Japanese valuesare cultural assumptions and ideals particular
toJapanese culture. Thehonne/tatemae dividebetween public
expression and private thoughts/feelings is considered to be of
paramount importance inJapanese culture.[1]
InJapanese mythology, the gods display human emotions, such
asloveandanger.[2]In these stories, behavior that results in
positive relations with others is rewarded, and empathy,
identifying oneself with another, is highly valued. By contrast,
those actions that are individualistic or antisocial (those that
harm others) are condemned. Hurtful behavior is punished in the
myths by ostracizing the offender.No society can exist that does
not manage and integrateantisocial behavior,[citation
needed]Japanese children learn from their earliest days that human
fulfillment comes from close association with others. Children
learn early to recognize that they are part of an interdependent
society, beginning in the family and later extending to larger
groups such as neighborhood, school, playground, community, and
company. Dependence on others is a natural part of the human
condition; it is viewed negatively only when the social obligations
(giri) it creates are too onerous to fulfill, leading to, for
example,suicide, which is a topic of great elaboration inJapanese
historyandculture. However, in the early part of the 21st century
schoolbullyinghas become a topic of very great concern.[3]
JAPANESE TRADITION
The traditional Japan is as far away of our imagination as is
the distance that separates us from the Country of the Rising
Sun.The only difference is the following one: what we imagine about
Japan cannot be measured in miles, but in degrees and nuances of
sensibility.Due to Japan's geographical isolation, the expression
of Japanese culture was perceived here in sequences and not as a
structured unity. This unity of structure infers the unity of
opposite things that we generally call "contrasts".Indeed, these
"contrasts" in themselves may be considered as the thesis of this
article.Thus the 11th century AC, when the states from Europe were
just developing, finds Japan with a classical literature in a
centralized state.Tenderness and sensitivity so well expressed in
the literature were in a deep contrast with the harshness of the
Samurai's class. The Japanese warrior caste of Samurai began its
ascent at that time and would lead Japans destiny for eight
centuries.In a country where torture was considered an art,hanami,
cherry-blossom viewing, was a feast, not only for the eyes, but for
the soul too.
VALUES IN INDONESIA
Indonesia is a nation comprising a great variety of peoples and
cultures, all of which are being affected by Western, modern values
and attitudes purveyed through the media, films, satellite
television, the internet, education, commerce, and tourism.
Nevertheless, the basic family and social values remain and form a
basis for interpersonal relations and public behavior. Despite
their diversity, similar values underpin all Indonesian societies
and the comments below apply to all.
THE FAMILY The family is Indonesias central institution. It
defines ones position in life and provides security, status, and
identity. The extended family is alive and well in Indonesia, and
family relationships are clearly defined. The recognized head of
the family is the eldest male, affectionately known asbapak, and
members are ranked by age rather than sex, down to the newly born.
Infants remain in close contact with their mothers and are carried
everywhere. Fathers are affectionate to their children, who are
taught to respect and honor them, though the relationship becomes
more distant as they grow up. Where there are a large number of
children, the elder siblings may spend some time away living with
other relatives. An older relative may take a mentoring role as
uncle or aunt, but the parents retain the position of highest
honor.
TRADITIONS IN INDONESIATraditions of
Indonesiaaretraditions,beliefs,values, andcustomsthat belong within
thecultureof Indonesianpeople. Indonesia is a vast country of
sprawlingarchipelagowith a diverse demographic range of over300
ethnic groups,[1]and speaking more than 700 livinglanguages. With
202.9 million Muslim s (88.2% of the total population as of
2009),[3]Indonesia has the largestMuslimpopulation in the world.
Indonesia also has significant numbers
ofChristians.ProtestantandCatholicspopulation are the majority,
with other Christian groups existing as well. TheHindudemographics
in Indonesia, see the majority living on the island
ofBali.BuddhistIndonesians are located throughout the country, and
are ethnically identified asChinese Indonesians.
VALUES IN CHINA
The cultural values of a country influence its national
psychology and identity. Citizens values and public opinions are
conveyed to state leaders through the media and other information
channels, both directly and indirectly influencing decisions on
foreign policy. The traditional cultural values that influence the
psyche of the Chinese people are harmony, benevolence,
righteousness, courtesy, wisdom, honesty, loyalty, and filial
piety.
Of these, the core value is harmony. Harmony means proper and
balanced coordination between things and encompasses rationale,
propriety, and compatibility. Rationale refers to acting according
to objective laws and truths. Propriety indicates suitability and
appropriateness. The value of harmony advocates harmony but not
uniformity. Properly coordinating different things by bringing them
together in the appropriate manner allows them to develop from an
uncoordinated state to one of coordination; from asymmetry to
symmetry; and from imbalance to balance. Modern Chinese society
tries to maintain harmony between humankind and nature; between
people and society; between members of different communities; and
between mind and body.
