Yahoo! Sports
29 October 2008
This is an article written by an American. Notice how the writer wrote about the boy and his situation. Though reporters are supposed to write in an objective manner, they never fail to reflect their societies’ take on the issue or situation.
Taken from: http://l.yimg.com/a/i/ww/news/2008/10/10/raysfan.jpg
“… but you have to admire a kid who's willing to stand up for what he believes in.” – Kevin Kaduk
“… school that won't allow their students to experience a little playoff fun.” – Kevin Kaduk
“Long live the Rayhawk, indeed.” – Kevin Kaduk
From the above statements, we can see the author’s take on the issue. Perhaps this is due to the culture of the Americans, which falls at the individualist side of the spectrum. They favor acts that show individualism. By being resolute about keeping his Mohawk, he is seen as someone who stands up for his beliefs. The principal of the school is shown in a less favorable light as someone who is inflexible. The school is portrayed as dull and authoritarian.
If the same thing happens in the Singaporean context, it would be vastly different. Singapore, leaning more to the collectivist side, will have a different take on the situation. They would view the boy to be rebelling against the system and disrupting the harmony of the system. People would feel that the boy is in the wrong and side the principal decision. This article would not even be published because it would be seen as trivial.
The great difference is attribute to the difference in culture. What culture we come from determines the type of interpretation we make towards everything as shown above. Our culture shapes our schemas and creates certain attitudinal barriers when we view things. Just like Singaporeans cannot look beyond the fact that the boy is rebellious and Americans cannot look beyond the fact that he is resolute.
We can see a plethora of viewpoints in the comments section. Different individuals have different outlooks on this case. We can see how different people of different cultures place different emphasis on their views regarding the matter. Their arguments reflect the values and principles that they live by.
12 comments:
cultural difference do impact a lot. if that kid with the hairstyle comes to singapore, it would put the punks here to shame.
but to be socially acceptive, you got to be in a place where their beliefs are in line with yours (in this case the mohawk hairstyle) i admire him for standing up for what he believes, to be brave enough to be a trend setter, takes courage. especially when he is alone in the school, with that unique hairstyle.
hmm, very interesting topic you've got here. i have never thought about this kind of stuff until i saw your entry. it is true that Singapore will not post this if it happened here, it will just be treated as a student disobeying the school rules. but then, wow, this student is so young to be daring enough to go against rules and not conform to society...
It's all about conformity in Singapore context. Many would just keep silence and follow suit, instead of doing something outrageous. Being conservative, Singaporeans are indeed losing out a lot of fun. But because of this collectivist culture, we can be assured that we are in safe hands under the law and order here.
I share your sentiments that cultural differences protrays different perspective towards the same issue. It allows us to have a fresh insight onto their held beliefs, moral values and social construct.
However, we have to recognise that this cultural differences allow us to differentiate ourselves from others. Conformity should not be regarded as a negative attribute. Like with all other matters, we should always exercise critical analysis and interpretation of issues, critically evaluting to see if it is relevant and applicable to us.
It seems quite ridiculous to suspend a student based on his hairstyle as it could be a symbolic representation of who he is. In this case, it seems like the school has adopted similar regulation system as Singapore, whereby students are expected to conform. I believe that this may also be an isolated case as I do not expect most american schools to adopt such "collectivist" measures.
this reminded of a time where i used to spot coloured hair in secondary school. that, gets the equivalent of the Rayhawk treatment; getting suspended.
memories aside, i think this goes deeper than being an individualist or collectivist. school is a place where people get educated. in a country where it's citizens are the natural resources, the government has to ensure that the education system put in places 'refines' the students to become most valuable. not conforming, is definitely detrimental to their cause.
imagine, who would want to employ someone who never conforms to the office norms, or who does not do what is being instructed?
therefore, non conformists must nipped in the bud; you do something different to your hair, i suspend you!
yes america is definitely different from singapore. they are definitely louder and bolder as compared to the soft spoken singapore. will i guess the govt in the USA also encourages the freedom of speech so people young and old are more willing to talk. my cousin who is an American chinese for instance isnt shy to speack up infront of all the adults during family gatherings. as compared to my local cousins who usually just sit and listen quietly. this brings about the differents in culture!
as for the reporter i feel that it is fair that he gives hes own view. apart from reporting the news he adds his own opinions and this will give readers another perspective to think about
To add on, i believe schools have rules and regulations. If the student violated a rule set by the school, then i see no wrong in suspending him.
Hydriz,
That sound very logical, especially in Singapore context. Perhaps we are brought up in such a way that we always conform to rules? Another evident factor that Singapore is essentially collectivist in nature?
What we see and perceive is of course shaped by our cognitive schematas. Once we have been exposed to certain values, we can't help but apply these concepts to situations that we see. That's why cultural differences and lack of understanding between races will always exist - because it is difficult for alot of us to be able to totally grasp the two sides of the matter and be balanced in our views.
HAHA..firstly i would personally feel that it takes a great deal of courage to have that hairstyle.
I feel that such hairstyle is a definite no-no in Singapore schools, maybe due to its collectivist nature. However, school rules does have their uses in maintaining discipline and order among students.
Thus this shows that culture plays a great role in influencing people's perspective.
I agree with you. If this happen in Singapore, perhaps, most of the locals would have view the boy as rebellious etc.
culture, do indeed, shape people's thoughts differently.
yijing
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