Thursday, September 11, 2008
Island In The Sun
I am going to visit my family in Barbados. I've never had the experience to meet any of them in person. The climate in Barbados regulates an average of 80 degrees year round and the food is remotely different then that of the U.S. Usually when I travel there are a few things I like to bring with me. A camera, journal, laptop, and tons of music. Considering it's Barbados, I would first assume that I don't know anything about their culture. I would research everything that there is to know about the Island. As an outsider, I definitely don't want to offend the natives. My father is from Barbados so I received most of his genetics which will keep my skin from burning and blistering. Maybe a small bottle of sun-screen just in case. To make my experience the best it can be, I would tell myself that I would try everything at least once. Whether it's an outdoor adventure or trying food that didn't appeal to me, I wouldn't turn it down. Everyone speaks English, but there are a couple twists about the language. I know there aren't any books for how they combine words on the Island so it may just have to be an experience that I have to deal with. I would learn about the different religions and government along with every aspect of the geography. Since I would be very busy, the end of the trip is where I gather all my pictures, notes, and memories and compile them into some sort of book or mini-film.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Exploring the New World
I am traveling the Caribbean to Haiti and the Dominican Republic where Columbus first arrived with his Spanish soldiers and explorers from Spain sent by Queen Isabella. My reason for visiting Haiti, which what was originally the island of Hispaniola is to witness the remaining native culture that has been most likely influenced and changed by the mixing of African, Indian, Mestizos, and Indigenous peoples.
Seeing the origin of the Spanish Conquest would be as important of a historical site as the battle ground of the American Revolution. Because I have heard word of atrocities in the region of the Caribbean, I feel I would like to see these farm workers face to face and exchange with them about their working conditions, standard of living, and civil rights. It would be very humbling to be amongst people who have survived massacre, disease, slavery, and indentured servitude under the Spanish conquistadors. This experience should bring me a perspective on how a people’s race relates to its class as well as how culture differs based on these factors in these countries.
I will need to take Spanish language courses because, although there was an enormous African Diaspora, Spanish is the predominant language because of the region’s Spanish occupation. I will be prepared to speak at least conversational Spanish, so that I do not offend anyone by requiring them to accommodate for an English speaker or have them struggle to interpret by body language and me theirs.
I may need to have a check up at the doctor for any diseases or infections I may have the capacity to spread to the people of that country and, reversely, be vaccinated for any diseases native to the Caribbean. Even before having the check-up, I plan to research potential diseases, food borne illnesses, or other health concerns including any social unrest that could conflict with my safe return to the United States.
Because I am not deeply attached to my American Culture, I feel I will be willing, as I am here in the United States, to keep an open mind at all times by willfully immersing myself with the people and their habits and practices. I will actively participate in and/or curiously observe celebrations, rituals (safely), meals, etc.
I will take a notebook in which to journal and a video camera (electricity provided) or recorder (with extra batteries) as my guide as I travel and interact with the people I meet and cultural activities I attend.
I am not concerned about my preferences or opinions being translatable. If I meet the class of people I would like to meet, those being the working/lower class civilians, I will let them be my guide and listen more than speak. By keeping my opinions, cultural stereotypes, tastes, etc. to myself, I will learn more and impose as little as possible.
Seeing the origin of the Spanish Conquest would be as important of a historical site as the battle ground of the American Revolution. Because I have heard word of atrocities in the region of the Caribbean, I feel I would like to see these farm workers face to face and exchange with them about their working conditions, standard of living, and civil rights. It would be very humbling to be amongst people who have survived massacre, disease, slavery, and indentured servitude under the Spanish conquistadors. This experience should bring me a perspective on how a people’s race relates to its class as well as how culture differs based on these factors in these countries.
I will need to take Spanish language courses because, although there was an enormous African Diaspora, Spanish is the predominant language because of the region’s Spanish occupation. I will be prepared to speak at least conversational Spanish, so that I do not offend anyone by requiring them to accommodate for an English speaker or have them struggle to interpret by body language and me theirs.
I may need to have a check up at the doctor for any diseases or infections I may have the capacity to spread to the people of that country and, reversely, be vaccinated for any diseases native to the Caribbean. Even before having the check-up, I plan to research potential diseases, food borne illnesses, or other health concerns including any social unrest that could conflict with my safe return to the United States.
Because I am not deeply attached to my American Culture, I feel I will be willing, as I am here in the United States, to keep an open mind at all times by willfully immersing myself with the people and their habits and practices. I will actively participate in and/or curiously observe celebrations, rituals (safely), meals, etc.
I will take a notebook in which to journal and a video camera (electricity provided) or recorder (with extra batteries) as my guide as I travel and interact with the people I meet and cultural activities I attend.
