The decision to find the most relevant photographs to fit
the concepts was more or less difficult; for ‘personal culture’, I struggled
the most. Even though it may be ‘obvious’ to others, whether I indirectly or
bluntly express my cultural background I believe it is not as simple as that. Culture
are shared aims of thought and behavior, but that of which is socially
acceptable (Ryan, 2010) .
The photo depicts the nature of shared thoughts and behaviors; the human race
is a culture in itself within the idea that it substantially provides people with
a sense of bigger responsibilities and belonging. The idea that I am a global
citizen and part of a developing world culture (Israel, 2012) . Since sharing this photo, I have been
influenced greatly in by this concept. Personal culture can be interpreted in
various forms and expressions, having learnt through others that the concept
itself is infinite in its understanding.
Lawler (2008) explains that we have multiple identities; no
one has only one aspect of identity to which they have to identify themselves
with. The photo I used portrays this notion that there are many features of my
being that expresses who I am; not singular, but a variety. It is manifestation
of my everyday life and experience. For me, the most significant learning
resulted from seeing others share this very same idea that their identities
were made up of many elements, and not just a simple definition but of
complexity.
Personally, I feel very strongly about human rights and its
common negligence; particularly, with women. Under Article One of the United
Declaration of Human Rights, we are all born free and equal and we should all
be treated the same way (The Universal Declaration of Human Rights., n.d.) . Growing up in New Zealand,
women are entitled this right without a doubt. However, the experience and life
of another women comes down to her race and the social values to which she has
little to no say in. It is hard to accept that this is reality for women;
people like me. Sharing this common perspective with other women was empowering
and enriching; this particular concept was the one in which I was influenced by
the most as it reinforced my understanding that this is an issue on a global
context but also within New Zealand.
Helen Clark is an influential women in history in relation
to an aspect of today’s society that women should not engage in politics has
been challenged by women like herself. Women doing what is deemed as a ‘man’s
job’ with such great power extends the capabilities and ability that women
possess; it also stands as a reflection that social dynamics have changed
considerably over time. My perspective of this historical influence was
challenged as I shared this particular photo; I questioned whether I was
creating a superficial idea of an historical influence in the sense of the
degree of historical influence. However, I feel passionately about women influence in today's society and the degree to which we all showcase our ability to become powerhouses.
References
[Untitled photograph of globe and human]. (n.d.). Retrieved March 27, 2015, from http://info.umkc.edu/womenc/2010/12/01/body-image-across-cultures/
[Untitled photograph of tree mosaic]. (n.d.). Retrieved March 27, 2015, from http://galleryhip.com/simple-tree-mosaic.html
International women’s day. [Photograph]. (2013). Retrieved March 27, 2015, from http:// http://nissa.ger-nis.com/category/location-of-the-month/
International women’s day. [Photograph]. (2013). Retrieved March 27, 2015, from http:// http://nissa.ger-nis.com/category/location-of-the-month/
Israel, R.
(2012). What does it mean to be a Global Citizen? KOSMOS: Global Citizens
Creating the New Civilisation, 79. Retrieved from
http://kosmosjournal.org
Lawler, S.
(2008). Identity: Sociological perspectives. Cambridge: Polity Press.
The Universal
Declaration of Human Rights. (n.d.). Retrieved from United Nations Web site:
http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/
UNDP. (2013). UNDP
Administrator Helen Clark addresses the press during her visit at the Shanghai
expo in October 2010. [Photograph]. Retrieved March 27, 2015, from http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/presscenter/articles/2013/04/12/helen-clark-statement-on-reappointment-as-undp-administrator.html
