Tapestry™
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Blagojevich: Cultural Genius?
Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich has shown he is a genius when it come to using cultures to for success. The governor is facing a potential impeachment vote for attempting to sell Barack Obama’s senate seat to the highest bidder. The Illinois legislature is embarking on this dethroning move to prevent a special election after Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid refused to seat any appointment by the governor. (The United States Constitution allows the legislative branch to refuse to seat congresspersons).
As a posturing move, critics say Blagojevich is irrelevant as governor due to the controversy surrounding him.
Now Blagojevich has made a brilliant move.
In appointing former state attorney general Roland Burris the embattled governor has put Reid and others on Capital Hill in the position of standing in the way of seating who would be the only black in the Senate.
In announcing the appointment, members of the black caucus, lead by Representative Burns, immediately changed their earlier stated position of opposing any Blagojevich appointee. Burns, on record saying no Blagojevich appointee should be seated for any reason said the Senate should not hold it against Burris because he had done nothing wrong.
So, understanding culture, Blagojevich has guaranteed one of two things will happen:
Reid will seat Burris, proving Blagojevich is still relevant (after all, he was able to navigate through Reid’s gauntlet).
Attention will be focused on Burris and Reid, removing the governor from the front page.
Cultural knowledge may save Blagojevich. It could also save you business or career if you take the time to study the dynamics of cultures.
Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich has shown he is a genius when it come to using cultures to for success. The governor is facing a potential impeachment vote for attempting to sell Barack Obama’s senate seat to the highest bidder. The Illinois legislature is embarking on this dethroning move to prevent a special election after Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid refused to seat any appointment by the governor. (The United States Constitution allows the legislative branch to refuse to seat congresspersons).As a posturing move, critics say Blagojevich is irrelevant as governor due to the controversy surrounding him.
Now Blagojevich has made a brilliant move.
In appointing former state attorney general Roland Burris the embattled governor has put Reid and others on Capital Hill in the position of standing in the way of seating who would be the only black in the Senate.
In announcing the appointment, members of the black caucus, lead by Representative Burns, immediately changed their earlier stated position of opposing any Blagojevich appointee. Burns, on record saying no Blagojevich appointee should be seated for any reason said the Senate should not hold it against Burris because he had done nothing wrong.
So, understanding culture, Blagojevich has guaranteed one of two things will happen:
Reid will seat Burris, proving Blagojevich is still relevant (after all, he was able to navigate through Reid’s gauntlet).
Attention will be focused on Burris and Reid, removing the governor from the front page.
Cultural knowledge may save Blagojevich. It could also save you business or career if you take the time to study the dynamics of cultures.
Labels: Ethnicity, News, Politics
¶ 1/04/2009 0 Comments Links to this post
Friday, November 7, 2008
Vietnam drivers must pass eye and chest test
The Health Ministry in Vietnam has recommended that in addition to the eye examine, women must also pass a chest test before given a driver’s license. According to the ministry it is dangerous for a women whose chest is less than 28 inches is dangerous when driving a motorcycle.
Now I do not like choosing sides in a national debate, but it seems like larger breasts would be more dangerous. Not only could they be an obstacle in a sharp turn, they could cause accidents as other drivers were distracted.
Think of the humiliation for the repeat offender. How do you explain to your cellmates that you are serving time for being less endowed?
The Health Ministry in Vietnam has recommended that in addition to the eye examine, women must also pass a chest test before given a driver’s license. According to the ministry it is dangerous for a women whose chest is less than 28 inches is dangerous when driving a motorcycle.Now I do not like choosing sides in a national debate, but it seems like larger breasts would be more dangerous. Not only could they be an obstacle in a sharp turn, they could cause accidents as other drivers were distracted.
Think of the humiliation for the repeat offender. How do you explain to your cellmates that you are serving time for being less endowed?
Labels: Ethnicity, gender, News, Regional
¶ 11/07/2008 0 Comments Links to this post
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
How cultures die
Do not feel bad if you did not know Danny Lopez – but learn from his death.
