HW10: The Modern Era

Before, men have more opportunities than women. Women are not allowed to join in any politics or to go to school because of the tradition that women is just a support for males and that they are only tied to the house to do households while men are the ones' prioritized because culture dictates that men should be the provider and protector of women. However because the change in culture, our gender roles is also affected.
 

According to the article http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/feb/02/womens-pay-packets-shift-domestic-order by Liza Mundy, in the US, part of the cause of the role-shift was the recession, which has seen more men losing jobs than women. At the same time, in the US and elsewhere, younger women are outstripping men academically and are more likely to enter higher education. Many are graduating and getting higher-paying jobs than men are. But women and men rarely talk about how this is impacting on their lives and their relationships.

In my understanding of her statement, women are more interested in studying compared to men. I think this is because women are now grabbing all the opportunities that will really and finally prove her worth in the society she belongs. Education is the only way to prove it.

Based from a 25-year old engineer interviewed she said, "I think that most of the women I run around with are not necessarily looking for someone who makes a comparable income, but someone who has a comparable education level, or at least comparable ambitions."

For me, I agree with what the woman said because nowadays, many countries are experiencing financial crisis. Because of that, women are looking and needing more intelligent and wise partner who will help her survive whatever it is may come. This simply means that the world tells one to be wise in making decisions and consider not only the heart but also the MIND. Actually, it is a priority or necessity that one must have a good education. In the Philippines, many Filipino families are too large but the parents does not have a good job to sustain the needs of all the family members that is why, many street children are found stealing, asking moneys in outside churches and some who uses drugs. This is also I think is the reason why gender reversals is happening in that it would be more effective if both partners are working. Right now, what our country needs are educated people that would rise up our nation.

Liza also mentioned that others are finding subtle ways to restore an old-fashioned sense of courtship. According to one young Atlanta woman that she also interviewed, she owns a car, while her boyfriend does not. When they go out on dates, she drives to his place, hops out and gets into the passenger seat. "I let him drive my car, hand him the concert tickets, I do little things that make him feel – does this make sense? – like he's in charge … When we get gas, he pumps the gas, but it's my credit card."

This scenario may be compared to the modern courtship in the Philippines. Before, Filipina women are the one being courted through "harana" or serving the parents of the girl. But due to the change in culture, this practices are being change in that there are some women who courts the guy. This may look ugly but it does happen especially if the guy is too shy to express his feelings to the girl, the girl gets embarrassed so she now makes the first move. Actually, I do not accept this because no matter what happens it must always be the guy who courts the girl. On the other hand, this affects the pride of men.

In my point of view, the change in gender roles of men and women give both of them an enlarged sense of purpose and identity. Men in many cases are doing an able and generous-minded job of redefining themselves, expanding the notion of "provider" to mean not just providing economically, but emotionally and logistically. Both gender experiences a new challenging role that enables one to discover more about him/herself and go beyond what is expected of them. In a family setting, the stay-at-home dads are given the chance to get closer to his children while women are grabbing the chance to be recognized.

Since role reversals is already happening,I think the only solution for it to have a good outcome is for men and women to help each other out. Its like they must just do what is right. Gender role reversal is a good thing on both genders if one will look at the reasons deeply on why such happens.

HW9: Interview Report

As I am working with my paper, I found some limitations in my research study. Although my resources provide sufficient information regarding my topic, I still need to confirm those data. In order to satisfy these necessities, I conducted an interview to some adults and anime fans. All of the interviews were conducted through internet which lasted for about 10-15 minutes. 

The summary of the interviews are the following: 

1. What can you say about women protecting men in anime? 

In this question, 9 out of 12 said that women protecting men is rare in real life but it happens given the right circumstances . They said that it can be a motivating factor for women in real life do the impossible and protect the men. 

2. As a man/woman, do you agree with the changes happening among the gender roles?Why or why not? How does it affect you? 

In this question, 2 out of 6 men did not agree for it affects his pride and masculinity. On the other hand, the 4 agreed because according to them, it is somehow nice that they give authority to women becoz there are things men can do that woman can.Also, it adds point to their masculinity. 

From the 6 women interviewed, 5 out of 6 women agreed that the role reversals today lift their spirits up. It was an awakening for women that women can also do some things that men can. They are given the chance to prove that women can live without men. In terms of security, many women are also police and military officers whoe are even higher ranked than some male officers. On the other hand, interviewee #2 did not agree because women is too fragile to be the one protecting men. 

3. What do you think are the similarities between gender role reversals in anime and in our society? 

From the 12 persons interviewed, 1 out of 6 women and none of the men did not find any similarities. On the other hand,the rest did come up with the same observation. According to them, both genders are treated equally. Both are capable of doing the works in opposite gender. 

4. What do you think will be the outcome if such change continues? Can it truly change our tradition? How did you say so? 

