First part of class we saw different clips of  Portugal and Brazil. It showed pretty much how colonization impacted each region, but you saw the differences in it as well. Portugal and Brazil are magnificently beautiful. From its wild life, surrounding ocean, cuisines, and vibrant culture, I was astonished and reeled into these two countries. After watching these two clips, we were able to discuss the videos and make comparisons. Since half of our class is from Macau, and that region was colonized by the Portuguese, it was really interesting to see them look at Portugal itself and say that they felt like home, or that it reminded them of home.

The second part of class was facilitated by Michael and KU. They discussed and differentiated the meaning of individualism and collectivism. We read an article regarding the efficiency of a Japanese company. It's interesting to see how they value community work, that they will strive to keep working long hours or else they feel that they aren't qualified for it, but also that they cherish and value each other's individual worth. That's the biggest difference between America and Japan. This whole idea of collectivism and individualism. In many Asian countries, to be someone, to get anywhere, to do something, you NEED to KNOW SOMEONE. In order to move up the social ladder, you need to have the advantage of knowing someone, or being to able to have connections. While here in America, I feel like, (in my I, opinion) we cherish and revolve around this whole idiom of "survival of the fittest". Everything and everyone, it is ALL ABOUT COMPETITION. To think about it, it's pretty tiring. But, you need to be the tops of the class, the best students, the best resume, the best interview, the best everything. PERFECTION at its finest is welcomed with open arms in America. Each company is striving to progressively beat their competitor. Friends are always competing against each other.

But, also, I think that it doesn't necessarily come from which country you come from. I think it actually depends on how your family raised you. I was raised here in America, but when doing the test handed out in class, I was definitely leaning towards collectivism, and it's definitely how your parents raised you.