W4.1 March 25th--GUOYING

 1. Summary

Culture is the way of life specific to a particular society, encompassing norms, values, beliefs, and expressive symbols among other aspects. It encompasses anything that is given meaning or assigned significance within a group, with different cultures often attributing different meanings to the same objects or symbols. Moreover, culture is dynamic, sometimes changing slowly and imperceptibly, while at other times changing rapidly and noticeably. With the influence of globalization, perceptions and attitudes toward things can change within cultures. At the core of culture is the consideration of differences between nature and nurture, evolving through language negotiation and development, making it a vital component of human life. Subcultures and countercultures, as well as ethnocentrism and cultural relativism, are equally important theories in addressing social issues. Sociologists study culture through cultural sociology, focusing on how people create meaning in life from different cultural elements such as skin color, clothing, behavior, and more. They understand the dynamics and interactions of culture by observing and analyzing individuals' self-expression and social interactions, aiming to uncover the meanings and influences behind culture.

2. Interesting point

Ethnocentrism emphasizes the superiority and uniqueness of a specific ethnicity or culture, often leading to conflicts and opposition between cultures. For example, the cultural differences between early black slave culture and present-day Asian and European cultures. On the other hand, cultural relativism advocates for mutual acceptance and understanding of cultures, respecting the uniqueness of each culture, and striving to eliminate barriers and prejudices between cultures. Although these two perspectives are fundamentally different, they could complement each other and contribute to the development of human culture.

3. Question

In today's society, is high culture still widely recognized and respected? Is it facing challenges and changes?

Comments

  1. Cheng YatingApril 4, 2024 at 8:40 PM

    High culture still holds significance and prestige in certain segments of society, particularly among cultural elites, academia, and cultural institutions such as museums, theaters, and opera houses. One challenge facing high culture is the democratization of cultural consumption and the rise of popular culture. Technological advancements, such as the internet and digital media platforms, have democratized access to cultural content, making it more accessible and affordable to a broader audience. As a result, traditional hierarchies between high and popular culture are being challenged, with greater diversity and fluidity in cultural consumption patterns.

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  2. 계해운 JIHAIYUNApril 5, 2024 at 3:50 AM

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  3. 계해운 JIHAIYUNApril 5, 2024 at 3:55 AM

    In today's society, there is a variation in the acceptance and reverence of high culture, with some segments valuing and celebrating it while others harbor skepticism or indifference. Despite facing challenges, high culture continues to play a significant role in certain domains such as art, literature, and music, with its traditions and values persisting to a certain extent. Moreover, it remains esteemed and respected within specific communities.

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