Category: Cultural Diversity

According to Milliken and Martins (1996) there are four types of effects of diversity on organization: affective, cognitive, symbolic and communicative.

The affective effects relate to satisfaction, identification and involvement, perception of discrimination and social integration, role conflict and role ambiguity. In diverse organization all employees are working with people of a different gender or ethnicity, which can carry negative emotions. This effect can be explained by the phenomenon of ‘homophony’. It refers to the fact that people are attracted and feels comfortable to those, whom they feel similar to themselves and are more likely to become friends and form relationships with them. Such social phenomenon makes the process of social integration and identification more difficult in heterogeneous groups than in homogeneous on, However, such discomfort among the members of heterogeneous group tends to decrease over time. Milliken and Martins argue that to achieve more effective collaboration among heterogeneous employees is possible, when all the group processes are made subject of reflection and discussion.

The second type is the cognitive effect, which can also be explained as the ability of group members to put all information together, process it and then reach common conclusions. This type of diversity effect works well in heterogeneous groups, as the cognitive variety of these groups involves many various possibilities that can lead to creativity. Therefore, heterogeneous groups are able to generate a more realistic picture of the organization context.

The third group of diversity effects contains the symbolic effects. Heterogeneous staffs often represents a symbol for minority groups within organization, convincing the members of minority group that there are an equal opportunities for everyone. Therefore, the legitimacy of organizations will increase. The communication effects represent the last, but not least category of diversity effects identified by Milliken and Martin. Communication nature within heterogeneous group tends to be less frequent and more formal than in homogeneous group. But, on the other side, communication with people from outside the group can be more frequent and can help to create the basis for implementing group’s decisions.

The degree to which institutions head and employees recognize cultural diversity and its benefits and disadvantages determines an organization’s strategy of managing cultural diversity. Adler (1997) proposed three strategies/ approaches for managing cultural diversity:

1. Ignore cultural differences;
2. Minimize cultural differences;
3. Manage cultural differences.

In term of first strategy (ignore cultural differences) institutions heads do not perceive cultural differences or its impact on organization. The head and employees of such organization believe that ‘our way is the only way’ to manage and organize. As the result, they do not see any impact of cultural diversity on the organization. For them diversity is irrelevant.

In the second strategy heads of the institutions recognize the diversity, but only as a source of problem. Head of such organizations believe that ‘our way is the best way’ to organize and manage. In such strategy head of the institutions try to reduce the problems of differences just by reducing diversity. So, they do not think about what kind of advantages they can get from diversity. Such types of institutions try either to hire culturally homogeneous employees or try to socialize all employees into the behavior patterns of the dominant culture.

The last strategy shows organizations that recognize the impact of cultural differences, with its advantageous and disadvantages. Head of such institution believe that ‘our way and their way of behaving and managing differ, but neither is superior to the other’. Therefore, new creative combination of our way and their way may be the best approach to manage and organize. Institution head do not ignore the potential advantages of diversity; moreover, they are trying to minimize potential disadvantages of it.

The Role of Cultural Diversity in Union Square’s Public Space and Workplace

Cultural diversity plays a major role to make the community more successful. The main focus of the research is how cultural diversity affects Union Square’s public space and workplace. Cultural diversity has a positive impact on this public space and makes this hub more attractive. Cultural diversity is the most transparent part of Union Square that leads to better social coherence and urbanism.

Union Square is one of the historical and public spaces. Union Square is surrounded by residency and business buildings. Union Square is the place where you can see cultural diversity in the workplace, and in public spaces. Union Square is the center of neighborhoods Gramercy park to the East, Chelsea to the west, Flatiron District to the north, Greenwich Village to the SouthWest, and East Village to the SouthEast. There are 41% White, 6% Black, 27% Asian, 23% Hispanic, and 2% Multirace (Union Square Neighborhood). There are many people of different backgrounds, races, and ethnicity who work and live here. Tourists come here to visit, enjoy food, shop and spend time in the park. This place is always full of employees, friends, family, tourists, and students. It has a whole food market, fast food shops (Wendys, Taco Bell, McDonald’s, Subway), banks, brands (forever 21, Burlington, American eagle, Levi’s), cinema(regal), pharmacy, vendors, and NYU university campus.

Impact of Cultural Diversity on Business and Public Interaction

A big transportation system, pick and drop services (yellow cap, green cap, TLC), MTA busses, and subways exist. This is the place where everybody can live and enjoy themselves without any problem. People here are not ethnocentric and they treat each other very well. During ethnographic observation, there were some kids of different backgrounds and races in the park and they were playing with each other and they were enjoying those moments without any hesitation or problem. More specifically, it also helps children to learn about other people of different races and ethnicity. A quote by Anthropologist, Margaret Mead, represents this idea “Instead of being presented with stereotypes by age, sex, color, class, or religion, children must have the opportunity to learn that within each range, some people are loathsome and some are delightful”(Nadell, par.4). Cultural diversity also impacts on the life and change the viewpoints about the people that society considered as minorities, etc. This is due to the positive impact of cultural diversity and which prevents the issues like racism and discrimination. This represents cultural diversity leads to better social coherence and urbanism in Union Square.

There are many businesses in union square like Outfits, food shops, and food markets. People of different backgrounds, races, and ethnicity work here. As per the mix and learning point of view on diversity, the bits of knowledge, aptitudes, and encounters representatives have created as individuals from different social character bunches are possibly profitable assets that the work gathering can use to reconsider its essential undertakings and rethink its business sectors, items, methodologies, and business rehearses in manners that will propel its main goal. This viewpoint joins diversity to work forms the manner in which individuals do and experience the work in a way that makes assorted variety an asset for learning and versatile change (Ely and Thomas, 240). At the point when diversity is overseen adequately and the workplace supports and qualities a different workforce, representatives from every single statistic foundation feel included inside their association and trust that their thoughts, suppositions, and recommendations are welcome. Making an avowing atmosphere to help a diverse workforce is one system to improve worker fulfillment and responsibility and, subsequently, diminish turnover. At the point when representatives of shading see comparative others prevailing in the work environment, they see that they, as well, will be allowed to prevail in the association and, in this way, will be less inclined to turn over (Chrobot-Mason and Aramovich, 664).

Union Square: A Transportation Hub and Cultural Melting Pot

Cultural diversity also plays a positive role in the workplace. These two references showing that how cultural diversity impact business and how an organization can make itself more powerful. This is not only for the organization but also for the environment of the public space. Different kinds of people visit Union Square, go to these shops, communicate, and buy different things. One more interesting thing in Union Square is chess playing. These people belong to the low class and earn money by playing chess with people and providing entertainment for people. Tourists and other people play with these or with their friends and enjoy their time. This shows the great cultural diversity impact on this place and how different groups of people enjoys with each other regardless of racism, discrimination, and stereotype. This is the great effect of cultural diversity that it prevents the issues like racism and discrimination. During the visits to different shops during ethnographic observation, one thing observed was that people from different countries work over there. There are different types of food available over there like Chinese food, Italian pizza, Arabic style gyro and even more like this. These foods from different cultures also have a great impact on this place. These foods represent the food identity of that specific culture. In this way, they spread their culture among the diverse group. This diversity grasps a comprehensive working environment that represents the culture of the community and leads to better social coherence.

Union Square is not only a park, however, but it is also a transportation hub. In 2016 it was ranked as the 4th busiest subway station in NYC (mta.info, 2016). They also highlight the annual ridership of Union Square, which sits at just over 34 million. The placement of the park plays a major role as to why this is, it is positioned at the intersection of 5 major neighborhoods/other parks. Chess tables are also positioned near subway outlets and this causes a density of people at each end of the park, this setup also creates a circular flow around the park, with some hotspots scattered around (Griffin, 2015). Another essential piece to the park’s success is the surrounding shops, they increase flow. As one can imagine the area would not be nearly as popular if it were only residential buildings surrounding the area.

