Building bridges of culture: promoting understanding among nations

Iraqi youth work to build culture of peace with support of CJP, alumni and  Iraqi al-Amani Association - EMU News

In an increasingly interconnected world, the significance of cultural bridges between countries cannot be overstated. These bridges serve as conduits for the exchange of ideas, values, and traditions, fostering understanding and collaboration among nations. From ancient trade routes to modern-day diplomacy, the construction of cultural bridges has played a pivotal role in shaping global relations.

Historically, trade routes such as the Silk Road facilitated the exchange of goods, languages, religions, and philosophies between the East and the West. Along these routes, merchants, scholars, and travelers from diverse cultures interacted, leading to the diffusion of knowledge and the enrichment of societies. The Silk Road not only promoted commerce but also served as a bridge for the transmission of cultural practices, laying the foundation for intercultural dialogue and mutual respect.

In the contemporary world, technology has revolutionized the way cultural exchanges occur, enabling instantaneous communication and collaboration across borders. Social media platforms, for instance, have become virtual bridges connecting individuals from different countries, allowing them to share experiences, perspectives, and traditions in real-time. Through online forums, people can engage in cross-cultural discussions, dispel stereotypes, and forge meaningful connections that transcend geographical boundaries.

Moreover, initiatives such as cultural exchange programs, international festivals, and educational partnerships contribute to the construction of cultural bridges between nations. These programs provide opportunities for people to immerse themselves in foreign cultures, learn new languages, and gain a deeper appreciation for diversity. By fostering direct interactions and interpersonal relationships, cultural exchange initiatives promote empathy, tolerance, and cross-cultural understanding.

Diplomacy also plays a crucial role in building bridges of culture between countries. Cultural diplomacy, which involves the use of cultural assets to advance national interests and improve relations with other nations, has become an integral component of foreign policy. Through cultural events, exhibitions, and performances, countries showcase their heritage and values, promoting goodwill and cooperation on the international stage. Cultural exchanges between governments not only enhance bilateral relations but also contribute to the resolution of conflicts and the promotion of peace.

Furthermore, migration and globalization have led to the emergence of multicultural societies, where people from different cultural backgrounds coexist and interact on a daily basis. In these diverse communities, individuals have the opportunity to learn from one another, celebrate their differences, and build bridges of understanding. By embracing cultural diversity and promoting social inclusion, multicultural societies serve as models for global cooperation and harmonious coexistence.

However, despite the many benefits of cultural bridges, challenges such as language barriers, cultural stereotypes, and political tensions can impede meaningful dialogue and cooperation between nations. It is essential, therefore, for governments, organizations, and individuals to actively promote intercultural exchange, respect cultural differences, and work towards common goals.

In conclusion, building bridges of culture between countries is essential for fostering mutual understanding, cooperation, and peace in an interconnected world. Whether through trade routes, technology, diplomacy, or multiculturalism, the exchange of ideas and values enriches societies and promotes global harmony. By embracing diversity and bridging cultural divides, nations can build a brighter future founded on the principles of respect, empathy, and collaboration.

GOOD NEWS FROM THE WHITE HOUSE

As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, President Biden and Vice President Harris worked with Democrats, Republicans, and Independents to create the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides eligible households $30 per month off their internet bills. ACP-eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers. 

To deliver maximum cost savings to families, the Biden-Harris Administration has secured commitments from 20 leading internet providers to offer ACP-eligible households a high-speed internet plan for no more than $30 per month. Eligible families who pair their ACP benefit with one of these plans can receive high-speed internet at no cost. For more information, please visit Get Internet | The White House

Symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19)

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19:

  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Or at least two of these symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Repeated shaking with chills
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • New loss of taste or smell

www.cdc.gov

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY U.S.A

Fourth of July is a very important day for all American citizens. The American Independence Day is marked on July 4th and this year will be the 243rd year of celebrations. The Independence Day is commonly celebrated with a fireworks show, carnivals, parades, picnics, concerts, political speech and of course family reunions. A significant day in history, the preparations for this day begin well in advance. People also exchange Happy Fourth of July or Happy Independence Day greetings with their friends and family.

EMBRACE MY CULTURE

How I Learned To,EMBRACE MY CULTURE ?

The first step in our lives was our family . Taught us what meaning the intellectual openness is to other cultures and after that our teacher. Good teachers embrace students’ cultural backgrounds. Then society!!!

America is the best incubator for all the cultures of the world.

How can we present our cultures in America ?

Aspects of post-language culture

Here are a few of the things a bi cultural individual experiences from more than one perspective, in addition to language and speech itself.

