R.A.C.I.S.M.

What Does Racism Mean to You?
R.A.C.I.S.M.

rac-ism
noun /'rey-siz-uhm/
The belief that all members of each race possess characteristics or abilities specific to that race, esp. so as to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race or races.


bul-ly
noun /'bool-ee/
A person who uses strength and power to intimidate and harm those who are weaker.

We judge, we abuse, we triumph over another's sorrow.

Racism is bullying, a sign of weakness. Don't do it; you will only be degrading yourself.

End

Ripping up

Another person’s

Cultural values

In order to gain

Superiority, to be part of the

Majority.

Now.

Speaking in a Different Language Can Sometimes Be Rude
Be aware of others; don't exclude them.


あの映画面白かったよね？また映画に見に行こう!
La película fue muy interesante. Vamos a ver una película otra vez.
那部电影真是很有趣！想要又去看电影吗？

Say you here some laughter after some group of people said the above. 
What do you feel? Feel excluded? That's normal.

We all had that experience before, whether we enter a foreign supermarket or an ethnic town. All we can see are the stares and hear the laughs, making us uncomfortable. 


So be aware of others. Try to speak in a language that they can understand. Then they will know that you are not gossiping about them. Speak so all can understand!

Had an experience like this? Tell us about it by posting below!

Fashion of the World Throughout the Years

Fashion is one of the best ways to reveal the ideas behind each culture. Here, we have collected some photos of fashion from around the world during the old times. Take a look at each one, and compare and contrast. What do the similarities and differences say about each culture?

18th Century European Dress                                         Cheongsam from China

African Style Dress

Indian Dress

Spanish Style Wedding Dress
  

                                                                                                      
          Japanese Kimono 

                                                                                              

                                                                  

                                                                              Korean Hanbok Dress                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

After seeing all the different traditional dresses from around the world, what do you think? Love to draw? Create a design that blends in various cultures from the ideas you gained from the above dresses. Submit your design to us, and share with everyone what design you think could best combine cultures of the world to create more unity in our society! 

Language Barrier

Knowing Different Languages 
Eliminate the Language Barrier


    For those who come from different countries, language is often a huge barrier in being accepted into a new home country. Because of accents, people are often teased about it. However, we must realize that respecting others' languages is part of respecting others. I really love to learn languages, and I realized that after you learn a language, you start to see the culture behind it. It opens up your world view, and allows you to see the wonders of each culture. Without further ado, let's learn some basic phrases from different languages!


English: Hello, Hi
Spanish: Hola (oh-la)
French: Bonjour
Italian: Ciao (chao)
Chinese: 你好 (nee-hao)
Japanese: こんにちは   (kon'nichiwa)
Korean: 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo)
Vietnamese: Xin chào  (sin-jow)
Swahili: Hujambo




English: Thank you
Spanish: Gracias
French: Merci
Italian: Grazie
Chinese: 谢谢 (Xièxiè)
Japanese: ありがとう (Arigatō)
Korean: 감사합니다 (gamsahabnida)
Vietnamese: cảm ơn
Swahili: Asante




English: I love you.
Spanish: Te amo.
French: Je t'aime
Italian: Ti amo.
Chinese: 我爱你 (Wǒ ài nǐ)
Japanese: 私はあなたを愛している (Watashi wa anata o aishiteiru)
Korean: 내가 당신을 사랑 (naega dangsin-eul salang)
Vietnamese: Em yêu anh (girl to boy) Anh yêu em. (Boy to girl.)
Swahili: Nakupenda


These are only some of the common phrases from some of the languages that are spoken more frequently. Post more phrases from different languages to teach us all! Thank you so much! Gracias! :)

Ethnic Assimilation Theory vs. Ethnic Competition Theory

Ethnic Assimilation Theory vs. Ethnic Competition Theory 
Which do you believe in?


There are two dominant theories on the relationship between cultural knowledge and discrimination. Which do you believe in?


Ethic Assimilation Theory by Milton Gordon
In his theory of the Seven Stages of Assimilation, Gordon argues that cultural assimilation occurs first. This means that newcomers start to adopt the new society's culture and customs by reducing their own boundaries and accepting new ones. By doing so, the people counter discrimination. Generally, the assimilation theory suggests that as ethnic minority group members acquire greater knowledge of the dominant culture, become socially integrated, and experience upward social mobility they should experience greater acceptance among majority group members and perceive less discrimination.

