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Famous Landmarks in Asia to Visit
Submitted by Will Chen As the world’s largest continent, Asia is a place full of diversity and fantastic places to explore. Although I have not yet visited Asia, I plan to in the near future and hope to come across new environments to immerse myself in. Here are some famous landmarks that you should be sure to visit. The Great Wall of China: As one of the seven wonders of the world, I am sure that this does not come as a surprise to you. With over 10 million visitors each year, this landmark is a wonder that each and every person should visit at least once in their lifetime.…
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TV Show Review: Shogun
Shogun, set against the mesmerizing backdrop of 17th-century Japan, seamlessly combines historical drama, political intrigue, and cultural discovery. Following the resilient Lord Yoshii Toranaga, the narrative guides viewers through a tumultuous era in Japanese history. Shogun's meticulous attention to detail in recreating feudal Japan's rich tapestry sets it apart. From elaborate costumes to stunning landscapes, the series transports audiences to a bygone era, immersing them in the intricate world of samurai, shoguns, and political maneuvering.
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How Asian Cultures Are Formed
Asia, often referred to as the world's largest and most diverse continent, includes a variety of cultures intertwined together through generations of history. From the vibrant and exciting Filipino festivals to the beauty of Japanese tea ceremonies, Asian cultures encapsulate a rich blend of traditions, beliefs, languages, and lifestyles. But how are these complex cultural identities formed? Let’s dive into the multifaceted process of cultural formation in Asia, exploring the dynamic interplay of factors that have shaped its diverse tapestry.
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A Letter to My Past and Future Self
Dear Past and Future Me, I sit down to write this letter currently at the age of 20 years, 6 months, and 26 days. I find myself in a moment of reflection, caught between the memories of my past and the expectations of my future. At 20 years old, I stand on the threshold of adulthood as well as feeling like a child. I have thoughts of unrealistic dreams of the future like a child, but harsh realities headed my adult life. However...
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A Film That Will Make You Reminisce on Your Past and Future
Today I finally watched a film that I had been meaning to watch months back. Past Lives has been on my watch list for a long time, not solely due to its intriguing Korean female perspective or the praised cinematography, but primarily because of the overwhelming relatability that I've heard it possesses to many peoples’ own life experiences. They say you have to watch films at different stages of your life and you will have a different perspective on it. I firmly believe in this statement as I feel that watching this film taught me so many things regarding what I have experienced this past year.
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Superstitions My Asian Parents Told Me
Growing up in both South Korea and the United States, I have heard a fair share of superstitions from both countries, some even overlapping due to similarities. For as long as I remember, I avoided stepping on cracks, held my breath as I drove past graveyards, and never opened an umbrella indoors. People may not notice, but popular, silly superstitions such as these control our basic lives. Whether you believe in superstitions or not, you often think about them as you approach a sidewalk crack or a black cat in an alleyway. I grew up hearing about many superstitions from my parents, and oftentimes they would try to pass it…
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How Food Became Offerings
The act of food consumption and eating behaviors is a quality that all humans share in order to survive. The act of food offerings goes back to the era of hunters and gatherers as their means of survival. Over time, along with the increased complexity of food that has developed, the act of sharing and offering different food has become a common theme across all cultures—particularly in Asian culture.
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Breaking the Pattern: Intergenerational Trauma
In many Asian cultures, mental health is swept under the rug. It is not an excuse to not be okay as it is seen as a sign of weakness. Those who are similar in age to my parents strongly believe this as they were taught to do so by their mothers and fathers. Unfortunately, this is a dilemma that many younger generations and first generation kids continue to experience.
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Does the “Model Minority Myth” Hurt Asian Americans’ Mental Health?
Today in America, it is a term used to describe Asian Americans and their socioeconomic success, despite being a minority race. While this sounds like it’s a compliment, it’s really a term that is politically exploited by the media and politicians to put down other races. They point to Asian Americans and say, “If they can make it, then anyone can make it as long as they put in the work.” This drives a wedge between Asian Americans and other minorities in America, which is horrible in a time where all people of color need to stick together.
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Halloween in Asian Cultures
We have Halloween. What’s it like elsewhere around the world?