The Influence of Cultural Diversity on Food and Health

In another report, the residential buildings surrounding the area are mostly comprised of white, being more than fifty percent of the entire neighborhood population. About thirty-four percent of this neighborhood have bachelor’s degrees, which is quite a lot compared to the entire city’s percentage of bachelor’s degrees which is twenty-one point five percent (Union Square (Flatiron) Neighborhood in New York). This proves that the neighborhood consists of educated white people. The majority of the diversity comes from tourism and the farmer’s market. The sellers from the farmer’s market have fresh produce; without them, food flavor would not exist. Most residents of this neighborhood would need to work full time to support themselves and pay off their 400 to 500 thousand dollar homes. They don’t have enough time to cook, leaving the neighborhood chefs to cook food for the entire community. Many different races of chefs and each including their own culture into their cuisine. Diversity increases the number of different flavors and brings together different cultures. “Regional food diversity can support food diversity at the community level–where otherwise it might be fragile–by shared learning experiences, and by trade” (Wahlqvist, 2003).

Building Connections Through Cultural Diversity

Having these small businesses working with the rich by trading produce for money benefits both parties involved by keeping the small business workers from going into poverty and giving the rich a dish they can enjoy. Constantly eating the same flavor becomes repetitive and boring. Trying new foods allows us to experience new tastes. According to a case study, “Nutrition education on the importance of a diversity of local foods in meeting dietary needs, thus stimulating the demand side, can contribute to achieving year-round household food security,” (Ng’endo, 2018). Studies have shown that diversity of food has multiple health benefits. An article on nutrition showed that “increased diversity of food introduced in the first year of life on allergic diseases are consistent with the hypothesis that exposure to a variety of food antigens during early life might play a role in the development of immune tolerance,” (Mazzocchi, 2017). Introducing yourself to new foods can improve your mental and physical well-being. Most goods are transported to New York City because the city life is not the place some crops can grow. Some products are even brought from other nations exposing us to different cultures.

Cultural diversity familiarizes us with people of different races and backgrounds. Being in the same area gives us common ground to engage in conversations to build connections or relationships.

Introduction

India, a name that conjures up images of a vibrant tapestry of cultures, religions, and languages, is not merely a geographic entity but a living testament to the grandeur of civilizations past and present. This essay aims to provide a holistic view of India – its rich history, diverse culture, economic dynamism, and political landscape, and how these dimensions influence the India we know today.

India’s story is continuity and change, a narrative that encompasses the birth of ancient philosophies and the dawn of the digital revolution. Due to its socio-cultural pluralism and multi-ethnic character, India’s myriad hues embody unity in diversity.

In exploring India, we journeyed through time, tracing the roots of one of the world’s oldest civilizations to its present status as a burgeoning global power. Through this essay, readers will get a glimpse of India’s triumphs and challenges, its evolution, and its undying spirit, which have all carved the unique identity of this diverse nation.

This comprehensive understanding of India, spanning various aspects, allows us to appreciate the nuances of its past and present while providing a perspective on its future. Thus, this essay presents an opportunity to delve deeper into the essence of India, a country steeped in history yet ceaselessly moving towards the future.

India Essay 1 (100 words)

India, often hailed as the cradle of civilization, is deeply rooted in antiquity. Its history, over five millennia, has been the birthplace of significant philosophical, religious, and cultural movements. From the tranquil banks of the River Indus, where the first seeds of civilization were sown, to the philosophical discourses under the sacred Bodhi Tree, where Buddhism was born, India’s historical landscape is as diverse as it is profound. The intricate carvings of the Ajanta and Ellora caves, the Taj Mahal’s architectural marvel, and the Harappan civilization’s sophisticated urban layout all bear testament to India’s rich historical tapestry.

India Essay 2 (150 words)

India is often referred to as a subcontinent, not merely due to its vast geographical expanse but also because of its extraordinary cultural diversity. It is home to a complex mosaic of ethnic groups, languages, religions, and traditions. The fusion of various cultural elements has given birth to rich art forms, culinary delicacies, dance, and music that vary from region to region.

With over 1,600 languages and dialects, 22 officially recognized, India’s linguistic richness adds to its cultural wealth. Festivals like Diwali, Eid, Christmas, and Pongal celebrate the country’s religious diversity, while traditional dances like Kathakali, Bharatanatyam, and Bhangra reflect regional customs.

The spirit of “Unity in Diversity” resonates across the nation, and the intermingling of cultures has created a unique synthesis, a testament to the resilience and adaptability of India’s people. India’s cultural diversity is a living example of its inclusive ethos, harmonizing countless cultural streams into a beautiful symphony.

India Essay 3 (200 words)

India, the world’s sixth-largest economy by nominal GDP, is a dynamic mix of traditional industries and a rapidly expanding services sector. The country’s economy, historically agrarian, has undergone a significant transformation over the last few decades. India is now recognized as a global player in information technology, telecommunications, textiles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, steel, and aviation sectors.

India’s economic liberalization in the 1990s ushered in an era of robust economic growth, foreign investment, and technological innovation. India’s key strengths are the rise of a vast middle class, a young and vibrant workforce, and its position as a key player in the global digital economy.

However, despite the economic advancements, challenges persist. Rural-urban disparity, poverty, unemployment, and inadequate public healthcare and education are some of the critical issues that India faces today. These issues need urgent attention and strategic interventions for India to realize its economic potential fully.

Environmental sustainability is another pressing concern. As India races towards modernization and industrialization, balancing growth with sustainability remains an ongoing challenge. Implementing cleaner technologies, encouraging renewable energy, and safeguarding biodiversity are all critical aspects that will determine the success of India’s growth story. Despite the challenges, India’s economic resilience and adaptability promise a brighter, more inclusive future.

India Essay 4 (250 words)

India’s political system is a testament to its commitment to democracy and diversity. As the world’s largest democracy, with a political structure deeply rooted in the principles of federalism, India stands as a beacon of democratic values in the global community.

Since gaining independence from British rule in 1947, India has embraced a parliamentary system of government, where the President is the head of state, and the Prime Minister is the head of government. The country’s vibrant democratic setup is characterized by regular elections, a free press, and robust civic engagement. This political framework ensures the representation of India’s diverse population through multiple political parties, each addressing different socio-economic and cultural demographics.

India’s political trajectory has also seen its share of trials. The tension between religious groups, regional disparities, corruption, and policy implementation challenges persist. Issues related to minority rights and social justice are consistently at the forefront of national debate.

Moreover, India’s role on the global stage has evolved significantly over the years. With its Non-Aligned Movement heritage and its recent strategic alliances, India navigates a complex global geopolitical landscape. The country seeks to balance its relationships with major powers while affirming its stance on issues such as climate change, global peace, and international trade norms.

Despite its challenges, India’s political system embodies a functioning democracy’s hallmarks, upholding its citizens’ rights while fostering a space for dialogue and dissent. As the country continues to evolve, its political journey offers valuable insights into the workings of a diverse, multi-layered democracy.

India Essay 5 (300 words)

India, the land of the ‘zero’ and the decimal system, has a long-standing history of intellectual breakthroughs and innovations. The spirit of innovation and a pool of young talent has transformed India into a technology and scientific advancement hub.

IT industry, famously known as the ‘world’s back office’, is crucial in driving economic growth. The sector’s success has triggered a tech startup boom, with India currently housing the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world. These startups span many sectors, including e-commerce, fintech, edtech, and health tech, disrupting traditional business models and offering new opportunities for economic development.

Indian space research, represented by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has made commendable strides. The successful Mars Orbiter Mission, the cost-effective lunar mission Chandrayaan, and plans for manned space missions underline India’s growing capabilities in space technology.

Moreover, this country has demonstrated a keen interest in harnessing the power of renewable energy. It is one of the leading countries in the installation of solar power. It has set ambitious targets for renewable energy production, significantly contributing to global climate change efforts.

Looking towards the future, India faces the challenge of leveraging its demographic dividend. With more than half its population under the age of 25, it is crucial to invest in education, skill development, and employment generation. The country’s future also rests heavily on addressing social inequalities and striving for inclusive growth.

Additionally, the task of digital transformation and ensuring internet accessibility to the country’s remotest corners is paramount in the information age. The ongoing pandemic has further highlighted the importance of digital infrastructure in healthcare, education, and commerce.

Its future lies in combining a rich historical legacy with the spirit of innovation. By harnessing its resources effectively, investing in its people, and embracing technological advancements, India has the potential to script a prosperous but also inclusive and sustainable future.

India Essay 6 (400 words)

India’s evolving narrative, from a developing nation to an emerging global power is a testament to its progress over the decades. As the world’s second-most populous country and one of the fastest-growing major economies, India plays an increasingly significant role on the international stage.

Its position as a democratic model for developing nations sets it apart internationally. Its democratic institutions’ resilience, despite its vast diversity and socio-economic challenges, is a unique feature in the global democratic landscape.

