Last weekend I had the chance to enjoy a charity event, which was hosted by the International Student Organization and all proceeds were donated to United Puerto Rico.
Before going deeper into that - I would like to start with a brief definition of the role of culture and perception in international relations: It is known that culture is the characteristics and knowledge of a particular group of people, encompassing language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music and arts. But culture is not only constrained of a certain group of people. What about values in the workplace or institutions, which are influenced by culture? Professor Gerhard Hofstedde for instance, conducted one of the most comprehensive studies about national culture. He defines culture as “the collective programming of the mind distinguishing the members of one category of people from others.” Hofsteddes’ cultural dimensions represent independent preferences for one state of affairs over another that distinguishes countries – rather than individuals – from each other’s. I disagree. I will show you why.
Before going deeper into that - I would like to start with a brief definition of the role of culture and perception in international relations: It is known that culture is the characteristics and knowledge of a particular group of people, encompassing language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music and arts. But culture is not only constrained of a certain group of people. What about values in the workplace or institutions, which are influenced by culture? Professor Gerhard Hofstedde for instance, conducted one of the most comprehensive studies about national culture. He defines culture as “the collective programming of the mind distinguishing the members of one category of people from others.” Hofsteddes’ cultural dimensions represent independent preferences for one state of affairs over another that distinguishes countries – rather than individuals – from each other’s. I disagree. I will show you why.
The Cultural Show was hosted at the Boston University Medical Campus. If you go to the 12th floor (library) you will have an amazing view of South End Boston. I fully recommend this place. One has to see and enjoy the breathtaking view.
But before the show, a catering service donated a delicious Mexican spicy buffet. They offered drinks and foods such as guacamole, chicken, tacos, salsa, and much more.
The first vocalist was Luisa. She is originally from Venezuela and has studied at the Berklee College of Music. Her first song was about flirting and the uncertainty if the affection is replied or not. She has an incredible voice. She mixes Venetian sounds with her soft voice, her talented guitar playing, she delivered a performance which is worth listening to. Convince yourself and listen to her music:
The first dancing performance was presented by the BU Belly Dance Society. The dynamic group represented a classical oriental belly dance. They swung their hips synchronically to the rhythm of the music. I also had the chance to see a Bollywood dance group. Vruti, Cindrel, and Jenisha performed an impressive and traditional Indian dance, which is worn, mostly around the ankles, in order to intensify acoustically the rhythmic movements of the feet.
Also, one must commend the act of Alex & his friends, which warmed up and brought into mood the people with their performance of the South African music and dance tradition. Almost everyone danced freely to the music.
Not all performances were perfect, but what counts is that everyone used the opportunity to introduce their own ideas and concepts into their work. Some were more cultural connoted and some fewer. Nevertheless, each individual is getting sufficient free spaces for his own interpretation, even when it comes to their own culture. Culture is not decisive based on a representation of a group or state, nowadays it is an interpretation of individuals, especially those ones who live in a foreign country.
With love from Boston,
Sibel
With love from Boston,
Sibel
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