Hi, my name is Taylor. I am a
junior studying Conflict Analysis and Resolution. As a Conflict Analysis and
Resolution Major I spend a lot of time talking and learning about different
cultures. Specifically, how a culture influences an individual’s perspective on
the world. These cultural difference often impact how individual interact with
their environment, and how they perceive conflicts. The knowledge I have gained
through my major has shown me the importance of learning about different
perspectives. Therefore, I jump at any chance to broaden my knowledge on any
culture. When I read about a project that focused on American Culture I knew it
was something I would want to research about.
The idea behind the American
Cultural Change project is to track how different concepts have evolved in
American Culture over time. The focus of my research was on modesty verses
bragging. I researched how often we discussed modesty and bragging over the
past few decades. This was to determine whether one was more prominent in our
society today than in the past. Discussion on modesty in particular has
decreased whereas bragging has increased. This is particularly evident in the
American school system. A decline in modesty talk lead me to researched how
students are taught, and how influenced they are by bragging in their academics
careers. On a weekly basis I read through articles on education, and grade
inflation. I also read books on classroom management, and self- esteem.
This project made me reevaluate
how I look at my education. It has shown me where I can personally improve to
become a more humble in my education. As well as the impacts of an atmosphere
where bragging is encouraged.
