[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.
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.
◆ 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.
A beautiful read. HWPL Peace Education is an education that fosters citizens of peace with the value and spirit of peace. 367 schools in 82 countries are conducting Peace education with HWPL
ReplyDeletePeace Education is an education that fosters citizens of peace with the value and spirit of peace. 367 schools in 82 countries are conducting Peace education with HWPL
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