Become Socially Integrated

Feel More Accepted

Less Discrimination

More Knowledge of Other People's Culture

Ethnic Competition Theory by Nathan Glazer and Daniel Patrick Moynihan
Although Glazer and Moynihan recognize that some assimilation occurs, they argue that it is important for a culture to selectively retain its original identity and cope with discrimination instead of eliminating it. Generally, higher educational attainment, increased language competency, and greater familiarity with the dominant society leads to a heightened awareness of cultural differences and thus discrimination.

More Familiar with Dominant Society


Emphasis on Cultural Differences

More Knowledge of Other People's Culture

More Discrimination

Do you think that cultural awareness brings about unity or more discrimination in a society?


Post below on which you think is true and feel free to tell us why.

Stop the Discrimination Against Muslims Video

We want to hear your opinion.


Please watch this video below about discrimination against Muslims in America and tell us what you think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=-Jnfg9i4IsE


Post a comment below on what you think can be done to eliminate discrimination! Also feel free to tell us your opinions on the following:

1. Do the people's discriminatory behavior offend you? 
2. Some people associate Muslims with terrorists. How can we prevent people from limiting their views of Muslims?
3. What makes you "American"?

Thanks!

Cultural Awareness: Gestures

Why Is It Important to Know Other People's Cultures?
What is considered polite can be considered rude in other countries.

Communication is key--and so is cultural awareness. Knowing one's culture can help us understand more of one's behavior. It is also important to know what is considered rude and polite in one's culture. 


One of the most common ways to offend another of a different culture is by displaying rude gestures. Have you seen anyone do any of the following gestures? Try to consider the fact that maybe they are doing these gestures because it is considered polite in their culture. 

Polite Gestures in Different Cultures:

• Slurping: Although it may be considered rude here in the U.S., it is considered good manners to slurp your noodles in some Asian countries, especially Japan.
• Slight Bow: In most Asian countries, a slight bow is preferred over a handshake.
• Eye Contact: It is polite to maintain eye contact in Canada.
• Hugs and Kisses: In Mexico, hugs and kisses are polite gestures; men greet friends with a slight hug while women lightly hug and pretend to kiss on the cheek.
• Raising a fist: Although raising a fist may be a sign of aggression in some countries, raising a fist in Argentina is considered as a sign of victory. 

Rude Gestures in Different Cultures:

• "O.K." gesture: Even though the gesture may mean "O.K." in America and U.K., it is considered insulting in Brazil.
• Pointing: Pointing is considered rude in so many countries that it is best to gesture with an open palm.
• Shaking With Your Left Hand: In Middle Eastern countries, it is considered rude to shake with your left hand since it is associated with dirtiness.
• Touching Above the Shoulders: Most Japanese people love their privacy, so it is best not to touch their shoulders, head, or hair. 
• Putting Your Hands on Your Lap: Keep your hands on the table in Austria, because putting your hands on your lap is considered rude there.

By being more aware of a culture, your view of a person may change. Hopefully this page changed your view of a person to a more positive one.


Ever experienced anything like this? Have any other gestures that should be listed above? Share your story by posting below.

Let Your Voice Be Heard

Erase the Ethnicity-Based Stigma. Say Something.

Ever felt misunderstood? Ever wanted your voice, your opinion, or your feelings to be heard? Ever felt discriminated against just because you have different morals, values, or cultural backgrounds?

We are all different and that makes us unique. But sometimes people don’t understand because they have never experienced other people’s cultures and have never read their life stories. So why don’t we eliminate stereotypes, discrimination, and miscommunications by voicing it out?

On this page, we will like you to tell us your story. Tell us what you would like others to understand. Tell us any problems you faced due to cultural differences. Tell us about any times you felt miscommunicated. Maybe we can help.

All you have to do is post a comment in this blog or e-mail us your stories or any pieces of art that represents your story at letushearyourstory@gmail.com. You can even take the polls that are on the right of this blog.

Let your voice be heard.

Together we can erase the ethnicity-based stigma.