Simone's survey
I took the same survey I created for this project. Here are my answers.
syncretism (n.)
Reconciliation or fusion of differing systems of belief, as in philosophy or religion, especially when success is partial or the result is heterogeneous.
In other words, syncretism is when several cultures combine to form one new culture. Do you think this has happened at Logan? Have you adopted foreign cultures or traditions and made them your own? In this brief survey, you will be asked several questions on this topic. The results of this survey can later be found on the Internet, but complete anonymity is assured. If you do not feel comfortable answering any of these questions, feel free to leave it blank. Thanks for your time!
1. What ethnicities/cultures/nationalities/religions do you identify with? Please list.
I consider myself English, Scottish, Welsh, and Portugese. Overall, though, I am a white American. My mother is Protestant and my father is Catholic, so I'm agnostic.
2. What is your native language?
English.
3. Other than your native language and English, what language(s) do you speak?
Mostly French, but also teeny bits of Spanish and German.
4. Do you celebrate any holidays that are not based in your culture? Please list.
I celebrate almost all "American" holidays, that is, holidays that originated in America, like Thanksgiving, the Fourth of July, etc. I also celebrate many holidays that are from different parts of Europe, like Christmas and Halloween. I also recognize but don't actually celebrate Chinese New Year and Mardi Gras/Carnival.
5. Take a look at what you are wearing now. Please try to list at least three articles of clothing or jewelry that are from cultures other than your own. Be sure to identify what culture they came from.
1. blue jeans-- Jewish
2. Buddhist prayer bead bracelet
3. necklace with a Chinese coin strung from it
6. Do you listen to music that is not based in your culture? Please list which cultures they are from.
I listen to Latin, Indian, and French music.
7. Do you watch movies or TV shows that are not based in your culture? Please list which cultures they are from.
I watch movies in Spanish, Indian, French, German, and Chinese.
8. At Logan, do you feel that people are accepting of other cultures, or do they group together with people of their own culture? Why?
Both. Some people group together because of common interests, and others group together because they're from the same ethnic background. Either way, it's about what you feel comfortable with. Both groups offer support from people in situations similar to yours whether it is by choice or by what color your skin is. Since the groups held together by common interest are more diverse, they're more accepting of ther cultures. Groups of people from the same culture tend to exculde people from other cultures.
9. Do you think this is a good or bad thing? Why?
Both. People group with people they want to, and everyone should have that choice. But you are more free to choose what group you want to be in if it is held together through some common interest. You can't choose to hang out with a group from a different culture if the reason those people group together is because they're all the same culture. You, a person of another culture, would break down the reason they grouped together in the first place. Yet it is good in a way, because if you are from the same ethnic background the others know what you are going through as a person of that culture and can offer support.
10. Some people believe that although cultural differences should be celebrated and respected, individual cultures should be kept "pure." Others say that this would lead to the factioning of society and that we should integrate ourselves into a global community. What do you think?
Although it would be very peaceful and racism would just about dissapear, having one race would be boring. Everyone would be the same. If we keep different cultures as they are (I wouldn't use the word "pure"-- it sounds too Nazi-ish), we would have more variety and more to learn about. Even though there would be racism and certain groups might want to isolate themselves from "the others", I think it would be better.
11. Would you ever date/marry someone from another culture?
Yes.
12. Do you think your culture is respected and fairly treated at Logan? Why or why not?
Speaking as a white/Caucasian/European, I would actually be inclined to say no. It has become an accepted thing to make fun of white people because they are the "majority" and the "oppressors". Being president of the Celtic Club has forced me to deal with some of these issues. Since it's the "white people's club" (even though we accept members of all races, as long as you're interested in learning more about the Celts), people say we're going to "become a bunch of mini-Hitlers". That's not true at all. By celebrating and learning more about my culture, some people think that we're putting other cultures down. Yet other ethnic clubs are not treated this way. It's a double-standard that really frustrates me sometimes. As a society, we are now being told that "since white people, who were celebrated before, have put down the minorities, it is time to celebrate the minorities. Anyone who celebrates European culture celebrates that past racism against minorities."
13. Do you have any other opinions/comments on this topic? You may be quoted in the results, but remember that you will remain anonymous.
Nope. (After all, I've got the rest of this page to spout my views.)
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