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Cross-cultural differences in happiness (West VS East)

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It is often known that there is a large gap between the Eastern and Western culture. How people of the different regions are shape by their own cultures and gain happiness from it is an interesting topic. With the diverse living background, beliefs and values, the way people of West and East attain happiness from the same situation is very different. In the following, happiness from relationship, family and perception of the self will be discussed. Relationship  In the West, people are more likely to search and search for their true love. They are less bound by the commitment and when they find out they are not match with their partners, they may just separate easily and continue to search for the right person. They will not be stuck with the relationship that get bad and make themselves unhappy.  But in the East, people are often taught by the parents that when they choose and make commitment with the partner, they should stay together forever and in the past, div...
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Key to developing the intercultural awareness

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The world is consists of people from different countries and backgrounds. It is important to recognize and appreciate the differences among people. Thinking one’s culture is the best or superior than others is the most foolish way of thinking because every culture has its own value and showing respect is essential to each of them. So, how can people develop their intercultural awareness and attain happiness from it? To start with, one should first develop his own awareness of his views, assumption and beliefs and how they are shaped by his culture. When meeting new people, do not only ask about other’s culture and their views but also express one’s opinion on different issues so that an exchange of ideas can be facilitated. Through the conversation, it will be fun to distinguish the intercultural differences and recognize any gaps between one’s own assumption and beliefs. Furthermore, admitting the thing one do not know is a way of developing the intercultural awarenes...
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Travelling makes people happy and recognize cultural differences

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Travelling abroad is a good way to discover the intercultural awareness and gain happiness. In Hong Kong, people are often busy with their work. It is not easy nor making sense for them and just put down their work and go for a trip. However, travelling do not only bring joy to people but provide a precious opportunity for them to widen their horizon and learn from other cultures. First is the educational benefits bring by travelling. Before people go for a trip, they usually do research about the country they are going to visit such as reading travelling book and travelling blog on internet. Thus, travelling is providing a chance for people to have a deeper understanding about other country like its culture and custom, which is something people will not ordinary do. Moreover, travelling often include long transportation time and some people will choose to read books so to pass the time. This is also a good chance for people to absorb new knowledge and stimulate their ...
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Visiting museum as raising people's intercultural awareness and happiness

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Visiting museum is a good way for raising people’s awareness on the intercultural differences and gain happiness from the visiting. Recently, the Vanabbe Museum is showing an exhibition on Chinese history and culture, which is new to Dutch people and may be able to bring some inspiration to them. First, one of the exhibit is a group of 24 photos, showing the 24 solar terms in Chinese culture. A solar term is any of 24 points in traditional East Asian lunisolar calendars that matches a particular astronomical event or signifies some natural phenomenon. It is a traditional way of Chinese people viewing the days in a year and is very different from Western thoughts. Western culture is likely to figure out things by scientific data and this is interesting to bring a new kind of thinking to them by this exhibition. Next is a Chinese painting of a ghost. The image of ghost or monster is very different in traditional Eastern and Western thinking. In the past, Chinese peopl...
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