In this Reflective Writing Essay, I will discuss two themes that I have selected, that have been covered in our Culture & Society class this semester. Those two themes are Creating an Inclusive Society (as was covered in my Group Presentation), and Human Rights (as discussed throughout the semester). I will answer the following three questions in order to present how what I have learned in this paper has affected my overall outlook on culture and society:
1) What do these two themes mean in relation to my personal understanding of the concepts of culture and society?
2) What do these themes now mean to me in terms of my personal values, beliefs and identity, as a member of society?
3) How have I seen these themes be applied in relation to my own discipline’s approach to culture and society, and in comparison to at least one other discipline?
Throughout this semester, my eyes have been opened to the importance of creating, and contributing to, an inclusive society. Not only was this the topic of my group's presentation, it also became something I considered personally. Inclusion is something that every person strives to feel, whether it be unconsciously, sub-consciously, or consciously. I know for myself that being included in social and familial circles is extremely important to me. From a young age, we are taught to treat others the way that we ourselves wish to be treated. I feel that this was high-lighted in many of the lectures throughout this course, in particular the lecture by guest speaker Lexie Matheson. She shared how her sexual orientation as a trans-gender woman sets her apart from the majority of society around her. She shared how she, along with others of her sexual orientation, are oftentimes ostracised from society. She also stated that trans-gender people are not covered by the Declaration of Human Rights. I found this to be very upsetting, as surely all human beings should have freedom to live how they so choose.
Dr Clare Ferguson, an independent consultant, delved into such an idea as that. She wrote a report that was commissioned by The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. I feel that what she said speaks volumes in terms of where we should be as a society. She stated: “An inclusive society is a society that over-rides differences of race, gender, class, generation, and geography, and ensures inclusion [and] equality." I feel that her statement summarises how an ideal society would operate. What she is describing is a society wherein racism, sexism, ageism and other elements do not exist; a society that is centred in inclusion; a society where basic human rights to be a part of your community with no prejudice are both recognised and practiced. What she is describing is a culture and a society that is accepting and inclusive.
When I was researching this idea of the importance of societal inclusion, I came across a journal article that is of particular interest to me. In the article, two academics discussed findings from an experiment carried out with the purpose of understanding exclusion and its affects more clearly. According to their findings, "Experiment 1 found that participants who recalled a social exclusion experience gave lower estimates of room temperature... In Experiment 2... participants who were excluded reported greater desire for warm food and drink." (Zhong & Leonardelli). The study concludes that feeling left out of society indeed has physical consequences, as well as emotional. In a somewhat unconventional way, I draw a parallel between that study showing need for social warmth to Article 25 part one of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights: "Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the... well-being of himself and of his family." According to the afore-mentioned study, social inclusion is not just an emotional, but a physical need. And, according to The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, physical needs are indeed a Human Right and should be met without question.
Creating an Inclusive Society and protecting basic Human Rights, go hand in hand. According to Article 27, part one, of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, "Everyone has the right to freely participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in... advancement..." This is evidence that everyone has a right to be included in their culture and within society as a whole.
In conclusion, and to answer the three questions upon which this reflective writing piece is based...
1) What do these two themes mean in relation to my personal understanding of the concepts of culture and society? The themes of Creating an Inclusive Society and Human Rights enable me to acknowledge that it is part of our duty as fellow human beings to include those around us and contribute to a society wherein everyone is seen and treated as an equal. Article 22 of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that, "Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to... security and is entitled to realisation..."
2) What do these themes now mean to me in terms of my personal values, beliefs and identity, as a member of society? Studying these themes has enabled me to look outside of myself, and focus on the equal, fair treatment of everyone around me. As can be seen from my photo board at the start of the semester, I identify as a Christian woman. In the Holy Bible, there is a verse of scripture that reads: "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." (John 13:34). I have read this verse countless times throughout my life, but my studies of Creating an Inclusive Society and protecting Human Rights in this paper have allowed me to realise that it is my duty not only as a human being, but also as a woman who follows Jesus' instruction, to show respect and love to everyone. I have come to understand more fully that I have a personal and religious obligation to contribute to an Inclusive Society, where others can feel welcome and "warm" (Zhong & Leonardelli).
3) How have I seen these themes be applied in relation to my own discipline’s approach to culture and society, and in comparison to at least one other discipline? Something I really appreciated about the Culture & Society paper was the ways in which different learning methods were combined. The settings for learning were inclusive and welcoming, just as our society should be. I was able to learn from guest speakers in the weekly lecture, discuss what I had learned from them and hear other peoples' opinions in the weekly tutorial, and then read up on anything I felt to further research via the online readings. This enabled me to garner several perspectives about various topics.This was beneficial to me as I learned to look outward. I feel that I was able to really reflect and consider my own opinions, in conjunction with the rich thoughts and ideas of others. A more selfless outlook enabled me to learn more and broaden my intellectual and social horizons. My academic discipline here at AUT is writing. These two themes have, without a doubt, affected my writing in a positive way. Likewise, those classmates of mine whose discipline is Hospitality or Event Management have inevitably learned of the importance of making guests or clients feel included in their line of work in the future. As a whole, I feel that our class has learned invaluable information about Human Rights, and the need for equality in both culture, and in society.
ID Number: 1109715
Total words: 1,280
References:
Zhong, C., & Leonardelli, G. (2008). Cold and Lonely: Does Social Exclusion Literally Feel Cold?. Psychological Science, 19(9), 838-842. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2008.02165.x
Ferguson, C. (2008). Promoting Social Integration (pp. 8-10). Retrieved from https://www.gsdrc.org /docs/open/SE6.pdf
Humanrights.com.(2015). UN Universal Declaration, Articles & Freedoms, Equal & Fair: United for Human Rights. Retrieved 10 October 2015, from http://www.humanrights.com/what-are-human-rights/universal-declaration-of-human-rights/articles-11-20.html
Lds.org,. (2015). John 13:34. Retrieved 17 October 2015, from https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/13.34?lang=eng#33
Also referenced was the lecture held on the 22nd of July, 2015 ("We blame society, but we are society!"), and the lecture by guest speaker Lexie Matheson, who addressed us on the 14th of October, 2015.
