Reflective Writing 1

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/

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.

Ryan, M. (2010). Cultural Studies: A Practical Introduction. United Kingdom: John Wiley & Sons.

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