In economic terms, India’s potential is vast. Its market, characterized by a burgeoning middle class and a rapid digitization drive, offers immense opportunities for global businesses. Indian companies, too, have begun expanding their global footprint, from IT services to pharmaceuticals, telecom, and steel.

India’s soft power is another crucial aspect of its global identity. Its vibrant culture, spiritual traditions, cinema, and cuisine have a global appeal and influence. Yoga, an ancient Indian practice, is now a global phenomenon, with International Yoga Day celebrated worldwide.

However, the path to becoming a global power also brings forth numerous challenges. Balancing economic growth with social inclusion and environmental sustainability is a critical task. The persisting social issues, such as poverty, gender inequality, and lack of quality healthcare and education, pose significant hurdles in India’s development story.

Internationally, India faces the task of navigating complex geopolitical dynamics. Its relationships with neighboring countries, particularly China and Pakistan, are marked by tensions and conflicts. At the same time, India’s role in global institutions like the United Nations and World Trade Organization, its stand on international issues like climate change and terrorism, and its participation in international alliances, such as BRICS and Quad, underline its growing influence and responsibilities.

India also needs to address its internal security concerns, including left-wing extremism and issues related to national integration, while respecting its citizens’ democratic rights.

In the realm of global health, India’s contribution has been significant. Known as the ‘pharmacy of the world’, the country is a leading manufacturer of generic drugs and vaccines. Its role was particularly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, as it supplied vaccines to several countries under its ‘Vaccine Maitri’ initiative.

The journey of India towards becoming a global power involves a delicate balance of leveraging its strengths and addressing its challenges. It requires an integrated approach encompassing inclusive economic growth, social development, environmental sustainability, and assertive foreign policy that marries India’s age-old wisdom with the aspirations of a young and dynamic nation.

There are numerous lovely places on earth. They are scattered over the nation. Each site has its claim particular features. A few places have beautiful magnificence in wealth, while many are famous for their architectural wonders. Also, each individual has diverse tastes, choices, and likings. A few individuals appreciate the sight of beautiful magnificence; a few are pulled in towards places of the authentic and archeological interface. Some may be interested in going to places of religious importance. I have visited many places of historical and traveler interest. But the visit which contains a lasting impression on my intellect is the visit to Kashmir. It is the most lovely put I have ever seen. It is said to be the paradise on earth. It has the honor of being “The Switzerland of India.” I was wonderstruck to see the ravishing beauty of Kashmir. With snow-clad mountains, tall trees of Chinar, rich green fields, and valleys, Kashmir is one of the most charming places on the earth. It has been an extraordinary attraction for visitors all over the nation and overseas as well.

Kashmir is located within the Himalayan region. It is widely famous for its rich greenery and fauna. The place holds fantastic significance for tourists who need to visit holy places. Kashmir is the domestic of divinities and bounties. Kashmir has historical landmarks, pleasant spots, charming scenes, and green forests in abundance. A few uncommon species of wild animals are found within the tall elevation of Kashmir. Kashmir has been the home of holy people and sages. It is the arrival of divine beings and goddesses. Its serpentine rivers, gigantic calm lakes, powerful waterfalls, and long lines of cypress trees are a few of the delightful attractions for sightseers. Wild strawberries are grown all over Kashmir. Varieties of blooms include the excellence of Kashmir. It is one of the most excellent natural spots in India. Its incredible view, beautiful sights, and green areas combine to form the magnificence of this God-gifted heaven on earth. Separated from the beautiful brilliance, the Shalimar and Nishat Bagh have incredible verifiable significance. Mughal Ruler Jehangir built them. Kashmir is liberally blessed with a few of India’s finest hill stations. They are Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Pahalgam, and Khilanmarg. Separated from having excellent beautiful attractions, these places are great health resorts. Khilanmarg is the leading put where the tree- line closes in Kashmir. All these and numerous more like its social tones, contract gorges, and gorges as well as hills and dales make it a heavenly home on the earth. The magnificence of Kashmir is charming

Food security is access to sufficient food for a healthy and active daily life to all the people at all time. Even though, India is developing with high growth rate, but still India has the problem of food management and its distribution. India has the 17.1% of agriculture’s share in India’s GDP and has fallen below 20% since the mid-2000s. However, for a country with a population of 1.3 billion, food self-sufficiency and employment are still a hot topic, which makes agriculture an important industry.

Looking at rice and wheat, which are the main agricultural products, having the production 106.5 million tons’ rice annually and with 95.9 million tons of wheat, but still having the exports of 10.9 million tons of rice and 5.57 million tons of wheat, one of the biggest grains exporting country in the world (2013, Ministry of Commerce and Industry). However, Indian agriculture uses a lot of agricultural water, which is due to the reliance on monsoon-induced rainfall, the country is susceptible to climate change also. Resulting, the supply and demand trends within the country fluctuate greatly.

Under these circumstances, the National Food Security Act, October 2014 (NFSA) has been enforced. NFSA positions access to food as a national legal right. Central government to distribute food to the poor, which has been entrusted to the operation of each state under the PDS. Therefore, the purpose is to improve and strengthen.

Food Security and Governance in India

The Indian government has established the following mechanisms over the last decade in order to work for food security in the country.

1. Food Corporation of India (FCI), set up as a special agency responsible to execute food policies and guidelines on 14th January 1965. FCI obtain the food from farmer on MSP-maximum support price, and sell it to deficit areas at lower price.
2. Public Distribution System (PDS). This is an arrangement of distribution and make the food accessible to the poorer class people, FCI is the responsible authority.
3. Village Grain Banks Scheme (VGBS). This scheme was implemented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in 11 states and after 2004 governed by the Department of Food and Public Distribution. Major goal of this scheme is to provide protection against the food shortage and starvation during the natural disasters or lack of rainfall to grow the sufficient crops.
4. Mid-Day Meal Scheme for Children. It was affected by 15th August 1995 and launched by Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) to improve the nutritional status of the students in primary schools, and currently feeding to 100 million children.

Some Glaring Facts About Wastage of Food in India

• India, the world’s second largest fruit and vegetable producer encounter a waste of close to 18% worth INR 44,000 crore ($7 billion) of produce.
• The latest DIPP paper on foreign direct investment (FDI) in retail estimated that against a production of 180 million metric tons a year of fruits, vegetables and perishables, India has a capacity of storing only 23.6 million metric tons in 5,386 cold storages across the country.
• Food Corporation of India (FCI) reports shows that food grain worth INR 120.29 crore ($19.2 million) was lost in storage, while INR 106.18 crore ($17 million) worth of grain was lost in transit.

Major Issues Faced in India

1. Inadequate and improper storage facilities for grains, which are often stored outside under tarps that provide little protection from humidity and pests.
2. Insufficient cold storage and cold chain transportation system is a major cause for fruits, vegetables and other perishable products to rot.
3. Multiple layers of middlemen between the farmer and the end consumer, driving up prices and reducing bargaining power and price transparency for the farmers. These intermediaries have led to a price inflation of ~250% (over the value of production).
4. Lack of a well-developed agricultural banking sector, which forces formers to take loans with high interest from commission agents.
5. The productivity of land has started showing a declining trend. Fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides, which once showed dramatic results, are now being held liable for reducing fertility of the soil.

Sustainable Nutritional Security

Both these difficulties, of addressing to wholesome security and reducing the reliance on unreliable world market focused exertion on two fronts. One is challenge for domestic agriculture and price policy, and other is to allow room to support for food-based involvement as addressed in NFSA.

The most straight forward path is to fortify the different food related plans focused on and children under the age of 6 years through child‐care plans, school meals programs and those focuses on young girls and women. There is lot of that is going on in India right now in the forward direction for this issue. This is the region that calls for innovative thinking and centered efforts.

Conclusion

The basic of food security in India is currently widely recognized, however profound differences continue on the best route forward. The year 2014 saw the passing of the NFSA intended to be a comprehensive set of innovative support food security over the life cycle of a person. Despite the fact that depreciators see this to be a costly and to a great extent inefficient exercise that relies on a defective system for acquisition and circulation through reasonable value shops under the PDS, supporters recommend this is the most ideal approach to guarantee nourishment access in numerous settings in rural India. The prompt difficulties for India lie in returning to operational parts of nourishment acquisition and conveyance for a progressively cost‐effective and deft framework.

