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.
