In China, high school is much different than it is here in America. Here, high school is a fairly loosely regimented time of a young adult's life (of course there are exceptions) in which socializing and finding out who you are seem to be most important. High schoolers here participate in a lot of sports and extra-curricular activities.
However, in China, the focus is almost all education. Many students may not have the time to socialize, or any time for themselves at all.
Summer vacation is something that American high schoolers look forward to each year. Many Chinese students go to summer school, and skip any vacation altogether.
Also, bullying seems to be less of a problem in China than in America (possibly because students in China have no time to pick on people?). America has developed numerous programs because of the high rate of bullying here.
So, where does fun and leisure time fit into Chinese student's lives? One student believes that "having fun is just a small part of life". Could that be any further from what American students believe? American students spend most of their time having fun, even in school.
In America, what you wear can mean a lot in high school. Some students will compete with each other to wear the latest fashions, and spend a large amount of time worrying about their appearances. What about China? Yeah, they wear uniforms. There are still trends, but it is not focused on as much as it is here.
I think that high school in America and China are very different. Students in China have more of a focus on their future careers and just eduction in general.
Sources:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6172558.stm
11.24.2008
Food in Mexico
Mexican food. When you think of it, you probably don't think of actual Mexican food. You probably think of America's take on Mexican food.
Authentic Mexican food consists mainly of three things: beans, tortillas, and chili peppers. American-Mexican food consists of three entirely different things: beef, cheese, and deep-fried everything. Yes, these things are found in Mexican food, but nowhere near as much as in America.
America relies on fatty foods and beef, whereas Mexican food includes many varities of foods including fish, vegetables, and fruit.
A perfect example: Tacos.
Here is an American taco
As you can see it is filled to the brim with beef, which has been stuffed into a deep-fried tortilla.
Here is an authentic Mexican taco:
This taco looks a lot different, right? It still has some meat in it and the tortilla is still deep fried, but there is much less meat and the focus seems to be more on the vegetables in the taco.
Overall, I think that Mexican cuisine is completely different from American cuisine. Even worse is America's idea of Mexican food. The dishes that we all think of as Mexican (quesedillas, tacos, burritos) are made much different here than in Mexico.
Sources:
http://www.sallys-place.com/food/cuisines/mexico.htm
http://www.languagecrossing.com/Destinations/Mexico/Food_of_Mexico/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexican_cuisine
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taco
Authentic Mexican food consists mainly of three things: beans, tortillas, and chili peppers. American-Mexican food consists of three entirely different things: beef, cheese, and deep-fried everything. Yes, these things are found in Mexican food, but nowhere near as much as in America.
America relies on fatty foods and beef, whereas Mexican food includes many varities of foods including fish, vegetables, and fruit.
A perfect example: Tacos.
Here is an American taco
As you can see it is filled to the brim with beef, which has been stuffed into a deep-fried tortilla.
Here is an authentic Mexican taco:
This taco looks a lot different, right? It still has some meat in it and the tortilla is still deep fried, but there is much less meat and the focus seems to be more on the vegetables in the taco.
Overall, I think that Mexican cuisine is completely different from American cuisine. Even worse is America's idea of Mexican food. The dishes that we all think of as Mexican (quesedillas, tacos, burritos) are made much different here than in Mexico.
Sources:
http://www.sallys-place.com/food/cuisines/mexico.htm
http://www.languagecrossing.com/Destinations/Mexico/Food_of_Mexico/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexican_cuisine
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taco
Religion in France
America is known as a predominantly Christian country. With around 77% of people identifying themselves as Christian, America is seen as "one of the most religious".
France is less religious than America, but the majority of French people are Roman Catholic. There is more freedom of religion in France, and the French government "doesn't even keep statistics on religious adherence".
Religion in France is considered private, and it is not something used to gain social respect. America is the total opposite; people advertise their religion constantly and use it to relate to people and get further in life.
In the 2007 election in France, candidates were asked for the first time to disclose their religious beliefs. Out of the 12 candidates, 11 agreed to share their beliefs. On the other hand, America's presidential candidates have always shared their religious beliefs and only one president was not raised in a household affiliated with Christianity.