In this question, majority answered that the outcome is simple. We would never look at a woman the same way we look to them ever again.. As for our traditions, it would change drastically in a way that would greatly affect our lives forever like households, jobs, value, and everything will change in some way or another. Based from the answers gathered, I found out that although there are still some who does not agree with the changes, generally it is still accepted now in the Philippines. Another thing I have founded out is that role reversals does empower women for it only shows that women can also do something for our society. They can be a mother and at the same time could also be a leader.

On the other hand, I have founded out that role reversal does not really affect the machismo image of man even though it affects somehow. The reason is that giving authority to women is a part of their masculinity. 

HW8: Chapter 3

Chapter 3 

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS 

AND RECOMMENDATIONS 

SUMMARY 

          This paper attempted to determine the effects of gender role reversal featured in anime cartoons in the Philippine society. 

       The research design used in this study is the descriptive research method wherein data from articles gathered and interviews conducted are compiled to answer the research question posed. The research findings are the following:

1. Culture shapes one’ behavior in that it mandates males to be “masculine” and female to be “feminine”. 

2. Philippines is also mandated by its own standards towards masculinity and feminity which came from the Spanish influence that invaded Philippines in the past years which eventually became a part of our culture. This includes Filipina being viewed as the “ilaw ng tahanan” who were seen as a support for males and their roles were exclusively for housekeeping and child nurturing while men are viewed as the “haligi ng tahanan” whose role is to provide for the needs of his family, dominant and a protector of women.

3. The traditional gender roles are being reversed in anime actually based from the Japanese culture that are being appraised through its content and character portrayals which results on women being empowered and the masculinity of men being affected. 

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the findings of this study, the following conclusions are drawn:

1. Gender role reversals are generally accepted now in the Philippines.

2. Role reversal does not really affect the masculinity of men, besides; it adds point to their masculinity. 

3. The role reversal is favorable for women for it is an awakening for them that women can also do some things that men can. 

RECOMMENDATIONS

After drawing the conclusions of the study, the researchers hereby make the following suggestions/recommendations:

1. In identifying the effects of role reversals in a certain society, it is better that one has insights into the changes that happen in culture as years passes and taking into consideration the culture before instead of immediately jumping into the present. 

2. Researchers should make a research on other possible future effects that may arise due to the ever changing culture that redefines our roles as it change. 

REFERENCES: 

A. Electronic Media 

“Cultural connections: The roles of men and women.” Retrieved October 13, 2012 from http://www.philippines.com.au/travel/channels/business/rolesofmenwom.htm. 

 Wagner, Beth. Switching gender roles in manga: Men as women and women as men. Retrieved October 20, 2012 from http://www.mythandmanga.com/2010/04/switching-gender-roles-in-manga-men-as.html. 

“Rizal, the romantic.” Retrieved October o2, 2012 from http://www.blogger.com/http/www.joserizal.ph/lv01.html. 

NOVEL: NOLI ME TANGERE BY JOSÉ RIZAL. Mandirigma.org. (Accessed on 14 June 2011).

“The trend towards gender role reversal.”Retrieved December 9, 2012 from http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/feb/02/womens-pay-packets-shift-domestic-order

“The 12 essential roles of culture in society.” Retrieved November 24, 2012 from   (http://www.preservearticles.com/201102214077/what-are-the-12-essential-roles-of-culture-in-society.html)

Rubio, R. J. (2011, October 1). Culture, Society and Masculinities. Retrieved November 10, 2012 http://www.readperiodicals.com/201110/2493441911.html#b#ixzz2BwGDI3Te.

Palafox, Queennie(2012). Girl power: The women of malolos. Retrieved October 25, 2012 http://www.nhcp.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=636&Itemid=3 

HW7: Chapter 2-Discussion

Chapter2

Discussion

What are the effects of gender role reversals featured in anime cartoons in the Philippine Society?

Gender Role Reversal Definition 

 
Gender role reversal is the act of doing the role of another person in a way that men behave like women and women behave like men. It make one discover a new personality that it makes a person experience a behavior from the other side. Women are given the chance to prove their worth in the society that they could do men’s work while men are also given the chance to show that from being dominant; there is other side of them that is not far off from women. They could also do household chores and care for the children. Men as well can cry when needed because like women, men also are emotional being. Through role reversal, one is able to come out from the long years of being stuck in the old idea and gives one the opportunity to know, witness, or discover oneself. However in actuality, what shapes our gender roles is our culture.
 

 CULTURE

Culture exists from the moment we are born. It governs our lives throughout our existence which vary among different cultures. It sets values and attitudes towards lives and dictates one to behave according to its expectation. These societal expectations and values mandate males to be “masculine” and females to be “feminine”. Culture sets what man and a woman should be. Generally, men are viewed as active, strong, brave, courageous, dominant as to making decisions and aggressive when it comes to women while women are viewed as submissive to men, nurturing, and adaptive to her environment. These standards limit one’s ability to experience new things.
 

Philippines also follow its own standards. These standards came from the influence of the Spaniards which invaded Philippines in the past years which eventually became a part of our culture. This includes Filipina being viewed as the “ilaw ng tahanan” wherein they were tied to the house and their roles were exclusively for housekeeping and a support to males. She is responsible for nurturing the children while her husband is at work and submissive to men. Women are prohibited from going to school and to work. They are not allowed to participate in politics because it is a man’s work. 

