♥ RAINBOW !

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Intercultural Conflict

I can still remember the incident vividly…

It was two years ago, when I was studying in junior college. A group of us were chosen to represent the class in an art competition. We were all excited over the fun competition and dashed straight to the library after school to brainstorm on the ideas. S, being the most artistic talented among us, was chosen to sketch out the outline of our art piece. While S was engrossed in her work, one of our Indian classmates (M) happened to be studying nearby came over to see the progress. She was so thrilled by S’s artistic talent and expressed her support and encouragement by tapping on S’s shoulder. Suddenly, S turned stiffed and kept brushing her shoulder with annoyance. M was puzzled by her reaction but was clearly unhappy towards the way S reacted. After that, both of them treated each other with hostility for quite some time.

To many, giving a tap on the shoulder is a way to express encouragement. However, to Chinese (of course there are always exceptions) tapping on the shoulder is disastrous as we believe that good luck will evaporate with a tap thus bringing bad luck.

Through this incident, I have learnt the importance of showing sensitivity to different people especially those who are from different cultures. In another words, be empathetic is important. We should always put ourselves in the others’ shoes so as to communicate with understanding of the others’ situation. In this way, communication will be carried out in a more effective way.

Also, there are a lot more ways of conveying our feelings. Do not use it if you are unsure of. In this case, words of encouragement are definitely the safest and most effective communication channel. :D

with loves, 7:42 AM 6 Comments

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Potential Research Topic

Reduce, Reuse Recycle.

We started chanting this waste hierarchy since young and did numerous school projects on this topic. But did the importance really get ingrained in our mind? Have we put in conscious efforts to carry out the three simple Rs?

Here, let us just focus on one of the three components of the waste hierarchy, recycling. How many people really understand the meaning of recycling? And put in a conscious effort of doing so? Most of the wastes are materials that are depleting or cannot be replaced quickly enough because of the amazing speed that we consume. By recycling, we not only slow down the process of depletion, also there are other benefits such as:

- Saving energy as it usually takes less energy to make recycled products. For example, recycled aluminium takes 95% less energy than new aluminum from bauxite ore.

- Saving clean air and water. In most cases, making products from recycled materials creates less air pollution and water pollution than making products from virgin materials.

- Saving natural resources by making products from recycled materials instead of virgin materials.

- Saving landfill space. When the materials that you recycle go into new products, they don't go into landfills or incinerators, so landfill space is conserved.

These benefits are especially important in Singapore's context because water, land and natural resources are extremely scarce. Thus, recycling is vital in order for our future generations to have a comfortable environment to live in.

But how many people really put in the effort to sort the wastes before throwing them into the respective bins? For those living in HDB flats, there will be a recycling plastic bag left outside every door step every month, but how many families really separate the recyclables from the non-recyclables? Even if some people did, are they aware that different materials have to be separated for easy sorting? For example, staples have to be removed from papers. Inappropriate sorting not only reduces efficiency in production, but also increases manufacturing cost.

Small efforts start from the individuals. In this project, I would like to examine the level of awareness of the HDB residents. The research question I will like to pose is: How do the residents use the recycle plastic bags? An attitudinal survey would help by assessing their knowledge and how aware are they on the topic of recycling. Through this research report, we hope to bring public awareness not only on recycling but also in an effective way. Otherwise, recycling will only waste more unnecessary cost and effort.

-edited on 7/9/2008-

Image taken from: https://www.britdoc.org/foundation/recycling.php

with loves, 8:52 AM 3 Comments

Solutions…

Hey dear friends, thank you for the useful comments. :D

The most important question I should ask myself now is: do I wish to continue this friendship. And no doubt my answer is yes. If this is the case I have to accept her for being who she is. It is almost impossible to change people’s mindset; instead I’m in control of my own thinking. Knowing that having a good listening ear is what she expects in our friendship, I should pay more attention to this aspect. Give what she needs. :)

However in relationships, by giving alone is not going to work out. Compromising plays an important part too. Clara and I always give in to Peggy thinking that it’s useless to tell how we wish she can listen to us more since that’s how her personality is. Now come to think of it, if we are not telling her, she might not be even conscious of this part of her personality!

Also, learn to look at things from the other person’s angle. By doing so, we can comprehend their behaviours more. Look more on the good instead of the bad. J

Thank you again friends for the valuable suggestions. I really appreciate them. :D

Image taken from: http://www.brownsgallery.co.uk/prints/doug_hyde/index.htm

with loves, 8:47 AM 0 Comments