1- Folk Art. 

The broad category of “folk art” includes music, dance, folklore, and traditional cultural crafts.
Some cultures have very specific and guarded ones –
for example Arabic calligraphy in Iraq . Others are practiced all over the world in different styles, such as pottery or even things as common as painting and stringed instruments.

2- Food

Cultural or “heritage” dishes are generally influenced by the staples that were available wherever that particular culture and language was established.

3- Clothes and Dressing . 

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Apart from “heritage festivals,” most countries have globalized their fashions to at least some degree. We may know what a culture’s traditional clothing used to look like, but the reality is that most Iraqi people do not wear their traditional wear every day, nor do Germans wear lederhosen and dirndls. and all people around the world same that.

MEMORIAL DAY

Monday,May 28

Memorial Day 2018 in the United States of America.

We celebrate Memorial Day not only to remember those who have fallen, but also to reflect on the cause for which they gave their lives. Those we honor on Memorial Day have sacrificed it all so that we can enjoy the safety and freedom we so often take for granted — and one of the greatest ways to pay our respects to the fallen is to appreciate these gifts. So when you and your friends are talking politics and religion at your Memorial Day barbecue, remember the many men and women who fought to protect this freedom.

President Donald Trump, with Defense Secretary Jim Mattis (second from left), marks Memorial Day by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.

 

 

 

President Donald Trump in Memorial Day said,

Our fallen heroes have not only written our history they have shaped our destiny. They saved the lives of the men and women with whom they served. They cared for their families more than anything in the world, they loved their families. They inspired their communities…

 

ENHANCING UNDERSTANDING

ENHANCING UNDERSTANDING
Encounters with arts or heritage expose people to ideas and understandings, new or old, about how to interpret the world around them. This provides people with a greater diversity of options for social action and relationships.

Heritage in particular, in dealing with the revered in our past history, tends to be about identity: who we are and who we could and ought to be. The purpose for recognizing and preserving the memory of past exemplary or remarkable human events is to be able to associate and identify those events with oneself and share in the glory of them. The Heritage experiences therefore help us to find our roots and enhance our confidence at belonging to it are real enough.

The Social Effects of Culture

Culture affects perception, and perceptions drive behavior. Thus, the culture we belong to, has a direct impact on our behavior. Moreover, our environment, which has cultural influences, shapes our behavior. In a society where boys are discouraged from crying, men think of it as an odd gesture. If the values of a certain culture do not teach men to respect women, it will naturally reflect in their behavior. Behavioral and communication etiquette are a part of our culture. What our culture teaches us affects the way we interact socially. People from some cultures are found to be more open in communicating even with strangers or new acquaintances, while those from conservative cultures may not be so open. The difference between ideologies their cultures have, are thus evident in their social behavior.

Culture Affects Perception

 

What Is Culture?

“Culture is the whole complex of distinctive spiritual, material, intellectual and emotional features that characterizes a society or a group. It includes creative expressions, community practices and material or built forms.”

Culture is the “lens” through which you view the world. It is central to what you see, how you make sense of what you see, and how you express yourself.

How we perceive things is largely affected by our judgment skills, preconceived notions, attitude, and emotions. These factors are closely linked with our culture. In perceiving something as good or bad, our biases play a role and so does our way of thinking. In judging something as easy or difficult, our attitude and our motivation levels play a key role. Our culture determines the structure of our thinking, which influences our perceptions.

People who belong to cultures that promote individualism tend to look at only the main aspects of a situation, while those of a culture that promotes collectivism tend to consider even the minor details. American culture which is predominantly individualistic, promotes giving freedom of choice to children since a young age. The Japanese culture which promotes collectivism, rather encourages the parents/elders to make choices for their children. This is an example of how parenting is perceived in contrasting ways due to the differences in culture. Similarly, people of Eastern cultures perceive success as being a collective effort, while those of the American culture perceive it as the fruit of individual effort.

Our culture forms the framework for our thoughts and behavior. The ideas ingrained in our minds by our culture influence the way we perceive people and situations. For example, women from male-dominated societies perceive men to be superior. Women from cultures which dictate that their clothing should cover the entire body and even their faces, may think of a skirt or a low-cut dress, as provocative.
Research has shown that our culture does play a role in the way our brain processes information and reacts to stimuli. That’s one reason why culture is so important.

AMERICAN CULTURES COURSES

The American Cultures courses are uniquely designed to critically engage in important issues within the United States by helping students develop a deeper understanding of race, culture, and ethnicity in the context of American society. If you would like to learn more about the history of American Cultures courses, please contact usaacademy@yahoo.com.