¶ 10/29/2008 0 Comments Links to this post
Do not feel bad if you did not know Danny Lopez – but learn from his death. Danny was dedicated to educating others about the Tohono O’odham Nation, a tribe of Native Americans primarily living in Arizona.
Through poetry and storytelling, Danny delighted others with the nuances and beauty of the language and practices of the Tohono O’odham people.
When cultural propagators such as Danny pass on the culture risks dying unless someone else, expert (or near expert but willing to learn) fills their moccasins the culture may also pass on.
¶ 10/29/2008 0 Comments Links to this post
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Asians drop Finland for Sony
For the first time an Asian manufacturer has taken over as the top brand among Asians. Sony has replaced Finland-based Nokia as their most popular brand name according to two recent surveys. In third place is Japan’s Canon and forth place is held by the USA’s Nike.
It is easy to see the importance of technology to Asians as three of the four top brands being consumer electronics.
¶ 9/16/2008 0 Comments Links to this post
For the first time an Asian manufacturer has taken over as the top brand among Asians. Sony has replaced Finland-based Nokia as their most popular brand name according to two recent surveys. In third place is Japan’s Canon and forth place is held by the USA’s Nike.It is easy to see the importance of technology to Asians as three of the four top brands being consumer electronics.
¶ 9/16/2008 0 Comments Links to this post
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Being Assyrian in Canada
Here is a video made by an Assyrian in Canada. It looks at the issue of blended nationalities.
Labels: Ethnicity, Regional, Video
¶ 8/13/2008 0 Comments Links to this post
Friday, June 13, 2008
Gandhi’s shoe
Indian statesman and spiritual leader Mahatma Gandhi is noted for his humanity and selflessness. One day he was boarding a train with a number of companions and followers when his shoe suddenly fell off, cascading the train and platform.
Determining it could not be retrieved he took off the other shoe and threw it in the gap between train and platform. His companions were dumbfounded by this action.
Sensing their puzzlement Gandhi explained that whoever finds a single shoe finds nothing of value.
However the person finding a pair finds something worthwhile.
Life Lesson: Turn your misfortune into another’s blessing.
¶ 6/13/2008 0 Comments
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Determining it could not be retrieved he took off the other shoe and threw it in the gap between train and platform. His companions were dumbfounded by this action.
Sensing their puzzlement Gandhi explained that whoever finds a single shoe finds nothing of value.
However the person finding a pair finds something worthwhile.
Life Lesson: Turn your misfortune into another’s blessing.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Being Asian in a White Country
Laugh along with this video as you learn what it is like to be an Asian in a white dominated country.
Labels: Ethnicity, Religion, Video
¶ 6/09/2008 0 Comments Links to this post
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Needed: Chinese police officers
Frustration engulfs Toronto Police Inspector Peter Yuen over his inability to recruit Asian police officers. Yuen’s chief problem is a cultural barrier in a migrant world.
Several national cultures, including China, do not view police as a positive occupation. Even if a migrating family does not bring that belief with them, the larger family in the homeland will take some time to warm up to having police officers in their family. People coming to lands of opportunity, such as England, Canada, and the United States, have difficulty telling these family members they have joined the ranks of law enforcement. Think about it – they came to the land of opportunity only to have to resort to taking a job a police officer.
Toronto Police Services is trying new ideas, including a recruitment drive tied into the May observance of Asia Pacific Heritage Month. ¶ 6/08/2008 0 Comments Links to this post
Frustration engulfs Toronto Police Inspector Peter Yuen over his inability to recruit Asian police officers. Yuen’s chief problem is a cultural barrier in a migrant world.Several national cultures, including China, do not view police as a positive occupation. Even if a migrating family does not bring that belief with them, the larger family in the homeland will take some time to warm up to having police officers in their family. People coming to lands of opportunity, such as England, Canada, and the United States, have difficulty telling these family members they have joined the ranks of law enforcement. Think about it – they came to the land of opportunity only to have to resort to taking a job a police officer.