America and France are not very similar in the way they handle religion. Both are very religious countries, but France is more discreet and sees religion as a private matter. America puts all beliefs on display, and often uses religion as a way to get ahead.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_the_United_States#Religion_and_politics
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_France
France is less religious than America, but the majority of French people are Roman Catholic. There is more freedom of religion in France, and the French government "doesn't even keep statistics on religious adherence".
Religion in France is considered private, and it is not something used to gain social respect. America is the total opposite; people advertise their religion constantly and use it to relate to people and get further in life.
In the 2007 election in France, candidates were asked for the first time to disclose their religious beliefs. Out of the 12 candidates, 11 agreed to share their beliefs. On the other hand, America's presidential candidates have always shared their religious beliefs and only one president was not raised in a household affiliated with Christianity.
America and France are not very similar in the way they handle religion. Both are very religious countries, but France is more discreet and sees religion as a private matter. America puts all beliefs on display, and often uses religion as a way to get ahead.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_the_United_States#Religion_and_politics
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_France
Television in Sri Lanka
America has many different types of television shows, the most popular being reality shows such as Survivor and American Idol.
Sri Lanka has evolved a lot in the past few years, and they now have many shows that are very similar to the shows here.
One of the most popular shows in America is American Idol, a singing competition. In Sri Lanka, there is a show titled 'Derana Dream Star', which is almost identical to American Idol (right down to the teasing contestants who are less than talented). Here is a clip of a man trying out and getting mocked by one of the judges. I presume the judge says something witty at the end.
The channel that hosts 'Derana Dream Star' is apparently 'Sri Lanka's Premium Entertainment Channel'. I'm not sure how that compares to America's entertainment channels, but it seems they have a lot in common.
Another favorite in America is Survivor. I found a Sri Lankan show that seems very similar, called 'Derana Real Leader'. People compete and perform various tasks that test their physical agility. The prize? "A Star class job opportunity as a management trainee in one of Sri Lanka's blu chip companies." Sound familiar? Yeah, it sounds like The Apprentice to me. This show seems to be a mix of the two.
Here is a commercial:
Overall, Sri Lanka has many of the same types of television shows as America. There is less of a market for it, considering the percentage of homes in Sri Lanka that actally have a television.
Sources:
http://www.derana.lk/show.php?prid=30
http://www.youtube.com/v/CWojY0hPkjQ&hl=en&fs=1
http://www.youtube.com/v/SBymjdkuSew&hl=en&fs=1
http://www.csun.edu/science/health/docs/tv&health.html
Sri Lanka has evolved a lot in the past few years, and they now have many shows that are very similar to the shows here.
One of the most popular shows in America is American Idol, a singing competition. In Sri Lanka, there is a show titled 'Derana Dream Star', which is almost identical to American Idol (right down to the teasing contestants who are less than talented). Here is a clip of a man trying out and getting mocked by one of the judges. I presume the judge says something witty at the end.
The channel that hosts 'Derana Dream Star' is apparently 'Sri Lanka's Premium Entertainment Channel'. I'm not sure how that compares to America's entertainment channels, but it seems they have a lot in common.
Another favorite in America is Survivor. I found a Sri Lankan show that seems very similar, called 'Derana Real Leader'. People compete and perform various tasks that test their physical agility. The prize? "A Star class job opportunity as a management trainee in one of Sri Lanka's blu chip companies." Sound familiar? Yeah, it sounds like The Apprentice to me. This show seems to be a mix of the two.
Here is a commercial:
Overall, Sri Lanka has many of the same types of television shows as America. There is less of a market for it, considering the percentage of homes in Sri Lanka that actally have a television.
Sources:
http://www.derana.lk/show.php?prid=30
http://www.youtube.com/v/CWojY0hPkjQ&hl=en&fs=1
http://www.youtube.com/v/SBymjdkuSew&hl=en&fs=1
http://www.csun.edu/science/health/docs/tv&health.html
10.27.2008
Religion in Kenya.
