Week 1 Two Cultures

C.P. Snow’s (1959) points out the concept of two cultures in western society is “increasingly being split into two polar groups (4). This polarization results in stereotypes between non-scientists who think of their counterpart as “brash and boastful” (5), scientists also has negative connotations to non-scientists as well.

http://www.lsdgroofing.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Dog_Meme_11.jpg

One reason that Snow believes causes the polarization, is educational specialization (18). The subsequent stereotypes of the two cultures are especially noted at the UCLA Campus. As sociology major, I have heard a lot of comments made about the rivalry between the south campus science and north campus art majors during class. It is worth noting that the competition between specialization and the comparison are not circulated only among students; even the UCLA Fund made the rivalry official by comparing which side of campus donates more gifts.

http://www.theuclafund.ucla.edu/Images/Final-gift-count.jpg

Snow says that the polarization will only be a sheer loss to the society and the members in the society (12). In my opinion, the divide between north campus and south campus is very damaging. Before I came to UCLA, I was so grateful because I believe everyone who attends UCLA is best of the best. But seeing this separation within campus has changed my perception of the school’s diversity and harmony. I believe that since we are all the best, why do we need to pay attention to this separation?

My whole life is about different cultures, I was born in Hong Kong, then a British colony until 1997, after the city’s handover back to China, I had to learn a new language and a whole new set of customs. 

http://api.ning.com/files/zIAabpocw4aGO0SUNJKAapL2sC8CYEpuiwVj79KvkvQ-Mb0cyDJuaszv6WIrhCv8B1YSVF0jqaXiC*JKQHf8rRBt7qgUbHCr/learnedsaynihaomandarinmeme.png

Then I immigrated to the U.S., and I was shocked by the cultural difference between the two countries. Now, I am in love with Los Angeles, but also sadden by the continual civil unrest in my hometown (BBC News).

https://timedotcom.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/hkcover.jpg?quality=65&strip=color&w=814 (Hannah Beech)

Therefore, I think this week’s reading is instrumental for me to navigate my academic and personal life. Snow emphasizes that individuals share common patterns of behavior (Snow, 10). Bohm agrees that scientist is not fundamentally different from artist because of their same goal toward harmony and beauty (Bohm, 138)! Kelly also aligns the overlap between the purpose of science and arts. We should apply this philosophy in our daily life, by trying to be more considerate and embrace others regardless of our differences. All that we need to remember is “Go Bruins”!

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/68891069272710842/

Works Cited

Beech, Hannah. "Hong Kong Stands Up." Time. Time, 1 Oct. 2014. Web. 5 Apr. 2015. 

Bohm, David. “On creativity.” Leonardo (1968): 137-149.

“China Memes.” Tumblr. Web. 5 Apr. 2015. 

“Hong Kong's democracy debate.” BBC News. 2014. Web. 5 Apr. 2015.

 “Keep Calm and Go Bruins.” Pinterest. Web. 5 Apr. 2015.

Kelly, Kevin. "The Third Culture." The Third Culture. N.p., n.d. Web. Feb. 1998

“My Specialy is Groofing.” Lsdgroofing. Web. 5 Apr. 2015.

 “UCLA Fund - And the Winner of the North vs. South Campus Challenge Is....ALL Bruins!”

UCLA Fund. 22 May 2013. Web. 5 Apr. 2015.

Snow, C.P. “Two Cultures and the Scientific Revolution.” Cambridge University, New York. 1959.