References

1. Sultan Singh Jaswal, IOSR-JHSS, Vol 19, Apr. 2014.
2. pib.gov.in (Press Information bureau, Government of India, Ministry of Finance).
3. Food Corporation of India (FCI) reports.
4. Food and Agricultural Organization(FAO) reports.
5. Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Foreign direct department of India.
6. Dr. Soma Bhowmick, ‘Food Security in India: Issues, Challenges and Prospects. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, Volume-IV, Page No. 308-330.
7. Narayanan, S. (2015), ‘Food Security in India’. Asia and the Pacific Policy Studies, 2: 197-209. doi:10.1002/app5.62.

My 7-years-old niece and nephew like to devote their free time immersing into the world of gadgets and gaming. It’s hard to draw their attention because at that moment they are unequivocally blanked out from the real world. Well, this problem is not only persistent in my family, but widespread with the kids growing up in this generation. The repercussions of this repetitive behavior are alarming which includes loss of cognitive reasoning, diminution of healthy diet, reduced sleeping hours, restrains social relationship, increases risk of obesity, strain on the eyes and delayed physical development.

One of the solutions to this growing health issues among kids is initiating right sports training and education at an early age. To start with, there are a number of physical benefits that come along with sports that includes development of gross and loco motor skills that improves balance and coordination, improvement of strength and stamina, reduced blood pressure and strengthening of the immune system. What surpasses the physical benefits of sports are the psychological benefits that includes development of leadership, competition and sportsmanship, handling pressure and managing responsibility skills.

Considering the near 1 billion population of India, there are ample opportunities for the businesses, NGOs and government organization to step in to formulate processes and policies to build a robust sports ecosystem. To start with, schools across various boards should be mandated by the government to provide minimum playing hours to children and to provide sports infrastructure for at least 2 team sports. Private sports businesses and NGO can step in to provide trained coaches and sports curriculum across various sports to more than 1.5 million schools in the country. Corporations can also divert their CSR funds in supporting NGO that will be catering to low-income school across the country.

Once the culture is set in schools to initiate kids into sports, after school sports program can be introduced where a kid can train in a sport of his choice under a trained coach. Such programs will allow the kid to take up a constructive activity and develop game intelligence post school hours. The knowledge and skills learnt during and post school hours can be tested at various sports tournaments operating at a state and national level. Khelo India Youth Game is one of the tournaments initiated by our present government of India, where athletes representing their state, come on a common platform to compete across 14 sports disciplines showcasing their skills and talent. This has spurred the development of sports infrastructure across different cities and athletes have got chances to get scouted by national clubs and teams.

Moving from youth tournaments is international leagues such as the Indian Premier League (IPL). Since its inception IPL has amassed a valuation of staggering $6.8 Billion and has given platforms for the young players to showcase their talents and opportunity for them to play with international players and train under international coaches. The IPL’s major source of revenues is through broadcast right, team sponsorships, sale of stadium tickets and merchandise sale. The data compiled by KPMG sports advisory council group reveal that economic output associated with IPL in 2015 stood at a massive $418 million. The other direct benefits of IPL have been a rise in employment for coaches and admin staff, sports tourism and development of sports infrastructure in tier 2 cities.

With the success of IPL, there has been development of different sports league, including ISL (Indian Super League for Football), Pro Kabbadi League, Ultimate Table Tennis League, Pro Volleyball League, Hockey India League and Premier Badminton League. These leagues have opened up opportunities for foreign direct investment, where well renowned international sports club is buying a minority stake in the teams. Having a foreign club on board has improved technical expertise of the clubs where they are adopting latest sports technologies to track the performance of the players and minutely observe the opposition players. Additionally, there has been an increase in demand and job creation for sports nutrition, sports physiotherapist, sports psychologist. For the viewers they get to get to watch live sports entertainment through their mobile headsets and televisions and are inspired to play the sport of their choice in their leisure time which can improve their mental fitness leading to improved productivity at work.

We can draw inspiration from various countries that are spending heavily into grassroots and elite sports. For example, England has identified priority sport, partnered with sports organization to promote school sports and incentivized female participation in sports. USA’s NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) has highly competitive college and school sports leagues that has created champions across various sports disciplines. Moreover, they have a strong scholarship program to encourage sports participation and have built a strategic fitness guide. Whereas, the Swiss government is planning specific strategies to promote opportunities for sporting recreation for senior citizen. This helps the government to reduce their spending on medicines and insurance, and instead channel their funds for other purposes.

By creating an entire sports ecosystem for kids, adults and senior citizens our country will not only become healthier but also improve their productivity at work. The government needs to draft policies that will convert our massive population into playing population. If someday we are able to hold the Olympics it will massively boost foreign investment, infrastructure development, job creation and more importantly build brand India.

To summarize, various stakeholders of our country, including government and private sports businesses should take the following measures to convert India into a healthy and a successful sporting nation: 1) promotion of clubs for various sports and general fitness; 2) formation of physical education curriculum for schools; 3) establishment of organizations for providing expert advice; 4) building and maintaining community playground; and 5) massive public spending on elite fitness.

Introduction to asian cultures and customs

Asia is the largest continent on the Earth which is occupying almost 9% of the surface, which includes 50 countries. Asia is the most populated continent with 60% of the total world’s population. Asia is home for many traditions, Customs, Philosophies and Religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Jainism, and Sikhism which is obeyed by 80% of the world. Economical wise as well, Asia has been a major contributor to the world’s GDP. Some countries in Asia are experiencing poverty because of its huge population growth. Afghanistan which lies in the south-central part of Asia tops the poverty list.

The languages spoken in Asia include Arabic, Bahasa, Chinese, Hindi, Sanskrit, Sinhala, Tamil and Urdu. As a diverse place, Asia has adopted so many traditions and practices from their ancient civilizations. Few of the festivals are ‘Eid, Chinese New year, Diwali. Another important aspect of the culture of Asia is the large varieties of dresses people wear in different countries. The dress culture has been adopted from religious and ancient custom practices. Some of the famous traditional dresses of Asia are Saree, Salwar Kameez, Kimono, Qipao, Kebaya, Sarong and Abaya.

In many countries of Asia, people consume rice 3 times a day. Asia is the country which imports 90% of rice which is being grown all over the world. In Asia, Most of the people usually have food with their hands but now, they are moving towards western culture by using spoons, forks and knives. East Asian countries like China, Japan, Taiwan, Korea and Vietnam people use different shapes and sizes of chopsticks for eating food.

Japan & its culture

An Island located in the Pacific Ocean and located near the eastern coast of continent Asia is Japan. Japan is often called as “Land of the Rising Sun”. Japanese culture and history are protected and alive despite its progress in modern society. Japan is a highly developed country in Asia with very high living standards. After the United States and China, Japan is the third-largest economy in the world due to the highly skilled and educated workforce. Japan contains the larger industrial capacity and produces advanced motor vehicles, electronics, tools, steel and many more on a larger scale.

Japan comprises nearly 6900 islands, among which Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku are popular. Majority of people live on the coastlines. There are many cultures and rituals which are being followed today. However, the Samurai is a highly respected culture.

Language

In Japan, the Tokyo dialect Japanese is considered as national language although also the most spoken language is Japanese. Earlier in the 8th century, there’s a language which is originated from China and written in ancient Chinese characters was mostly used. It’s called Old Japanese or Kanbun. Later, during the Edo period between 1603 and 1868, Modern Japanese was developed. There are three alphabets in Modern Japanese. They are,

• Kanji – Logographic Chinese characters
• Hiragana – phonetic Japanese alphabet
• Katakana – phonetic alphabet used for foreign words

The most developed and much-used alphabet is Katakana, which shows the adoption of western cultures, ideas and words.

Cultures and customs

Japanese culture was very much influenced by China earlier. Now, it’s a mixture of tradition and modernity which we can observe in all aspects of daily life. In Japan, most of the older population will consider the Emperor as a divine personality. In society, the premier philosophy required in both family and business is Harmony. Everyone from childhood is taught to value peace over the individual needs and are trained to work together than to be independent. This resulted in group-dependency.

This group-dependency culture has so much impact on the society of Japan including schools, companies and communities. They believe “saving face” as an important lifestyle trait. Which resulted from the unchanging concept of “loss of face” which includes personal dignity and status. Any conflict, criticism, request or insult which cannot be fulfilled will result in loss of face and must be avoided at all costs.

