Week 7: The Selft in Western and Eastern Orientals

different perceptions

Different Cultures and varying environments tend to create ______ of the ‘‘self,’’ and one of the most common distinctions between cultures and the people is the Eastern vs. Western dichotomy wherein Eastern represents Asia and Western represents Eaurope and Norther America.

Confucianism

It can be seen as a code of ethical conduct of how to properly act according to their relationship with other people; thus, it is also focused on having a harmonious social life (Ho, 1995).

Taoism

It is living in the way of the Tao of the universe. However, it rejects having one definition of what the Tao is. One can only state clues of what is they adopt a free-flowing, relative, unitary, and paradoxical view of almost anything

Buddhism

The self is seen as an illusion, born out of ignorance, of trying to hold and control things or human-centered needs; thus, the self is also the source of all these sufferings

not the focus

The self or the individual is ____ of the abovementioned Asian or Eastern philosophies or beliefs.

• Even with extended discussions about how the self should work, Confucianism or Taoism still situate the self within a bigger context. In striving to become a better person, one does not create a self above other people or nature but a self that is beneficial to his community and its order and harmony with everything else.

• As for Buddhism, with all its connections and selfish ideas, the self is taken out of the center of the picture and from the whole picture entirely.

Confucianism and Taoism

These two beliefs still situate the self within a bigger context. In striving to become a better person, one does does not create a self above other people or nature but a self that is beneficial to his community and its order and harmony with everything else.

Buddhism

As for this belief, with all its connections and selfish ideas, the self is taken out of the center of the picture and from the whole picture entirely.

individualistic culture

The western culture is what we call an _________ since it focuses on the person.

• Asian culture, on the other hand, is called a collectivistic culture as the group and social relations are given more importance than individual needs and wants.

collectivistic culture

The western culture is what we call an individualistic culture since it focuses on the person.

• Asian culture, on the other hand, is called a as the group and social relations are given more importance than individual needs and wants.

Westerners

By valuing the individual, ________ may seem to lose associations or even loyalty to their groups. Competition is the name of the game, and they are more likely straightforward and forceful in their communication and decision-making

Easterners

________ or Oriental persons look after the welfare of their groups and value cooperation. They would also be more comprimising and tend to go around the bush explaining things, hoping that the other person would ‘‘feel’’ what they want to say (Qingxue, 2003)

Westerners

also emphasize more on the value of equality even if they see that the individual can rise above everything else. Because everyone is on their own in the competition, one can say that they also promote ideals that create ‘‘fair’’ competition and protect the individual.

Easterners

_________ or Asians, with their collectivistic culture, put more emphasis on the hieracrhy as the culture wants to keep things in harmony and order (Qingxue, 2003).

Westerners

In this type of example, what people would most likely call their bosses, parents, or other seniors by their first name? The boss can also be approached head-on when conflicts or problems arise.

Easterners/Asians

For these people, they have respectful terms for their seniors, and many workers would not dare go against the high-ranking officials (Qingxue, 2003).

colonization experience

In the case of the Philippines, we can also consider the ___________ for the differences and similarities with our Asian neighbors.