I am not concerned about my preferences or opinions being translatable. If I meet the class of people I would like to meet, those being the working/lower class civilians, I will let them be my guide and listen more than speak. By keeping my opinions, cultural stereotypes, tastes, etc. to myself, I will learn more and impose as little as possible.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Es steht lhnen frei zu gehen
Perhaps you can guess where I'd like to go just from the title of my post. Its a German phrase meaning "You're free to go." If I were free to be immersed in another culture, I would go directly to Europe. German films and their scene for industrial music would be fascinating to take in. I would research bands like Megaherz, Eisbrecher and I'll see how big KMFDM (kein mitleid fur die massen or no mercy for the masses) is outside of the states. I would take a jaunt to Sweden for their metal bands and down to Italy for their cult famed Dope Stars Inc but I wouldn't leave until I visit Scandinavia. Not only am I Scandinavian but my all time favorite black/space metal musicians Lex Icon and Psy Coma of The Kovenant reside in Oslo.
Living in areas such as Germany and Norway will allow me to pick up on the native tongue. I recall from childhood my grandfather speaking to me Norwegian and I quite often listen to German music, loving it but often not knowing what the hell the singer is conveying. Unless of course its Rammstein's "Du Hast."
One item I would carry with me at all times would be an english to (insert country's language here) dictionaries to further aid me in understanding the many languages surrounding me. I would also have brought enough funds to enjoy the many fine cuisines offered by each country in Europe. A map would reside in my tourist's back pack in order for me to get around. I would travel down Europe's roads that endlessly curve around cities and mountain sides so I could take in the landscapes as well as visit their historic castles and chateau's.
If only I was free to go. . .
Wenn doch nur ich frei zu gehen. . .
Living in areas such as Germany and Norway will allow me to pick up on the native tongue. I recall from childhood my grandfather speaking to me Norwegian and I quite often listen to German music, loving it but often not knowing what the hell the singer is conveying. Unless of course its Rammstein's "Du Hast."
One item I would carry with me at all times would be an english to (insert country's language here) dictionaries to further aid me in understanding the many languages surrounding me. I would also have brought enough funds to enjoy the many fine cuisines offered by each country in Europe. A map would reside in my tourist's back pack in order for me to get around. I would travel down Europe's roads that endlessly curve around cities and mountain sides so I could take in the landscapes as well as visit their historic castles and chateau's.
If only I was free to go. . .
Wenn doch nur ich frei zu gehen. . .
cultural experience
I'm going to leave and stay in London for at least six months. There was a past issue of the fashion maganize, Nylon, that was all about England. I've been fascinated since.
I would want to pack pretty lightly. If I'm going to be gone for at least six months and studying a new culture, I would hope that I would acquire much of what I needed while I was there. Plus, going out and having to find where to get clothes or other items that I may need would be opportunities to observe the culture. Bringing very little from home would just add to the experience.
Despite not wanting to bring much of anything from home, I'd still bring a few things to keep my spirits up the entire six months. I'd bring something to write in, so I could document my experiences while living in this new culture. I'd also bring the book The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It's one of my favorites, and whenever I'm in a situation that seems endless, it's a good book to read. I also drink tea to relax, but I'm pretty sure that I could get that there.
I believe that most of the things that I like will be understandable in this new culture. I can't really think of anything right now that wouldn't be understandable. I'm sure there would be things that seemed odd or not accepted. If I ended up in a situation where something I liked wasn't accepted or understandable, well, it's all in the experience of learning a new culture.
I would want to pack pretty lightly. If I'm going to be gone for at least six months and studying a new culture, I would hope that I would acquire much of what I needed while I was there. Plus, going out and having to find where to get clothes or other items that I may need would be opportunities to observe the culture. Bringing very little from home would just add to the experience.
Despite not wanting to bring much of anything from home, I'd still bring a few things to keep my spirits up the entire six months. I'd bring something to write in, so I could document my experiences while living in this new culture. I'd also bring the book The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It's one of my favorites, and whenever I'm in a situation that seems endless, it's a good book to read. I also drink tea to relax, but I'm pretty sure that I could get that there.
I believe that most of the things that I like will be understandable in this new culture. I can't really think of anything right now that wouldn't be understandable. I'm sure there would be things that seemed odd or not accepted. If I ended up in a situation where something I liked wasn't accepted or understandable, well, it's all in the experience of learning a new culture.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Go Dutch!
You are about to leave for another culture (you may specify the one you are going to or would like to go to) for a stay of at least 6 months.
I would go to Pennsylvania and immerse myself in Amish culture.
What do you think that you’ll need to take and why?
I would not need to bring much with me. The Amish live a very simple lifestyle and I would not want to bring in anything that would offend them. I would however bring along english/german and english/dutch dictionaries so that I can communicate with them on a more personal level.