Etiquette

In Japan, a code of etiquette which will be expected from everyone and is very important. Like many social cultures, depending on the status of the person in question, the etiquette varies in Japan as well. There are some regional practices, which will not exist in all the regions of Japan. The long way the history, some of the customs have changed. The generally accepted and followed customs of Japan are listed below,

• Bowing: is the most common way to greet each other. It can be a small nod and slight bend or a deep bend at the waist. Bowing can also be used to thank, apologize and to make a request.
• Bathing: is an important part of daily routine in Japan where bathtubs are not for cleaning but for relaxing the body. Therefore, before entering the bathtub, the body must be cleaned and scrubbed by sitting on a small stool in the same room. The bathtub is also called as “Ofuro”. No soap residue is expected to fall into ofuro.
• Gift-giving: is a standard Japanese culture. Depending on the occasion different types of gift can be presented by wrapping it. The gift should be wrapped nicely, if not at least it should be presented in a bag.
• Shoes: if anyone is visiting someone’s house, we are expected to take-off the shoe before entering the house. Place the shoes/slippers in the place where they are meant. Never wear normal slippers in bathrooms.
• Visiting someone’s house: Do not sit anywhere, until you are offered and shown where to sit. Socks can be accepted to wear in informal situations. When the guest is leaving, he/she doesn’t put on the coat/hat until the door has closed.

Japanese Cuisine

Japanese cuisine comprises of a wide variety of appetizing and seasonal dishes with regional flavors. Japan’s traditional food- Washoku, which is based on rice with miso soup along with other dishes. It signifies not only the flavors of Japan but also the presentation and nature.

Traditional dishes

There are so many varieties of food available in Japan where fish plays a vital role not only as food but also as an offering to God. Although, there are a few traditional and religious recipes which are famous. The traditional foods of Japan are Sashimi, Sushi, Yakizakana, Tofu, Ramen, Tempura, Sukiyaki and Soba.

1. Sashimi – It’s the finest and formal dish in Japan. Sashimi is raw and fresh seafood like tuna, salmon and squid. This is presented with the slices of raw seafood arranged on top of a bed of shredded daikon, sans rice and garnished with shiso leaves. In my opinion, as it is made from fish meat the texture would be soft and delicate. The garnishing and colours look attractive and uncontrollable for fish lovers.
2. Sushi – Sushi is available in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian forms. Sushi is nothing but vinegar rice served with any of the veg/ non-veg items. It’s served with pickled ginger, wasabi and soy sauce for vegetarians and seaweed, tuna, salmon and eel for non-vegetarians. In my opinion, Sushi is a light and healthy and nutritional dish. Sushi combined with soy sauce and wasabi not only tastes better but soy sauce helps in improved digestion and the latter provides vitamin C and antibacterial properties.
3. Yakizakana – This is the most common dish which can be made everywhere in Japan. This is nothing but grilled fish served with grated daikon. Varieties of fish like mackerel (saba), horse mackerel (aji), Okhotsk Atka mackerel (hokke), sea bream (tai) and sweetfish (ayu) can be served for us to enjoy. This is often used as breakfast and whole fish is served per one serving. Though the skin feels crisp the flesh will still have some moisture left inside. Yakizakana is best enjoyed with soy sauce.
4. Tofu – It’s made of curdled soy milk, pressed into blocks which is similar to Indian paneer and have a delicate taste. It’s a good course of protein for vegetarians. Hence it is an important ingredient in Buddhist temple cuisine. Texture and taste of tofu mostly based on how much water is removed from the blocks and flavors added which will be done according to the dish to be prepared.
5. Ramen – It’s basically a Chinese food which the Japanese adapted to. Ramen is a popular and affordable meal. Ramen is thin and curly noodles served in chicken soup and flavored with soy. There is a wide range of toppings available for this which include, sliced pork, egg, spinach and nori. This sodium-rich national dish has many varieties which can be prepared from different types of broths (water in which meat, bones is boiled), toppings, and meat. There is one different type ramen called tsukemen in which noodles and a thick soup served separately which needs to be dipped to enjoy the taste.
6. Tempura – Tempura is mainly prepared with vegetables and seafood and served with Soba. The seafood used in Tempura fish and prawns. It is crisply in nature and served with a dash of salt and soy sauce for dipping with grated radish, hence tempting. Though tempura started as a street food snack, some restaurants and eateries serve this dish with rice and noodles.

There are so many other dishes available along with the above-mentioned food, such as fish, pickled vegetables, grilled/raw seafood and a wide range of soups.

Table Manners:

The important table etiquette is to say customary phrases before and after a meal. It is traditional for people to say ‘Itagaki-masu'(meaning “I humbly receive” or “let’s eat”) before meal and ‘Cochisesame’ after a meal. These phrases mean thanks for the food and indicate the beginning and end of the meal.

• One of the fundamental chopsticks etiquettes is not to directly pass food from your chopsticks to somebody else’s chopsticks or vice versa.
• It’s also important not to vertically stick a chopstick into food, especially into a bowl of rice.
• It is not polite to wave your chopsticks above food dishes or to use your chopsticks to point at somebody.
• When you eat to prevent dropping food, you can lift small bowls of rice or soup.
• If you do not receive a soup spoon, it is acceptable to sip soup out of the bowl and eat the solid food with chopsticks.
• It is usual in Japan to make some slurping noises while eating noodles, in a belief that they taste better when making slurping noises.

The reason why I chose Japan is because of the way it emerged as the world’s second-largest developed economy after the catastrophic damage it took during the Second World War. The unique traditions, customs and the way Japan created its own culture during the isolation period is fascinating. Be it anime, clothing, technology or automobile Japan always tries to be unique.

References

1. https://www.commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/japan-guide
2. https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-culture-of-japan.html
3. http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/guide-to-japan-etiquette-customs-culture-business
4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Japan
5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_cuisine
6. https://warmchef.com/traditional-foods-japan/
7. https://traditionalkyoto.com/eat/yakizakana-grilled-fish/
8. https://www.cooking-sun.com/japanese-food-culture/

Culture Bio Paper

Firstly, believing that is the way to characterize someone can create stereotyping and discrimination. For example, if someone feels they know all that they hope to understand about an individual based on their spiritual beliefs. Not all factors of our individualities partake equally to the self. Certainly, there are things of our surroundings and knowing that support to change us fundamentally. For example, relationships and experiences help shape our identity as we age. These factors that change us appear to perform as a source for what we know, accomplish, and come to be. I believe that one of the characterizing aspects of me is my culture, which is Haitian Creole. I always try to put all my efforts into learning new ways of looking at the world, but the moralities of how I was taught to do things often are important. When having the chance to clarify who I am, the majority of the time I would say I am a Haitian woman. Culture comes from the population around us. So, when I look around me all I see is family, involving an extended distanced family, which is influential in shaping who I am today, because of the culture that was passed down to me.

It is said often you do not know your own culture until you abandon it. Remembering my first travel outside my measures where I stayed with a friend of mine. She had a teenage daughter who was 17. She asked can she go to a party and my friend answered yes without questioning her. I was shocked because she allowed her to go out at that age with no supervision or questions. Within my culture, we feel that allowing your children to do whatever they want will result in bad things or is dangerous to the being. Many people within the Haitian culture think this way. I could basically hear my own mother’s voice in my head, punishing her and not allowing her to go to the party. After seeing this reaction so many times, I also started to have the same outcome. When people have children, in Haiti the appropriate parenting is believed to be strict parenting. I advised my friend that she should be more cautious about where her daughter is going even though she may think she is responsible. She suddenly felt away and said letting her daughter free helps her become more responsible and allows her to correct her mistakes. I can say at that moment, was one of my first lessons in culture, in American culture, and in my own culture. I do believe both parenting methods will help the child in some way in life. However, I still will not make any suggestions about how other people should parent.

Second, clarifying the manners how my family influenced me, I should refer to some of the important things of Haitian Creole culture. Growing up as a Haitian – American my ethnic/cultural heritage has impacted my way of thinking, my behaviors, and values. Haiti’s entire background as a whole has been a major part of my life. Haitians greatly value education for their children to the point where they view education as a priority in their children’s lives and their lives as well. Haitians understand how having an education is the foundation for prosperity because the effort of completing college pays off, it is viewed as shaping one’s career and mindset. However, not having an education is looked down upon since it’s considered a disappointment to your ancestors, and people view it as being incompetent. We believe that your successes and or failures in life reflect on your family as a whole. Growing up on such a belief it was important to get good grades and even awards in grade school.