Toronto Police Services is trying new ideas, including a recruitment drive tied into the May observance of Asia Pacific Heritage Month. ¶ 6/08/2008 0 Comments Links to this post
Friday, April 4, 2008
The Dreamer 40 years later
It was forty years ago today that the life of Martin Luther King, Junior, was gunned down at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis. James Earl Ray tried to silence this powerful leader, but failed in his attempt. Yes, he stilled the heart that inspired so many to understand the future was brighter than the past. However King's words are immortal.
Most immortal of all words are those King used on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. Although people discuss the words and phrases in this speech, there is much more to it that makes it one of the best, if not the best, speech ever given. Watch the video and notice something you do not see in today’s leaders. Although he starts with notes, when he progresses he stops referring to the notes or the use of a teleprompter. It is made from his mind and heart – a feat that shows how deeply he believed in the vision he was sharing with those that had gathered.
MBC Global takes King’s word to heart. Our cultural bridges are based on the cultural dominions that make up the content of our character. When you look at the bridges you will notice that virtually everyone has filled each aspect of character differently. Together, these aspects blend to make the content of character so eloquently identified by King.
Most immortal of all words are those King used on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. Although people discuss the words and phrases in this speech, there is much more to it that makes it one of the best, if not the best, speech ever given. Watch the video and notice something you do not see in today’s leaders. Although he starts with notes, when he progresses he stops referring to the notes or the use of a teleprompter. It is made from his mind and heart – a feat that shows how deeply he believed in the vision he was sharing with those that had gathered.
MBC Global takes King’s word to heart. Our cultural bridges are based on the cultural dominions that make up the content of our character. When you look at the bridges you will notice that virtually everyone has filled each aspect of character differently. Together, these aspects blend to make the content of character so eloquently identified by King.
Labels: Ethnicity, News, Video
¶ 4/04/2008 0 Comments Links to this post
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Native American DNA links to 6 mothers
DNA research has confirmed six maternal lineages among Native Americans. The findings are the result of a study conducted by the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation of Salt Lake City and the University of Pavia in Italy.
Native American refers to people originally from Beringia, a now submerged land mass connecting the Americas to Asia. Native Americans are the original inhabitants of North, Central, and South America. They are not, as many believe, Asians that used the land bridge to travel to the Americas from the Far East as no DNA linkage to Asia.
DNA research has confirmed six maternal lineages among Native Americans. The findings are the result of a study conducted by the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation of Salt Lake City and the University of Pavia in Italy.Native American refers to people originally from Beringia, a now submerged land mass connecting the Americas to Asia. Native Americans are the original inhabitants of North, Central, and South America. They are not, as many believe, Asians that used the land bridge to travel to the Americas from the Far East as no DNA linkage to Asia.
Read the AP story here.
¶ 3/26/2008 0 Comments
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Friday, February 29, 2008
McDonald’s and Feng Shui
The growth of Feng Shui, an ancient Chinese practice of arranging numbers and objects to promote health, harmony, and prosperity, has caught the attention of McDonald’s.
The hamburger chain is reaching out to the large local Asian population at their restaurant in Hacienda Heights, California, by remodeling both interior and exterior.
With an earth tone color scheme, leather seats, water fountains, and bamboo plants, diners will experience a more peaceful experience than at traditional McDonald’s.
McDonald’s has shown their desire to reach out to local cultures in the past. In heavily Muslim Dearborn, Michigan, for example, their outlet serves halal hamburgers aligning with the Islamic culture.
The subtleties of the design promote a connection to the Asian culture without a negative impression by other cultures, something important when a company reaches out to a culture. This was not the case when bi-lingual labeling was introduced in Canada. Many in the French speaking areas rebelled against retailers that had English labels facing out and some English speaking locales protested retailers showing the French label on the outside. ¶ 2/29/2008 1 Comments Links to this post
The growth of Feng Shui, an ancient Chinese practice of arranging numbers and objects to promote health, harmony, and prosperity, has caught the attention of McDonald’s.The hamburger chain is reaching out to the large local Asian population at their restaurant in Hacienda Heights, California, by remodeling both interior and exterior.
With an earth tone color scheme, leather seats, water fountains, and bamboo plants, diners will experience a more peaceful experience than at traditional McDonald’s.