What do you think will sustain you while you are there – here you may think of favorite books or other items as well as certain psychological capacities.
A psychological capability that I would need to remember to maintain is patience for a culture that doesn't use modern conveniences or luxuries.
Do you think that the things that you like will be translatable or understandable in this new culture?
Most of my interests would not be understandable. I am a filmmaker, and the Amish don't watch films. They also would not appreciate my affinity for modern music. My dependence on the internet is completely out of the question. Although our cultures are very different, I still think that we would have some things in common. Family ties are important to the Amish, along with working hard as a community and sharing the benefits, all of which are qualities that I admire.
I would go to Pennsylvania and immerse myself in Amish culture.
What do you think that you’ll need to take and why?
I would not need to bring much with me. The Amish live a very simple lifestyle and I would not want to bring in anything that would offend them. I would however bring along english/german and english/dutch dictionaries so that I can communicate with them on a more personal level.
What do you think will sustain you while you are there – here you may think of favorite books or other items as well as certain psychological capacities.
A psychological capability that I would need to remember to maintain is patience for a culture that doesn't use modern conveniences or luxuries.
Do you think that the things that you like will be translatable or understandable in this new culture?
Most of my interests would not be understandable. I am a filmmaker, and the Amish don't watch films. They also would not appreciate my affinity for modern music. My dependence on the internet is completely out of the question. Although our cultures are very different, I still think that we would have some things in common. Family ties are important to the Amish, along with working hard as a community and sharing the benefits, all of which are qualities that I admire.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Taino Indians...Here I come.
You are about to leave for another culture (you may specify the one you are going to or would like to go to) for a stay of at least 6 months.
If I was going to visit another culture for 6 months, I would travel to Puerto Rico and adapt to the Taíno Indians culture. Before I arrive, I would go to Barnes and Nobles or the library and education myself in this culture. I would purchase a book called “Taino Indian Myth and Practice: The Arrival of the Stranger King.” This would definitely give me a good insight on other items that I could bring. I would also invest in a Taíno -English dictionary. I feel that I would gain respect by learning and embracing their native language, as well as, communicating to them in it.
What do you think that you’ll need to take and why?
While I’m living in this culture, I do not plan on taking anything with me. Like an Anthropologist, I wouldn’t want to endanger or take away from the cultures identity. I plan on embracing their culture by wearing what they wear, eating what they eat and engaging in their activities.
What do you think will sustain you while you are there – here you may think of favorite books or other items as well as certain psychological capacities.
The only thing I need on a psychological aspect is cigarettes. All other items I can do without.
Do you think that the things that you like will be translatable or understandable in this new culture?
I think that my cigarettes would be understandable. Considering, smoking was already a ritual of theirs. However, the name and packaging of Marlboro Lights might confuse them.
If I was going to visit another culture for 6 months, I would travel to Puerto Rico and adapt to the Taíno Indians culture. Before I arrive, I would go to Barnes and Nobles or the library and education myself in this culture. I would purchase a book called “Taino Indian Myth and Practice: The Arrival of the Stranger King.” This would definitely give me a good insight on other items that I could bring. I would also invest in a Taíno -English dictionary. I feel that I would gain respect by learning and embracing their native language, as well as, communicating to them in it.
What do you think that you’ll need to take and why?
While I’m living in this culture, I do not plan on taking anything with me. Like an Anthropologist, I wouldn’t want to endanger or take away from the cultures identity. I plan on embracing their culture by wearing what they wear, eating what they eat and engaging in their activities.
What do you think will sustain you while you are there – here you may think of favorite books or other items as well as certain psychological capacities.
The only thing I need on a psychological aspect is cigarettes. All other items I can do without.
Do you think that the things that you like will be translatable or understandable in this new culture?
I think that my cigarettes would be understandable. Considering, smoking was already a ritual of theirs. However, the name and packaging of Marlboro Lights might confuse them.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Off to New Lands
If I had to go off to a far away land, I think the most important thing to bring with me would be an open mind. I know that wherever I go things will be different due to culture and customs. It will be important to reserve any judgments I make until I have a better understanding of the culture. Besides the usual travel gear, I couldn't see myself taking anything sentimental except my iPod and two books. I would bring my iPod, because that item alone will keep me from getting homesick. When I listen to my music it takes me to the place I was when I first heard the song. It is a great feeling and exactly what I would need for the trip. I would bring copies of Fear and Loathing and On the Road; these books came into my life at pivotal points, and have a lot of sentimental value. The only way I could see my stuff not being translatable would be if I lived in non modern environment. Music is universal , and the books I brought have already been translated to several languages, so I don't think any issues would arise.
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