It is a communist culture, not an egoistic culture like America, which means that the Haitian Creole community looks to see the community as being bigger than the individual. The question then is who is the group? Through stereotypical beliefs, some assume that all Haitian act and look similar and that they would see themselves as one group. This is not true at all, Haitian people think in smaller terms, and would see their dependable family members, including elder as their group. They will also allow former friends and current co-workers to be part of their group. It is not so common in Haiti, to make multiple new friends in adulthood. People in Haiti depend on these safe relationships to help them during difficult times and also have to be willing to pay back the aid at some point.

Close casual relationships are crucial for getting by in life in Haiti. Haitian culture values family decency, and it means we understand that in a healthy commitment we have to love and cherish our family members. I would always try my best to take care of my parents and also older relatives such as aunts and uncles. Because all family members consider themselves a close group and will do almost anything to help each other. Unfortunately, a similar matter is that sometimes in Haiti, people are not as quick to get involved when a stranger needs help, and some people without morality are quick to take advantage of strangers and cheat them.

Thirdly, the assumption of showing respect to the family is so vital to the culture that it is sometimes ridiculous to other cultures, from other countries. When I attended a party with a group of friends that included Americans and other students from different countries. There was a group having an open conversation about what their plans were for the future and if they won wealth. A Haitian American girl said she imagined that in the future she will start a family of her own, and have a child. If she won money in the future she will pass it along to generations of her family in the future, planning a generational wealth for her family. There was an American boy at the table who laughed at her ideas. He thought since they are young planning to get married and have children should not be a part of their plans. And that she should use the money for her own pleasures not plan a marriage or family. Though, the Haitian girl was looking from a Haitian cultural point of view, where she does not only see herself but the entire family name and roots are concluded. In Haitian culture, you are to see a commitment to their roots and to a future that is promising. I feel like the idea of thinking about many families and not only focusing on the present is a great way of viewing things in life. And by my family, I am promising to hold this view of life. Without a structure in the family, it is hard to survive in Haiti, mostly in hard times. It is not simple to gain credit, so people depend on their structures to help them make down payments.

Lastly, belonging to a culture means a lot and allows you to find your true identity. Accepting the main element of self, which includes an understanding of membership in an ethnic group and the belief and perceptions connected to that membership. Involves the shared values, traditions, history, experiences, and behaviors that are traditional. Connecting to a social group is meaningful, it benefits in identifying who you are, your attitudes, and your importance. Like any culture, Haitians regularly interact with one another on the basis of shared expectations. The Haitian culture is big on helping family and close friends, there is a saying that describes this behavior, they would take the shirt from their own back to give to the other person.

The Beauty of the Italian Culture

Italy became a country when the states in the peninsula collided in 1861. King Victor Emmanuel the second was the ruler when Italy became a state. In the 1920s Italy was run as a dictatorship state under the leadership of Benito Mussolini. The dictatorship ended when Mussolini made the mistake of joining the Nazis in Germany. From 1946 to current Italy became a country part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, also known as NATO, which ended the dictatorship and Italy became a democratic republic. Italy consists of twenty-two states, some commonly known as Rome (Italy’s capital), Florence, Naples, and Venice. Italy has located on the continent of Europe, more specifically Southern Europe. Italy is bordered by several countries such as France, Austria, Switzerland, and Vatican City. In Italy, the climate is mostly hot and dry, also rugged and full of mountains. Just like many other countries, they are hit with natural disasters, more specifically avalanches, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides. According to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), this county is mixed with several different ethnicities, and as of July 2018 holds 62,246,674 people. These ethnicities include Germans, French, Slovene-Italians, Albanian- Italians, and Greek Italians. Like Italy, the United States holds several ethnicities and is populated with 329,256,465 people as of July 2018. Although the United States of America holds more ethnicities, such as White, Black, Asian, Amerindian and Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian, etc. Italians have a couple of different religions in the country, but mainly Christianity is observed, eighty percent of the population is Roman Catholic, and the other twenty percent fall into Jehovah’s Witness and atheist. In the paper, my plan is to show you more insight into Italian Culture. We will speak more in-depth about Italian Religions, Family Life in Italy, and entertainment in Italian Culture, we will also speak about the communication styles of Italian culture, intercultural conflicts, and then how Italian Culture is similar and or different from American culture.

As stated above about eighty percent of citizens in Italy observe the Catholic Religion. Catholicism is considered a Christian Religion, meaning they believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and Jesus are the Son of God. “Catholics follow the teachings of the Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testaments” (Safari the Globe, 2014). Italians believe in the Holy Trinity (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit), they also believe that Jesus was conceived from a human, the Virgin Mary, and God. In the Catholic Religion, the Italians study the Bible which includes the Old and New Testaments. They study the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John mainly. Unlike other Christian religions, Mary is a very important person in the Roman Catholic Religion, although she is a human being and is not to be worshipped, she is the mother of God, so she is seen as pure. Although the landscaping and architecture of Italy are enriched in culture and religion, Italy is considered to be a secular state. In 1984, the Catholic religion was no longer a religion of the state and began a divide between law and religion. Due to Italians being enriched in Roman Catholicism, people’s life moments are acknowledged by Catholic ceremonies. These ceremonies include but are not limited to baptism, communion, confirmation, and marriage. In the Roman Catholic religion, usually baptism beings when a person is an infant, and it is meant to cleanse and purify the child. The Roman Catholic religion believes that communion makes us closer to Christ and makes us become fuller in our purpose for Christ. The religion believes that confirmation is the Holy Spirit confirming full maturity and growth spiritually. Ending off the topic of religion there is one thing you do not want to do in Italian culture. “Do not joke about the Catholic Church or the Pope when in the company of older Italians” (Cultural Atlas, 2019). Older people in the Italian culture take offense when joking about the Catholic religion, although the younger people in the culture are more lenient about religion.

Family life in the Italian culture is structured, there are three different structures that the Italian culture falls into which are decision-making, power authority, and interaction. In the Power authority structure, it is simply as stated, power is given out by where you stand on the hierarchy of the family. The hierarchy of the family is usually, grandparents, parents, aunts, and uncles (depending on which is older), and children. Unlike the United States of America, people in Italian culture it is not likely that children will leave the home, without being married off. Even when married off, the family members tend to live around each other, or possibly even in the same home. The most important thing to remember is the oldest in the family is the most respected. “The family is the most important aspect of an Italians life. It provides emotional and economic support to the individual…” (Cultural Atlas, 2019). Another family structure is the decision-making structure, and just like the title, it means that there are either one or two people making the decisions on what is best for the family. Once again during the decisions, the decision is made by the oldest person in the family and/or household. The last structure in the Italian family is the interaction structure. This structure allows for open communication within the family, due to most of the family members growing up together they are more open with each other. During this course, I was able to speak with a man from the Italian culture and he states that “most of my closest friends are my cousins and my brothers are very close”. This just shows how close the families are to the Italian culture. Most of the gatherings are large and open communication, family dinners, communions, baptisms, and confirmations. Because Italians are so close usually Italians marry other Italians, because of this when there is a marriage it is easy for the families to come along. As shown, Italians are very family oriented.

As stated, before Italian culture, art, and architecture is enriched by the Roman Catholic culture. Italy does not only show its culture in just visual art but also in food, music, film, sports, and literature. Some Italian foods that are most common in Italy are pasta, such as lasagna, red sauce spaghetti, ratatouille, and desserts, such as tiramisu and cannoli. There are several sports played in Italy, but the most common sport played in Italy is soccer (also known as football), the main soccer team from Italy is named Serie A. Italy holds the most famous structures in the world which include the Colosseum and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Also, Italy is filled with castles and royal and holy buildings, such as Vatican City also known as the Holy City. The basilica is also known as the royal palace, which is used for the public court. Italy also is home to the Sistine Chapel which was painted by Michelangelo in the 1500s. Some other art forms that are considered in Italy are parades, the most popular parade is the Carnevale. Carnevale has known all the colors, in Italy during the Carnevale time families cook and celebrated by wearing feathers, masks, and multiple colors. The Carnevale began in the fifth-teenth century by the pope, named Paul the second. You can compare the Carnevale experience to Ash Wednesday, like Ash Wednesday you give something up and have a party after all the fun. An important mask in the Carnevale culture is the Bauta, which is a full-face mask that is used for several purposes which can be criminal or romantic purposes.