McDonald’s has shown their desire to reach out to local cultures in the past. In heavily Muslim Dearborn, Michigan, for example, their outlet serves halal hamburgers aligning with the Islamic culture.
The subtleties of the design promote a connection to the Asian culture without a negative impression by other cultures, something important when a company reaches out to a culture. This was not the case when bi-lingual labeling was introduced in Canada. Many in the French speaking areas rebelled against retailers that had English labels facing out and some English speaking locales protested retailers showing the French label on the outside. ¶ 2/29/2008 1 Comments Links to this post
Thursday, February 28, 2008
A cultural history of “Leap Day”
Tomorrow, February 29, is known throughout the world as “Leap Day”. In modern times the main significance of Leap Day is that people born on that day you to celebrate the birthday on their actual birthday. Yet over the course of history cultures have looked upon the day with some unique customs.
¶ 2/28/2008 0 Comments
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Tomorrow, February 29, is known throughout the world as “Leap Day”. In modern times the main significance of Leap Day is that people born on that day you to celebrate the birthday on their actual birthday. Yet over the course of history cultures have looked upon the day with some unique customs.- Roman culture: From 46 BC through 10 BC it was found that priests had mistakenly adding an extra day to the calendar every third year. Leap years were suspended until 8 AD.
- England and Wales: In 1256 a decree was issued making February 28 a 48 hour day for legal purposes during leap years. Oddly, this did not change until the European Union recognized February 29 as a unique day in the year 2000.
- Scotland, France, and Switzerland: In 1288 the Scottish Parliament determined that women could lawfully propose marriage on February 29. France and Switzerland had similar regulations.
- Roman culture: Although there was an early recognition of the need to have an extra day every fourth year, Roman religion added the hours for the calendar by making February 23 a 48 hour day every fourth year are off Terminus, the god who protected boundary makers.
- Christopher Columbus: The explorer knew a lunar eclipse will occur on the night of February 29, 1504. He used his knowledge to trick Americans to provide him with much needed supplies.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Goodbye Gordo
Gus Arriola died last week. Although many people do not know the name, Gus was one of the world’s greatest cultural bridge builders.
In 1941 Gus began drawing “Gordo”, a comic about a Mexican bean farmer in the spirit of the hillbilly strip “Lil’ Abner”. Several readers complained the strip did a disservice by showing Gordo in a negative, lazy light. Arriola took their concerns to heart by transforming the bean farmer into a tour guide. In this new role, Gordo became an ambassador to the Mexican culture, debunking many myths Americans had about the Mexican people.
Gordo became popular, eventually appearing in 240 newspapers. After 44 years, Arriola, suffering from Parkinson’s Disease, would retire.
Although Gus did not seek the role of a cultural bridge builder, he was certainly uniquely prepared for the role. He learned English reading comic strips and fell in love with animation. His talent would land him at the MGM studios drawing Mexican characters for their cartoons. He credits his readers for transforming him and Gordo into the positive educational comic strip that taught so many about the beauty and wonder of the southern most North American culture.
Goodbye Gus! ¶ 2/05/2008 0 Comments Links to this post
Gus Arriola died last week. Although many people do not know the name, Gus was one of the world’s greatest cultural bridge builders.In 1941 Gus began drawing “Gordo”, a comic about a Mexican bean farmer in the spirit of the hillbilly strip “Lil’ Abner”. Several readers complained the strip did a disservice by showing Gordo in a negative, lazy light. Arriola took their concerns to heart by transforming the bean farmer into a tour guide. In this new role, Gordo became an ambassador to the Mexican culture, debunking many myths Americans had about the Mexican people.
Gordo became popular, eventually appearing in 240 newspapers. After 44 years, Arriola, suffering from Parkinson’s Disease, would retire.
Although Gus did not seek the role of a cultural bridge builder, he was certainly uniquely prepared for the role. He learned English reading comic strips and fell in love with animation. His talent would land him at the MGM studios drawing Mexican characters for their cartoons. He credits his readers for transforming him and Gordo into the positive educational comic strip that taught so many about the beauty and wonder of the southern most North American culture.