In Kenya, religion is somewhat diverse. Kenyans are given the right to choose any religion, as it is stated in the constitution. Almost 2/3rds of the people in Kenya are Christian. This is very similar to the American rate, which is around 3/4ths.
Muslim is also a fairly large religion in Kenya, including Sunni and Shīʿites. In America, Muslims make up anywhere from 3-7 million people. Around one-third of the Muslims in America are also African American, having converted in the past few decades.
Also, a somewhat small amount of people in Kenya are Jewish.
Kenya seems to be very similar to America in diversity of religions, with Christianity as the predominant religion. Freedom of religion in Kenya is somewhat questionable, even though (as said earlier) it is stated in their constitution.
Although some of the numbers concerning religion in Kenya are similar to the numbers in America, it is very different. Traditional African religious practices remain, even after some Kenyans convert to Christianity. Mostly all Kenyans believe in an eternal creator, and some participate in witchcraft and sorcery. Some religious groups believe in ghosts and spirits, and feel that pleasing them will bring success. This is somewhat similar to most religions, as the main goal is ultimately pleasing an omnipotent being.
Sources:
http://ipsnews.net/interna.asp?idnews=18853
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/315078/Kenya#tab=active~checked%2Citems~checked&title=Kenya%20--%20Britannica%20Online%20Encyclopedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Kenya
http://www.africa.upenn.edu/NEH/kreligion.htm
Muslim is also a fairly large religion in Kenya, including Sunni and Shīʿites. In America, Muslims make up anywhere from 3-7 million people. Around one-third of the Muslims in America are also African American, having converted in the past few decades.
Also, a somewhat small amount of people in Kenya are Jewish.
Kenya seems to be very similar to America in diversity of religions, with Christianity as the predominant religion. Freedom of religion in Kenya is somewhat questionable, even though (as said earlier) it is stated in their constitution.
Although some of the numbers concerning religion in Kenya are similar to the numbers in America, it is very different. Traditional African religious practices remain, even after some Kenyans convert to Christianity. Mostly all Kenyans believe in an eternal creator, and some participate in witchcraft and sorcery. Some religious groups believe in ghosts and spirits, and feel that pleasing them will bring success. This is somewhat similar to most religions, as the main goal is ultimately pleasing an omnipotent being.
Sources:
http://ipsnews.net/interna.asp?idnews=18853
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/315078/Kenya#tab=active~checked%2Citems~checked&title=Kenya%20--%20Britannica%20Online%20Encyclopedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Kenya
http://www.africa.upenn.edu/NEH/kreligion.htm
Music in Bulgaria
Popular music in Bulgaria includes such genres as Rock, Heavy Metal, Pop, Electronic and Rap. Similar to America, the pop scene in Bulgaria seems to have a strong focus on sexuality and pointless gussying up of the female gender. I watched a few videos, and they all seem to have the same theme; wearing a lot of makeup and writhing at the camera.
Here is a video from Bulgarian folk-pop artist Petra:
Heavy metal in Bulgaria is also similar to heavy metal in America. I noticed, however, that there is more of a focus on the 80's style of heavy metal than modern. One music video even features a white horse galloping through a forest.
Rap in Bulgaria seemed to have the closest similarity to American music out of all the genres. The main focus was, like American rap, asses and consumerism. It is interesting to see that the same ignorance is spread evenly across the world. Here is a clip from Bulgarian rap group Upsurt:
Traditional music in Bulgaria includes women's choirs and music festivals revolving around the holidays. Until recently, festivals would be held with the main purpose being finding a partner. Women would sing and young men would attend with the intention of finding a wife. I find this to be much different from American musical culture.
Mostly, it seems like Bulgarian music is quite similar to American music, especially the popular genres. Bulgaria also has other genres like jazz and classical. The main differences between Bulgarian and American music are mostly in the traditional Bulgarian music.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_Bulgaria
http://www.youtube.com
Here is a video from Bulgarian folk-pop artist Petra:
Heavy metal in Bulgaria is also similar to heavy metal in America. I noticed, however, that there is more of a focus on the 80's style of heavy metal than modern. One music video even features a white horse galloping through a forest.