There is an art in the communication of Italians, at the beginning of the paper we spoke about all the different ethnicities in Italy, but they are also several different languages in the Italian culture. In Italy the official language is Italian, but they are several different dialects. The dialects include but are not limited to Neapolitan, Sicilian, and Sardinian. There are also other languages in the Italian culture which are Albanian, Catalan, Cambrian, Greek, German, French, and Croatian. We have spoken about how we communicate multiple times in this class. In chapter seven we learned about verbal codes, specifically direct and indirect communication. Direct communication is defined as when a person is speaking with clear intention. Italians show a direct communication style. They are just such a culture of open communication, during the course, I could speak to a person from the Italian culture. I was able to confirm that Italians are very open with their communication and they will show you and tell you how they feel when they feel it. Another communication concept I can tie to the Italian culture is intercultural conflict. Intercultural conflict is the emotional struggle between people and different cultures. Being that their many different ethnicities in Italy, there is some intercultural conflict. Some ethnicities are very standoff and most of the Italian culture is very close and open.

America is a very conservative country, and not open to speaking their full emotions. Whereas Italy is very open, and they will tell you exactly how they feel. Like Americans Christianity is the common religion in Italy, America has no religion that is over the other. Some difference between America and Italy is gender roles. In Italy women can be independent, not only allowed but are encouraged. The women are known for the confidence they exude. In America, and in some cultures women are sub-servants to men, they are confident but not in front of men. Like in America, the man is the head of the household and is the primary money maker.

In conclusion, the Italian culture reminds me much of my culture which is the African American culture. Like the African American culture, the Italian culture is open and has a direct style of communication. You will know how they are feeling when they feel it. Italy is a very diverse country with a not so much diverse culture, the country is full of over five different ethnicities but in Italy, there is only the Italian culture. Families in the Italian culture are very close and have open communication. They are raised by other family members and the children grow up to be family and very good friends. There are three different power structures in the Italian family which include, decision-making, power authority, and interaction. Decision-making includes the oldest person in the family making the decisions for the family. The power authority means that the oldest person holds the most power in the whole family. The interaction structure is how the family interacts with other individuals in the family. The Italian culture is filled with lots of art, communication skills, and beauty, it also reminds me a lot of my culture which is why I chose to write about it.

The culture of Japan has changed greatly over the years like thousands of years to be exact, from the country’s prehistoric Jomon period to its contemporary modern culture, which absorbs influences from Asia, Europe, and North America. Japan’s indigenous culture originates primarily from the Yayoi people who settled in Japan between 1000 BCE to 300 CE. Yayoi culture quickly spread to the main island of Honshū, mixing with the native Jōmon culture. Modern Japanese have an estimated amount of 92% Yayoi and 8% Jomon ancestry. Japanese culture was influenced from ancient times to the Middle Ages primarily by multiple Chinese dynasties and to a lesser extent by other Asian countries. For example, the Japanese language uses Chinese characters for writing, but Japanese has no genetic relationship with Chinese. The inhabitants of Japan experienced a long period of relative isolation from the outside world for over 220 years during the Tokugawa shogunate until the arrival of the Black Ships and the Meiji period. Today, the culture of Japan stands as one of the leading and most prominent cultures around the world, mainly due to the global reach of its popular culture.

Language

Japanese is the official and primary language of Japan. Japanese has a lexically distinct pitch-accent system. Early Japanese is known largely on the basis of its state in the 8th century, when the three major works of Old Japanese were compiled. The earliest attestation of the Japanese language is in a Chinese document from 252 AD. The Japanese language has no genetic relationship with Chinese. It belongs to a completely different language family called Japonic languages. However, it makes extensive use of Chinese characters, or, in its writings. Japanese is written with a combination of three scripts: hiragana and katakana were derived from the Chinese man yogana of the 5th century. Hiragana and katakana were first simplified from Kanji. Hiragana emerged somewhere around the 9th century. It was mainly used by women in informal language. Katakana was mainly used by men and for formal language. By the 10th century it was common and used by everyone. Kanji are Han characters that were imported from China, because Japan didn’t have a writing system until it was introduced around 50 AD. It’s mainly used for nouns, adjective stems, and verb stems. After centuries of development, there is a notable number of kanji used in modern Japanese which have different meanings from hanzi used in modern Chinese. Japanese has much less Simplified Chinese characters and people use less kanji in general. The Latin alphabet, romaji, is also often used in modern Japanese, especially for company names and logos, advertising, and when inputting Japanese into a computer. The Hindu-Arabic numerals are generally used for numbers, but traditional SinoJapanese numerals are also very common.

Religion

Shintoism and Buddhism are the primary religions of Japan, though a secular Christmas is widespread, and small Christian and Islamic communities exist. Shintoism, Shintoism is an ethnic religion that focuses on ceremonies and rituals. In Shintoism, followers believe that kami, a Shinto deity or spirit, are present throughout nature, including rocks, trees, and mountains. Humans can also be considered to possess a kami. One of the goals of Shintoism is to maintain a connection between humans, nature, and kami. The religion developed in Japan prior to the sixth century CE, after which point followers build shrines to worship kami. Buddhism, Buddhism developed in India around the 6th and 4th centuries BCE and eventually spread through China and Korea. It arrived in Japan during the 6th century CE, where it was initially unpopular. Most Japanese people were unable to understand the difficult philosophical messages present in Buddhism, however they did have an appreciation for the religion’s art, which is believed to have led to the religion growing more popular. Buddhism is concerned with the soul and life after dying. In the religion a person’s status was unimportant, as every person would get sick, age, die, and eventually be reincarnated into a new life, a cycle called samsara(There are lots of anime based on reincarnations into other worlds because of this). The suffering people experienced during life was one way for people to gain a better future. The ultimate goal was to escape the cycle of death and rebirth by attaining true insight. though noted examples have also been written by foreign residents, journalists and even scholars.

Literature

Early works of Japanese literature were heavily influenced by cultural contact with China and Chinese literature, often written in Classical Chinese. Eventually, Japanese literature developed into a separate style in its own right as Japanese writers began writing their own works about Japan. Since Japan reopened its ports to Western trading and diplomacy in the 19th century, Western and Eastern literature have strongly affected each other and continue to do so. Visual arts, Japanese calligraphy The flowing, brush-drawn Japanese rendering of text itself is seen as a traditional art form as well as a means of conveying written information. The written work can consist of phrases, poems, stories, or even single characters. The style and format of the writing can mimic the subject matter, even to the point of texture and stroke speed. In some cases, it can take over one hundred attempts to produce the desired effect of a single character but the process of creating the work is considered as much an art as the end product itself.This calligraphy form is known as shodo which literally means the way of writing or calligraphy or more commonly known as shuji learning how to write characters. Commonly confused with calligraphy is an art form known as sumi-e, literally meaning ink painting, which is the art of painting a scene or object.

Japanese painting

Painting has been an art in Japan for a very long time: the brush is a traditional writing and painting tool, and the extension of that to its use as an artist’s tool was probably natural. Japanese painters are often categorized by what they painted, as most of them constrained themselves solely to subjects such as animals, landscapes, or figures. Chinese papermaking was introduced to Japan around the 7th century. Later, washi was developed from it. Native Japanese painting techniques are still in use today, as well as techniques adopted from continental Asia and from the West. Schools of painting such as the Kano school of the 16th century became known for their bold brush strokes and contrast between light and dark, especially after Oda Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu began to use this style. Famous Japanese painters include Kano Sanraku, Maruyama Okyo, and Tani Bunchō. Ukiyo-e, Ukiyo-e literally ‘pictures of the floating world’, is a genre of woodblock prints that exemplifies the characteristics of preMeiji Japanese art. Because these prints could be mass-produced, they were available to a wide cross-section of the Japanese Populace those not wealthy enough to afford original paintings—during their heyday, from the 17th to 20th century. Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. It has gained widespread international fame for its focus on harmony, color use, rhythm, and elegantly simple design. It is an art centered greatly on expressing the seasons, and is meant to act as a symbol to something greater than the flower itself.