Goodbye Gus! ¶ 2/05/2008 0 Comments Links to this post
Friday, February 1, 2008
Black History month
Today begins Black History month, a worldwide observance of the contributions and culture of Africans, African-Americans, and African-Caribbeans.
As people attend the events and celebrations each will feel different impact. Few, though, will understand a subliminal lesson most visible in the black community.
During the 17th, 18th, 19th, and even early 20th centuries this culture was largely driven into slavery. Their “owners” attempted to remove the African or Caribbean culture from their lifestyles. After slavery was abolished worldwide in the 19th and 20th centuries, local populations attempted to get blacks to conform to the local culture. Terminology such as “melting pot” conveyed the message that we must all act the same regardless of ethnicity. “When in Rome do as the Romans do” is also used in an attempt to erase ethnic culture.
Through this tremendous pressure and attempted social sterilization the culture survived. This shows the resilience of a people to preserve their heritage at all costs.
Hopefully every person in the world will attend at least one Black History month event. When you do pay particular attention to the enduring culture and be grateful it has survived.
Today begins Black History month, a worldwide observance of the contributions and culture of Africans, African-Americans, and African-Caribbeans.As people attend the events and celebrations each will feel different impact. Few, though, will understand a subliminal lesson most visible in the black community.
During the 17th, 18th, 19th, and even early 20th centuries this culture was largely driven into slavery. Their “owners” attempted to remove the African or Caribbean culture from their lifestyles. After slavery was abolished worldwide in the 19th and 20th centuries, local populations attempted to get blacks to conform to the local culture. Terminology such as “melting pot” conveyed the message that we must all act the same regardless of ethnicity. “When in Rome do as the Romans do” is also used in an attempt to erase ethnic culture.
Through this tremendous pressure and attempted social sterilization the culture survived. This shows the resilience of a people to preserve their heritage at all costs.
Hopefully every person in the world will attend at least one Black History month event. When you do pay particular attention to the enduring culture and be grateful it has survived.
Labels: African, African-American, Ethnicity, Race
¶ 2/01/2008 0 Comments Links to this post
Monday, January 28, 2008
Get lucky with the Chinese before August
The luckiest day in history is coming this August, according to the Chinese. It is signified by the opening of the Olympics in Beijing at 8:00 pm on August 8. That would be 8 08/08/08.
Anyone that has ever read a fortune cookie knows that numbers are important in the Chinese culture. And to the Chinese, no other number is as lucky as the number 8.
June weddings may be popular in the western culture, but to the Chinese, August 8 is the busiest day of the year for matrimonial industry. Last year 3,400 couples were wed in Beijing alone. That number should be dwarfed by this year’s nuptials.
Savvy people in the wedding business would do well to plan some special promotions geared around this once in a century marketing event. ¶ 1/28/2008 0 Comments Links to this post
The luckiest day in history is coming this August, according to the Chinese. It is signified by the opening of the Olympics in Beijing at 8:00 pm on August 8. That would be 8 08/08/08.Anyone that has ever read a fortune cookie knows that numbers are important in the Chinese culture. And to the Chinese, no other number is as lucky as the number 8.
June weddings may be popular in the western culture, but to the Chinese, August 8 is the busiest day of the year for matrimonial industry. Last year 3,400 couples were wed in Beijing alone. That number should be dwarfed by this year’s nuptials.
Savvy people in the wedding business would do well to plan some special promotions geared around this once in a century marketing event. ¶ 1/28/2008 0 Comments Links to this post
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Immigration: global problems and opportunities
In American homes the word immigration is typically preceded by the word “illegal”. Americans generally think it refers to the large number of undocumented Latinos living within the nation’s borders. However it is a topic of peoples and governments around the world – and it does not necessary involve the USA or Mexico.
This week the online version of this blog, which is a weekly e-zine (if you want to read it hurry as it is only archived for three weeks) has a special focus on global migration. As editor, I was amazed to see the magnitude of the situation.
From potential weak damns in China to housing in Libya, the entire world seems to have some sort of impact from incoming or outgoing populations.