Rap in Bulgaria seemed to have the closest similarity to American music out of all the genres. The main focus was, like American rap, asses and consumerism. It is interesting to see that the same ignorance is spread evenly across the world. Here is a clip from Bulgarian rap group Upsurt:
Traditional music in Bulgaria includes women's choirs and music festivals revolving around the holidays. Until recently, festivals would be held with the main purpose being finding a partner. Women would sing and young men would attend with the intention of finding a wife. I find this to be much different from American musical culture.
Mostly, it seems like Bulgarian music is quite similar to American music, especially the popular genres. Bulgaria also has other genres like jazz and classical. The main differences between Bulgarian and American music are mostly in the traditional Bulgarian music.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_Bulgaria
http://www.youtube.com
10.26.2008
Unfamiliar Culture; Cuisine in Ireland.
Much like America, Ireland's diet consists mostly of things like meat, potatoes, cheese, milk and bread. Animal products and starchy foods make up the majority of most dishes. More recently, Ireland has developed a diet very similar to the American diet. Fast food consumption has risen a considerable amount. In fact, obesity has become a rising health issue.
Traditional Irish cuisine is also a culprit of obesity, as it contains much butter, red meat, and processed meats. Unlike America, Ireland's diet is less focused on things like fruits and vegetables. Yes, this means there is a country that consumes even less (healthy, non-starchy) produce than we do.
Some traditional dishes in Ireland include soda bread (bread that uses baking soda as a replacement for yeast), boxty (potato pancakes), and Irish stew (mutton/lamb/beef, potatoes, onion, and parsley).
Ireland is often stereotyped as a highly alcoholic country. Numbers show that alcohol consumption in Ireland is higher than many other countries, although Luxembourg takes the prize for most alcohol consumed per person in the world.
Overall, Ireland's current diet is very similar to America's diet. Ireland is also beginning to adopt other cultures foods; i.e. curry (a predominantly Indian dish) and Chinese food. There aren't many differences between our diet and their's, at least not significant differences. They share the same love of high-fat foods, alcohol, and animal products.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_cuisine
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soda_bread
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_stew
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxty
http://www.ravensgard.org/prdunham/irishfood.html -history of Ireland's diet
http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=9325487 - Luxembourg, highest alcohol consumption in the world
http://www.ndc.hrb.ie/attached/3863-4118.pdf - alcohol consumption in Ireland
http://www.red-branch.com/fruit_&_veg.htm - fruit and vegetable consumption in Ireland
Traditional Irish cuisine is also a culprit of obesity, as it contains much butter, red meat, and processed meats. Unlike America, Ireland's diet is less focused on things like fruits and vegetables. Yes, this means there is a country that consumes even less (healthy, non-starchy) produce than we do.
Some traditional dishes in Ireland include soda bread (bread that uses baking soda as a replacement for yeast), boxty (potato pancakes), and Irish stew (mutton/lamb/beef, potatoes, onion, and parsley).
Ireland is often stereotyped as a highly alcoholic country. Numbers show that alcohol consumption in Ireland is higher than many other countries, although Luxembourg takes the prize for most alcohol consumed per person in the world.
Overall, Ireland's current diet is very similar to America's diet. Ireland is also beginning to adopt other cultures foods; i.e. curry (a predominantly Indian dish) and Chinese food. There aren't many differences between our diet and their's, at least not significant differences. They share the same love of high-fat foods, alcohol, and animal products.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_cuisine
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soda_bread
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_stew
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxty
http://www.ravensgard.org/prdunham/irishfood.html -history of Ireland's diet
http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=9325487 - Luxembourg, highest alcohol consumption in the world
http://www.ndc.hrb.ie/attached/3863-4118.pdf - alcohol consumption in Ireland
http://www.red-branch.com/fruit_&_veg.htm - fruit and vegetable consumption in Ireland
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