the most important memories are connected with the Veterans' Day, which took place on Monday, 11.11.13, this year. The Honor Ceremony will stay in my memories forever, as an integral part of my American experience. I could see the real pride for their country in the eyes of American people. Their unlimited feeling of the great patriotism makes me happy, because this is what makes the United States definitely United! People who feel proud about being the way they are, and even sing about it: "I am proud to be American!.." - those people who are with their Motherland with all their minds and hearts can be called the real citizens of their country!

Among some other important thoughts of the week was the one about voting. Why should every able single person vote in the elections or whatever? One of our teachers said that, at least, You should vote in the memory of Your ancestors who died in the wars, fighting for Your rights, for Your freedoms and for Your ability to decide the future of Your country, and this way, Your own future.


This passing week was, as always while my staying in the USA, full of the jokes, fun, and sarcasm. And it makes me feeling happy about this school year. I am extremely grateful to my Book of Life for such colorful and unforgettable pages, which are connected with my American being. Whatever happens - is leading to the better. And I am pretty sure that it is really so. This is what our lives are all about.

You only know when You are far

I still recall my first step on the American earth. You know, it was a very weird feeling. Why? Probably, because of some great expectations connected with the coming exchange year. Every of our FLEX-ers was so excited, that we just started talking about our plans for the nearest "American" future, hugging each other, and even crying. Strange,  isn't it? I still remember when we started singing Ukrainian National Anthem, right in the Dulles Airport. We were kind of joking about "how much we miss our Motherland", though even every single of us said it with some warm feeling in the voice,  we still didn't realize some points of our life. Yes, we did loved UA much at that moment. However, we could not even imagine how strong our love would turn out to be after some time of living in the USA. Now, I am hundred percent sure, any of my "colleagues" in this exchange year may say that he/she is proud to call him/herself Ukrainian. Simply because when you are far from your dear hometown, when you are surrounded by totally different people, you are in totally different conditions, - you get the sense of comparing and analyzing things which are around you. You find out that any aspect has two sides. And, this way, you come to understanding of your own happiness - happiness to be Ukrainian. 

Follow your heart. Even if it leads to something new and inexperienced yet, just follow. At least, because you have no clue where the exit is going to be. And what, if it goes straight to you American dream? Who knows. So, take a risk and get what You want. But start with simple: remember who you are and where you belong. And, what is the most important about it - do it with all your heart and sincerely. As far as being fair and true to yourself - is right what makes you the way you are. 

Ukrainians! Love Ukraine with all your heart and mind! Americans? Be proud of Your country, because for a great amount of people this is a dream - to come and live here. So, appreciate what You have. Because only Your own attitude can make You either happy, or not. 

Work. Love. Die.

 

Have You ever thought about how short is our life in fact? And every of us has so many plans for it. Some people try to spend every single day going step by step to their dreams. Others just waste years. Why? Probably, they just have not found themselves and the way to go. Or, maybe, they just have not looked for it. What is our life all about?

 

Work. American people take it really seriously. They start thinking about their future occupation already while being in the High School, or even earlier. Work and personal achievement - are among the main American values, that is why people try to do their best in it. A lot of Americans put their careers as the first priority in their lives. And very often, unfortunately, they forget about some of the other extremely important aspects - family, home warmth, hobbies, friends. They forget about something which is deeper. They forget about love.

 

Love. This topic is very sensitive for most of American people. They prefer not to talk about this feeling. Why? Are Americans afraid of love? Are they afraid to love? They afraid to be loved by someone? Probably. Some Americans even say that they do not remember if they have ever said, "I love you, Mom." For me, as an Ukrainian it is weird. Maybe, because in my Motherland it is different. The relationships between a boy and a girl, a man and a woman, a husband and a wife, a mother and a child are so much different. Here the fringe between friendship and love is almost invisible. And this is what makes everything messed up. But why do Americans not like talking about love? Probably, because of their inner feeling of independence and self-reliance. I may explain. Such a deep feeling as love is a very touching topic. Love itself means depending on someone, means responsibility. Yes, if You give love to a person, You make him/her trust You. So, You should always be ready to become a helpful back for a person, You should always be there for the person You love. And I think, that a lot of American people are just not prepared for such a kind of responsibility. Because the real love - is the responsibility for another person. From the beginning and to the death.

Death. Death is the other forbidden topic for Americans. Though, not only for them. The question about where we may go after the end of our lives turns out to be scary for most of people all over the world, without depending on the continent, country, or society. But why do we avoid talking about death? To my mind, the answer is clear. Death means obscurity. Let us look at the things from the realistic point if view: no one can certainly say and prove what is going to happen after our life in this world ends. Will there be eternal life? Or are we going to reincarnate and have a new, totally different life on the Earth? But what if there is just nothing after the death? What if our existence simply stops after our body stops its functioning? Do not You think that the darkness of the death - is right what makes us forget about all the thoughts connected with it? Personally, I think so. Yes, everything that is unknown is scary for us. And this is understandable.

You know, I do not want to end this blog like, "All in all," or something. I just would like to say: think over what priorities You have in Your own life. Think over how short is Your time on the Earth. And find some time for love in Your life. Because sometimes it is necessary to find time for something different from work, career, daily routine.

American Values

United States of America. Coming here as an exchange student for me meant really much: new experience, new life, new people around. By coming to the US I got a great possibility to explore the new culture, and to compare it to my own, Ukrainian. And as any other one, American culture is based on the values its people have. So, what do Americans value in their lives, and how does it influence their lives?

Among the main American values are: personal achievement, individualism and independence, personal responsibility, democracy and equality, morality and humanity, work-discipline, freedom and others. And they all are an important part in the process of formation of the national mentality. So American people - they are very self-responsible, which means that if You fail they are totally sure that this is fully Your own fault. From this point they also show their attitude to the individualism: Americans tend to be very independent people. For example, You can see it at school - students always prefer doing everything on their own, whether in the home- or the classwork. Trust me, as an exchange student I can say that You would feel ashamed if found cheating. Moreover, You may have problems, as far as teachers do not tolerate any kind of "team-work" or plagiarism - they may just put an "F", which means fail. One of the other extremely important values in the American society is being punctual. Once our History teacher even said: "USA is just all about being on time everywhere." This way, people expect to see You at the meeting, at school, at work, on the bus(when the field trips take place, for instance) right on time, with no tardiness, or even better 5 minutes earlier. You are late - You are rude and show Your disrespect. There are a lot of other examples of how the value system influences the society, and You are able to see it in the daily routine.

All things considered, know and respect the values of the community You live in. As the saying goes: "When in Rome, do as Romans do." This will definitely make Your life in the other society much easier. Remember: the values we hold form our principles; the principles we hold form our actions.