Some countries welcome the new arrivals. Others struggle to meet infrastructure upgrades. Others want to close their borders.
Regardless of the countries involved, the most prevalent reason seems to be that migrating populations seek to live in a wealthier country. They want to experience the opportunities afforded to them by a more robust economy or the simple fact that food, water, and housing is more plentiful.
Political reasons are another large factor. Many people are seeking to get out from under oppression while others look to expand their own self-worth through a friendlier government.
MBC Global does not take any political stand on this or any other issue. We do, however, encourage you to empower yourself with global information to have as complete an understanding of this issue as possible. ¶ 1/15/2008 0 Comments Links to this post
In American homes the word immigration is typically preceded by the word “illegal”. Americans generally think it refers to the large number of undocumented Latinos living within the nation’s borders. However it is a topic of peoples and governments around the world – and it does not necessary involve the USA or Mexico.This week the online version of this blog, which is a weekly e-zine (if you want to read it hurry as it is only archived for three weeks) has a special focus on global migration. As editor, I was amazed to see the magnitude of the situation.
From potential weak damns in China to housing in Libya, the entire world seems to have some sort of impact from incoming or outgoing populations.
Some countries welcome the new arrivals. Others struggle to meet infrastructure upgrades. Others want to close their borders.
Regardless of the countries involved, the most prevalent reason seems to be that migrating populations seek to live in a wealthier country. They want to experience the opportunities afforded to them by a more robust economy or the simple fact that food, water, and housing is more plentiful.
Political reasons are another large factor. Many people are seeking to get out from under oppression while others look to expand their own self-worth through a friendlier government.
MBC Global does not take any political stand on this or any other issue. We do, however, encourage you to empower yourself with global information to have as complete an understanding of this issue as possible. ¶ 1/15/2008 0 Comments Links to this post
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Hey America: Diversity isn’t about race
In the United States when you mention the word “diversity” people immediately think about inclusion of races. This is a narrow view that causes many diversity programs to do more harm than good.
The world view is more correct. Take for example a recent program announced in the Western Africa country of Ghana. With less racial diversity than Detroit or Washington they are setting up the what is probably the largest diversity program of any secondary school system in the world.
This month 1,600 students will enter the “Ghana National Exchange Programme School” to learn about the country’s six distinctly different regions. Under Country Director Cecil Nii Obodai Wentum told MBC Global that Ghana understands the diversity of its people is a key to intellectual advancement.
Ghana realizes that the different cultures between urban and rural settings, tourist and village economies, coastal and landlocked living, and many distinctions create different cognitive learning styles, experiences, and reasoning which, when understood by others, allows everyone to have a broader scope in decision making and problem solving.
Companies and organizations throughout the world should take a look at the West African nation’s program and expand their working definition of the term “diversity” if they want to have successful program.
I wonder if it is because of inventiveness like this that causes us to refer to Ghana as a “developing nation”. ¶ 1/10/2008 0 Comments Links to this post
In the United States when you mention the word “diversity” people immediately think about inclusion of races. This is a narrow view that causes many diversity programs to do more harm than good.The world view is more correct. Take for example a recent program announced in the Western Africa country of Ghana. With less racial diversity than Detroit or Washington they are setting up the what is probably the largest diversity program of any secondary school system in the world.
This month 1,600 students will enter the “Ghana National Exchange Programme School” to learn about the country’s six distinctly different regions. Under Country Director Cecil Nii Obodai Wentum told MBC Global that Ghana understands the diversity of its people is a key to intellectual advancement.
Ghana realizes that the different cultures between urban and rural settings, tourist and village economies, coastal and landlocked living, and many distinctions create different cognitive learning styles, experiences, and reasoning which, when understood by others, allows everyone to have a broader scope in decision making and problem solving.
Companies and organizations throughout the world should take a look at the West African nation’s program and expand their working definition of the term “diversity” if they want to have successful program.