Traditional clothing

Traditional Japanese clothing distinguishes Japan from all other countries around the world. The Japanese word kimono means ‘something one wears'(I learned this from anime) and they are the traditional garments of Japan. Originally, the word kimono was used for all types of clothing, but eventually, it came to refer specifically to the full-length garment also known as the naga-gi, meaning ‘longwear’, that is still worn today on special occasions by women, men, and children. The earliest kimonos were heavily influenced by traditional Han Chinese clothing, known today as hanfu, through Japanese embassies to China which resulted in extensive Chinese culture adoptions by Japan, as early as the 5th century AD. It was during the 8th century, however, that Chinese fashions came into style among the Japanese, and the overlapping collar became particularly women’s fashion. Sculpture Traditional Japanese sculptures mainly focused on Buddhist images, such as Tathagata, Bodhisattva, and Myo-o. The oldest sculpture in Japan is a wooden statue of Amitābha at the Zenko ji temple. In the Nara period, Buddhist statues were made by the national government to boost its prestige. These examples are seen in present-day Nara and Kyoto, most notably a colossal bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana in the Todai ji temple. Wood has traditionally been used as the chief material in Japan, along with traditional Japanese architecture. Statues are often lacquered, gilded, or brightly painted, although there are little traces on the surfaces. Bronze and other metals are not used. Other materials, such as stone and pottery, have had extremely important roles in the plebeian beliefs.

Music

The music of Japan includes a wide array of performers in distinct styles both traditional and modern. The word for music in Japanese is ⾳楽, combining the kanji ⾳ ‘on’ with the kanji 楽 ‘gaku’ . Japan is the second largest music market in the world, behind the United States, and the largest in Asia, and most of the market is dominated by Japanese artists. Local music often appears at karaoke venues, which is on lease from the record labels. Traditional Japanese music is quite different from Western Music and is based on the intervals of human breathing rather than mathematical timing. In 1873, a British traveler claimed that Japanese music, ‘exasperate beyond all endurance the European breast.’ Performing arts, The four traditional theatres from Japan are noh, kyōgen, kabuki, and bunraku. Noh had its origins in the union of the sarugaku, with music and dance made by Kan’ami and Zeami Motokiyo. Among the characteristic aspects of it are the masks, costumes, and the stylized gestures, sometimes accompanied by a fan that can represent other objects. The noh programs are presented in alternation with the ones of kyogen, traditionally in number of five, but currently in groups of three. kyogen, of humorous character, had older origin, in 8th century entertainment brought from China, developing itself in sarugaku. In kyōgen, masks are rarely used and even if the plays can be associated with the ones of noh, currently many are not. Recent attempts to reintroduce actresses in kabuki . In 1914, appeared the Takarazuka Revue a company solely composed by women who introduced the revue in Japan.

Sports and leisure

Sports and leisure In the long feudal period were governed by the samurai class, some methods that were used to train warriors were developed into well-ordered martial arts, in modern times referred to collectively as koryū. Examples include kenjutsu, kendo, kyūdō, sōjutsu, jujutsu, and sumo, all of which were established in the Edo period (There are lots of edo period themed anime as well). After the rapid social change in the Meiji Restoration, some martial arts changed into modern sports, called gendai budō. Judo was developed by Kanō Jigorō, who studied some sects of jujutsu. These sports are still widely practiced in present-day Japan and other countries. Baseball, Association football, and other popular western sports were imported to Japan in the Meiji period. These sports are commonly practiced in schools, along with traditional martial arts. Baseball, soccer, football, and ping pong are the most popular sports in Japan. Association football gained prominence in Japan after the J League was established in 1991. Japan also co-hosted the 2002 FIFA World Cup. In addition, there are many semi-professional organizations, which are sponsored by private companies: for example, volleyball, basketball, rugby union, table tennis, and so on.

Cuisine

Through a long culinary past, the Japanese have developed sophisticated and refined cuisine. In more recent years, Japanese food has become fashionable and popular in the United States, Europe, and many other areas. Dishes such as sushi, tempura, noodles, and teriyaki are some of the foods that are commonly known. The Japanese diet consists principally of rice; fresh, lean seafood; and pickled or boiled vegetables. The healthy Japanese diet is often believed to be related to the longevity of Japanese people.

Popular culture

Japanese popular culture not only reflects the attitudes and concerns of the present day, but also provides a link to the past. Popular films, television programs, manga, music, anime and video games all developed from older artistic and literary traditions, and many of their themes and styles of presentation can be traced to traditional art forms. Contemporary forms of popular culture, much like the traditional forms, provide not only entertainment but also an escape for the contemporary Japanese from the problems of an industrial world. When asked how they spent their leisure time, 80 percent of a sample of men and women surveyed by the government in 1986 said they averaged about two and a half hours per week watching television, listening to the radio, and reading newspapers or magazines. Some 16 percent spent an average of two and a quarter hours a day engaged in hobbies or amusements. Others spent leisure time participating in sports, socializing, and personal study. Teenagers and retired people reported more time spent on all of these activities than did other groups. Many anime and manga are very popular around the world and continue to become popular, as well as Japanese video games, fashion, and game shows. In the late 1980s, the family was the focus of leisure activities, such as excursions to parks or shopping districts. Although Japan is often thought of as a hard-working society with little time for leisure, the Japanese seek entertainment wherever they can. It is common to see Japanese commuters riding the train to work, enjoying their favorite manga, or listening through earphones to the latest in popular music on portable music players. A wide variety of types of popular entertainment are available. There is a large selection of music, films, and the products of a huge comic book industry, among other forms of entertainment, from which to choose. Game centers, bowling alleys, and karaoke are popular hangout places for teens while older people may play shogi or go in specialized parlors. Together, the publishing, video, music, and game industries in Japan make up the growing Japanese content industry.

Cultural Landmarks

There are 51 official in Japan. These landscapes evolved with the way of life and geocultural features of a region, and which are indispensable for understanding the lifestyle of the Japanese people. Three Views of Japan The is the canonical list of Japan’s three most celebrated scenic sights, attributed to 1643 and scholar Hayashi Gaho. These are traditionally the pine clad islands of Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture, the pine-clad sandbar of Amanohashidate in Kyoto Prefecture, and Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima Prefecture. In 1915, the New Three Views of Japan were selected with a national election by the Jitsugyo no Nihon Sha . In 2003, the Three Major Night Views of Japan were selected by the New Three Major Night Views of Japan and the 100 Night Views of Japan Club(I’m pretty sure it is but i might be wrong).

National symbols

Japan has a number of national symbols. The Japanese islands are located to the east of the Asian continent. Japan is regarded as the most eastern Asian country, because east of Japan is the vast Pacific Ocean. Minamitorishima is Japan’s easternmost island. Thus Japan is a land where the sun rises before the Asian continent. The kanji that make up the name of Japan literally mean ‘sun origin’. It is pronounced as Nihon or Nippon in Japanese. So it is often called by the epithet ‘Land of the Rising Sun’. The Nisshōki is the national flag of Japan. It symbolizes the rising sun and corresponds with the name of Japan. The earliest accounts of the rising sun flag is in the 7th century CE. In 607, an official correspondence that began with ‘from the Emperor of the rising sun’ was sent to Chinese Emperor Yang of Sui. Thus the central importance of the sun in

Japanese culture is represented in the national flag and other cultural goods. Similarly, the Japan Self-Defense Forces have flags that symbolize the sun. The sun also plays an important role in Japanese mythology and religion as the Emperor is said to be the direct descendant of the sun goddess Amaterasu. Amaterasu is the personification of Japan. She is seen as the goddess of the sun and the universe in Shinto religion. The Emperor is ‘the symbol of the State and of the unity of the people.’ Emperor Jimmu is the national founder of Japan. The national animals are the Green pheasant, Koi fish and the Great purple emperor butterfly. The Imperial

Seal of Japan is one of the national seals and a crest used by the Emperor of Japan and members of the Imperial Family. The Cherry blossom and Chrysanthemum morifolium are de facto national flowers of Japan. Japan’s de facto national dish is Sushi, Japanese curry and Ramen. The de facto national liquor is sake. Mount Fuji is the national mountain of Japan. It is one of Japan’s along with Mount Tate and Mount Haku. It is also a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and one of Japan’s Historic Sites. The summit is considered a sacred place since ancient times. As a national symbol of the country, Fujisan has been depicted in various art and media such as painting, woodblock prints, poetry, and Music.