[HWPL Peace Education Textbook 2-2] My Influence | What is Influence?

[HWPL Peace Education Textbook Chapter 2] A Reason for All Creation Living in Harmony

[2-2] My Influence | What is Influence?

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the reasons for the harmony of natural elements.

2. Gain insight into one's own value, influence, roles, and responsibilities.

◆ Humans influence each other because they are social beings

Natural Elements Harmonize Through Mutual Influence

The second reason for the harmony of natural elements is that they influence each other, fulfilling needs. Humans cannot live alone. They cannot fulfill all their needs by themselves. We live in houses built by others, wear clothes made by others, and eat agricultural products grown by others. We receive help and benefits from the efforts of others. Humans are social animals. Everyone is connected to others and influences each other.

The influence we have on each other varies depending on how we perceive each other. If we view each other as targets for comparison and competition, it becomes difficult to have a positive impact on each other, and distrust emerges. However, if we view each other as partners in cooperation and mutual prosperity, we can trust each other.

Image from Pixabay

Birds Helping Each Other Fly Long Distances

Birds that migrate between breeding and wintering grounds depending on the season are called migratory birds. They travel in groups, covering hundreds to thousands of kilometers. One species of migratory bird, the goose, flies in a V formation with dozens of individuals. This minimizes energy consumption. When flying in a large V formation, the heart rate and flapping frequency decrease by 11-14% compared to flying alone. Additionally, flying in a V formation allows the bird in front to create an updraft, making it much easier for the bird behind to fly. If the lead bird gets tired, it will switch positions with a bird behind it, allowing the tired bird to rest and regain strength.

Flying long distances alone is difficult for a single goose. But when dozens of geese cooperate, they can cover distances that would be impossible to fly alone. This cooperation among geese is reminiscent of an African proverb: "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together." We cannot fulfill all our needs by ourselves. Therefore, we need communities that provide help and fulfill our needs. Just like the mutual cooperation among flocks of geese for long journeys, such cooperation is also needed in human society.

Image from Pixabay

Revealing Each Other's Value and Influence: The Salad Bowl Theory

When discussing the harmony of diversity, we cannot forget the "Salad Bowl Theory." The Salad Bowl Theory refers to the process of various cultures coming together to create new cultures. Each vegetable and fruit maintains its own flavor while being mixed together in a bowl, creating a new taste.

Of course, the Salad Bowl Theory should not be forcibly applied to all countries or cultures. The key point is that when individuals with unique qualities are connected and influence each other, they can create new and creative cultures. Their individual values shine even brighter, and their influence on each other becomes more apparent.

Image from Pixabay

◆ Remark: Who created the "Salad Bowl Theory"?

The Salad Bowl Theory was proposed by Edward T. Hall, an American sociologist, through sociological analysis. The term "salad bowl" was used to describe the lifestyle of residents of Cape Town, South Africa, a British colony in the late 19th century. At that time, white farm owners in South Africa forced black people to grow vegetables and took most of the harvested crops. Black people struggled to survive and had to cultivate their own crops to sustain themselves.

Feeling limited by the traditional agricultural methods, black people began cultivating their own land or planting new crops. Eventually, they became self-sufficient. As the lives of black people changed, conflicts between different races and classes gradually disappeared. Subsequently, individual freedom of choice was guaranteed, and economic equality began to emerge. Edward T. Hall likened the mixture of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and other ingredients in a salad bowl to the relationships between people. He began using the term "salad bowl" as a sociological concept.

 

◆   Reflection:

1. Think about what help you can offer to your family, friends, teachers, and loved ones over the next week, and present on the influence you have as a person.