I wonder if it is because of inventiveness like this that causes us to refer to Ghana as a “developing nation”. ¶ 1/10/2008 0 Comments Links to this post
Friday, January 4, 2008
The overlooked role of culture in Obama victory
In reporting the Barack Obama victory in the Democratic caucuses in Iowa political pundits, including those for the candidates themselves, have missed what is possibly one of the most significant events of the day.
It is not necessarily their fault for missing an unprecedented event as they are focused strictly on the candidates and voter demographics. On the surface this seems sufficient as demographics represent people. But that is similar to saying a fever represents illness. Although it is true that demographics represent people, they miss the reality that people represent cultures. If they were looking at cultures also demographics they would have seen an absolutely amazing story.
They did pick up on the fact that Iowa has a heavily white population. According to the United States Census Bureau, only Vermont and West Virginia are whiter than Iowa. This is important in analyzing the results, but fall short of diagnosing a fever.
Historical perspective
African-Americans historically have been rated higher in polls than on the actual ballot casting. The difference between the two, polling and balloting, is that the pollster knows the identity of the respondent. Balloting is anonymous.
The simple fact shows people want others to think they are inclusive. By publicly stating they are for a minority candidate they feel good about themselves. Once in the voting booth, the anonymity allows for personal prejudices to take over.
The stunning aspect of the Iowa results is the caucus process causes someone to publicly declare their vote. It removes the curtain of the voting booth that cloaked the personal bias of the voter.
White Iowans publicly declared their desire for an African-American in the White House. They stood before their friends and neighbors, people they work with, and white folk they had never met to say the African-American Obama was their candidate for the presidency.
Never before has this happened. Iowa was a reversal of the norm. Obama actually received a larger percentage than pre-caucus polling had indicated -- and he did it with white voters.
The future
It will be interesting to see how Obama does in the states where secret ballots are used. Regardless of whether or not he ultimately gets the Democratic combination, or the privilege of moving into the White House next January, he will always be the one who broke a very significant cultural barrier -- whites publicly saying the time has arrived for an African-American President.
In reporting the Barack Obama victory in the Democratic caucuses in Iowa political pundits, including those for the candidates themselves, have missed what is possibly one of the most significant events of the day.It is not necessarily their fault for missing an unprecedented event as they are focused strictly on the candidates and voter demographics. On the surface this seems sufficient as demographics represent people. But that is similar to saying a fever represents illness. Although it is true that demographics represent people, they miss the reality that people represent cultures. If they were looking at cultures also demographics they would have seen an absolutely amazing story.
They did pick up on the fact that Iowa has a heavily white population. According to the United States Census Bureau, only Vermont and West Virginia are whiter than Iowa. This is important in analyzing the results, but fall short of diagnosing a fever.
Historical perspective
African-Americans historically have been rated higher in polls than on the actual ballot casting. The difference between the two, polling and balloting, is that the pollster knows the identity of the respondent. Balloting is anonymous.
The simple fact shows people want others to think they are inclusive. By publicly stating they are for a minority candidate they feel good about themselves. Once in the voting booth, the anonymity allows for personal prejudices to take over.
The stunning aspect of the Iowa results is the caucus process causes someone to publicly declare their vote. It removes the curtain of the voting booth that cloaked the personal bias of the voter.
White Iowans publicly declared their desire for an African-American in the White House. They stood before their friends and neighbors, people they work with, and white folk they had never met to say the African-American Obama was their candidate for the presidency.
Never before has this happened. Iowa was a reversal of the norm. Obama actually received a larger percentage than pre-caucus polling had indicated -- and he did it with white voters.
The future
It will be interesting to see how Obama does in the states where secret ballots are used. Regardless of whether or not he ultimately gets the Democratic combination, or the privilege of moving into the White House next January, he will always be the one who broke a very significant cultural barrier -- whites publicly saying the time has arrived for an African-American President.
Labels: African-American, Ethnicity, Race, Religion
¶ 1/04/2008 0 Comments Links to this post
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
The cultural viewpoint of illegal immigration
Although it illegal immigration has been a hot topic during the presidential campaign in the United States, other countries are also dealing with illegal immigrants. Nine European countries have joined together to get tough on illegal immigration, forming the European Union's borderless Schengen zone.