TRADITIONS IN CHINA
Living in China, you soon learn that Chinese traditions play an
integral role in everyday life for every person. It is at the very
core of Chinese culture and revolves around values and how people
interact with each other, gives a sense of personal identity and
sense of self worth. These traditional values help people solve
common human problems for survival and become the roots of
tradition that Chinese people find important in their day-to-day
lives.Values for one society may seem strange to another society,
but nonetheless, they are important to that society. For instance,
the painful and debilitatingChinese tradition of foot binding, as
bizarre as it may seem to our culture, to the Chinese people, it
was the esoteric essence of pure beauty and signified status within
the family structure, allowing young women with lotus feet better
opportunities for marriage with well-to-do families.Traditional
Chinese courtyard life, in existence until the early 1900s, was a
unique lifestyle where Chinese families and neighbours lived in
very close quarters sharing a common courtyard and everyone knowing
everyone elses business. Special rules applied for who occupied
which space in certain directions. Read more about it by clicking
the link above.
African ValuesGreetingGreet people whenever you see them; even
strangers. Ignoring anyone is rude.StrangersWelcome strangers,
respect them, and treat them well, because they may return the
favour in the future. The good you do for someone else will
eventually be paid back to you.EldersRespect your elders. They have
many years of experience. They know and hold the traditional values
that have always kept communities together. Their minds are less
poisoned by the modern world than young minds.IntegrityYou will be
judged not by how you look, what you wear, or what you have, but
who you are and how you act.HonestyIf you do something bad, people
will find out about it. It helps keep you honest.ResponsibilityNo
person is an island. Each person exists as a part of the community.
No one cannot act without consequence. Each person has great
responsibility. You always have a role, responsibility and duties
in the community, determined by your age, gender, health and
abilities.SelflessnessShare what you have, even if it is very
little. Do not be selfish.You must struggle against the community's
problems and not be content to please yourself. Work for the common
good.
TRADITION IN AFRICA
The traditional beliefs and practices of African peoples include
various traditional religions.Generally, these traditions are oral
rather than scriptural,include belief in a supreme creator, belief
in spirits,veneration of ancestors, use of magic, andtraditional
medicine.The role of humanity is generally seen as one of
harmonizing nature with the supernatural. While adherence to
traditional religion in Africa is hard to estimate, due to
syncretismwithChristianity,Islam, andJudaism, practitioners are
estimated to number over 100 million, or at least 10 percent of the
population of the continent.African diasporic religionsare also
practiced in the diaspora in the Americas, such
asCandomble,Santeria, andVodou.
VALUES & TRADITIONS IN PERSIA Jordan can be regarded for a
typically Arab country for its people are very warm, friendly and
hospitable. Jordanians are typically happy to forgive foreigners
who break the rules of etiquette. However, visitors seen to be
making an effort to observe local customs will undoubtedly win
favour.Joining local people for a cup of tea or coffee can be a
wonderful way to learn more about local culture. If you are invited
yet are unable to attend, then it is perfectly acceptable to
decline. Place your right hand over your heart and politely make
your excuses.
Many families, particularly in rural areas, are very traditional
and, if you visit their house, you may well find it is divided
between the men and women. Foreign women are often treated as
"honorary" men.Local women in Jordan enjoy considerable freedom
when compared with many other countries in the region. Women are
entitled to a full education, they can vote, they can drive cars,
and they often play significant roles in business and politics.
Arranged marriages and dowries are still common.
VALUES AND TRADITIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES"Filipinos greatly value
family ties"(inhirited from the Chinese)No other trait of the
Filipino is more known the world over than his being a hospitable
host.A foreigner new to the Philippines is usually treated to
genuine hospitality in many ways-an invitation to dinner or night
entertainment can go as far as an invitation to spend a night in
the house of the Filipino host.It is not uncommon for a guest to be
accommodated in the best room of the house.Dont feel ill at ease if
your host appears to have gone out of his way to make you feel
comfortable.Hospitality is deeply entrenched among the
Filipinos,hence it is only natural for host to welcome a total
stranger to his house.Filipinos greatly value family ties,a trait
inherited from the Chinese,who began to settle in the philippines
centuries ago.Family members help one another and this attachment
is usually seen in several occasions-the birth of a family
member,marriage or death.It is also reflected in cases where a
family member approaches an uncle or cousin for employment or other
favor.It is for this reason that nepotism is rampant in
Filipino-owned companies.as the case ofutang na loob(of being
beholden)is as strong as not losing face is to a Chinese.Another
trait that has lingered on is respect to elders.Ar an early
age,Filipinos are tauught to respect their elders and obey their
will. It is common practice,especially in the province,to kiss the
hand or forehead of ones grandparents or older relatives,as a sign
of greeting and respect.Elders are key in the family,and their
advice usually followed.Children are taught to attach"po"or"Opo"to
whatever they say especially when speaking with older people.