One of the nations, the Czech Republic, estimates that 20,000 Americans are living in Prague although only 5000 are registered with the United States Embassy. These numbers do not include 4000 illegal immigrants that were deported in 2007.
The viewpoint of illegal immigration seems to depend on one's status. Americans legally living in Prague support the new policy. Likewise one’s view of illegal American immigration can differ.
To put this in perspective, imagine for a moment how you would feel about this topic if:
Although it illegal immigration has been a hot topic during the presidential campaign in the United States, other countries are also dealing with illegal immigrants. Nine European countries have joined together to get tough on illegal immigration, forming the European Union's borderless Schengen zone.One of the nations, the Czech Republic, estimates that 20,000 Americans are living in Prague although only 5000 are registered with the United States Embassy. These numbers do not include 4000 illegal immigrants that were deported in 2007.
The viewpoint of illegal immigration seems to depend on one's status. Americans legally living in Prague support the new policy. Likewise one’s view of illegal American immigration can differ.
To put this in perspective, imagine for a moment how you would feel about this topic if:
- You are a Latino Hispanic that risked your life crossing the desert to get to America to be threatened with deportation if found?
- You are Cuban Hispanic that risked your life crossing the ocean and was granted permanent residency the moment you touched a grain of sand on an American beach
- You are a Puerto Rican Hispanic that received citizenship at birth?
- You are a Madrid Hispanic on a 10 year waiting list for an American visa?
Friday, December 28, 2007
Defining moment: Benazir Bhutto's assassination
Pakistanis throughout the world are mourning the death of Benizar Bhutto, former Prime Minister and candidate vying to return to the office in January's election. This event will have a long-lasting impact in at least three different cultural areas:
Ethnic Culture: The death of a leader can be a defining moment for a culture, and the leader's assassination is always a culturally defining moment. It will impact the Pakistani culture for many years to come. It is likely that those seeking political office in the country will adopt campaign strategies to prevent a similar assassination.
Gender Culture: Bhutto also stood as a role model for many women. She broke a cultural barrier in 1988 when she became the first woman to be democratically elected to lead a modern Muslim country. This immediately made her a role model for an entire generation of women in Pakistan as well as other nations. She gave them dreams and hopes that they could make a lasting impression on history.
Political Culture: As with many significant social events, political cultures are changed by assassinations. The extreme ends of political factions will be intent on lying blame for Bhutto's death. We've seen this historically following the death of Egypt’s Anwar Sadat, Argentina’s Pedro Aramburu, and Abdul-Khalim Sadulayev of Chechnya. In the United States, the assassination of John F. Kennedy is still being debated.
Looking at the impact of Bhutto’s assassination further exemplifies the position of MBC Global that every individual is part of many cultures and global events affect multiple cultures.
Pakistanis throughout the world are mourning the death of Benizar Bhutto, former Prime Minister and candidate vying to return to the office in January's election. This event will have a long-lasting impact in at least three different cultural areas:Ethnic Culture: The death of a leader can be a defining moment for a culture, and the leader's assassination is always a culturally defining moment. It will impact the Pakistani culture for many years to come. It is likely that those seeking political office in the country will adopt campaign strategies to prevent a similar assassination.
Gender Culture: Bhutto also stood as a role model for many women. She broke a cultural barrier in 1988 when she became the first woman to be democratically elected to lead a modern Muslim country. This immediately made her a role model for an entire generation of women in Pakistan as well as other nations. She gave them dreams and hopes that they could make a lasting impression on history.
Political Culture: As with many significant social events, political cultures are changed by assassinations. The extreme ends of political factions will be intent on lying blame for Bhutto's death. We've seen this historically following the death of Egypt’s Anwar Sadat, Argentina’s Pedro Aramburu, and Abdul-Khalim Sadulayev of Chechnya. In the United States, the assassination of John F. Kennedy is still being debated.
Looking at the impact of Bhutto’s assassination further exemplifies the position of MBC Global that every individual is part of many cultures and global events affect multiple cultures.
Labels: Ethnicity, gender, Regional
¶ 12/28/2007 0 Comments Links to this post