On the other hand, men face more opportunities than women. Men are more prioritized in terms of education and work opportunities. They are viewed as the provider of the family and protector of women. But because of the gradual changes in culture, one is given the chance to bloom. However, according to the article Culture, Society and Masculinities, the prevailing tradition is that Filipino men are expected to be the “ama ng tahanan” and the satisfactory performance of this role is the ultimate indicator of a truly masculine male.

One model of a traditional Filipina is Maria Clara of Noli Me Tangere. She was the faithful and obedient daughter of Capitan Tiago who was represented as the weakest woman in the novel setting. Despite having all the characteristics of being an ideal woman that every man wished to have, she does not have the power to impose her will. She is submissive and cannot decide of her own. She honors her parents too much that she follows their will even if she does not want to. She had never loved anyone except for Ibarra. Rizal had shown Maria Clara as the symbol of purity and innocence of a sheltered native woman during the time of Spanish occupation (NOVEL: NOLI ME TANGERE BY JOSÉ RIZAL.).
 

On the other hand, one traditional Filipino male model is Jose Rizal. He possessed the trait of being a brave hero who kept and fight for his ideals up to the end to speak for his country even if it would cost his life. He also possessed the trait of being active and aggressive when it comes to women or what is termed as “babaero”. According to the article Rizal, the Romantic, there were at least nine women linked with Rizal namely Segunda Katigbak, Leonor Rivera, Leonor Valenzuela, Leonora Consuelo Ortiga, O-Sei San, Gertrude Beckette, Nelly Boustead, Suzanne Jacoby and Josephine Bracken. Leonor Rivera Leonor Rivera was his near-cousin and childhood playmate who had played the greatest influence in keeping Rizal from falling in love with other women during his travel. Unfortunately, their relationship did not last because of the disapproval of Leonor’s mother. However, Rizal found his heart on an orphan who was rumored to be a whore and allegedly a spy for the Spanish named Josephine Bracken.
All of these characteristics are what defines male to be masculine and women to be feminine which was being reversed in anime that are based on the Japanese culture. This practice is now common in Japan which also influences Filipino culture through the use of anime.

2 Factors Appraising Role Reversals Featured in Anime

A. Content 

According to an article, content is one factor that appraises gender role reversal. The symbolic content of a certain TV commercial or show has the potential to strongly influence the audience which could also be found in the context of anime where stories are sometimes made realistically that enables one to keep in touch. Commercials use certain strategies to catch the attention of the viewers to patronize a product. Similarly in anime, it contains plots that are similar in reality like Slamdunk which portrays team work that can be seen in real life sports competition. It work on a level that is universal in that most people around the world despite cultural and traditional differences can recognize and identify with a story imported from another culture. This simply means that through the content, anime has the potential to open us into a new idea of gender roles. 

B. Characters 

Character is another factor that appraises gender role reversal. It influences a person through the depiction of similar role in reality. For example is the portrayal of the female character Kaoru of Samurai X, a kendo teacher who owns a dojo and upon the continuation of the story met 3 men whom she treated as a family and allowed them to stay in her place wherein she portrayed a woman being the breadwinner. She was the one working despite the fact that she lives with 3 young men. This character portrayal does contribute in influencing our own culture.

Effects of Role Reversals Featured in Anime in the Philippine Society

A. Empower Women 
 
For the past centuries, women have been deprived of many privileges or rights in the due to the standards set by our culture. They were neglected in terms of education and work. They were viewed as someone who was just a support for male and a housekeeper. But due to the role reversal featured in anime, women are being empowered because they are being viewed in a different perspective. They are being recognized as someone who can also protect. They are given the chance to prove themselves that they are not just for housekeeping but they could also be a leader. Some Filipina women who became leaders are former presidents Corazon Aquino and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. 

Traditionally, the woman exchanges her submissiveness in exchange for protection which the man can provide but as women become more educated and successful, they are empowered and it is these changes that dislocate men from their gendered place in society. Thus, men have to redefine their roles by encompassing housework to re-assume a degree of balance in their partnership (http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/feb/02/womens-pay-packets-shift-domestic-order).

Based from the interviews conducted, 8 out of 10 women agreed that the role reversals today lift their spirits up. It was an awakening for women that women can also do some things that men can. They are given the chance to prove that women can live without men. 
 
B. Destroy “machismo” image of men 
 
The definition of the word “macho” is a debate. For some, it evokes great male pride and for others, it reeks of negativity and abuse. According to a research study What is a “macho” man? By Emiliano Diaz de Leon, macho only means to be a “male”. The traditional notion of masculinity displayed in the role of a father is “limited to protecting and providing for children”. Such masculinity is dependent on not doing the things that mothers do. A true macho is a man of his word and has a sense of responsibility for his own well-being and that of others. He is like a mirror, reflecting support and clarity to one another. Some women prefer macho men but some do not because they often think of macho men as uncooperative, unsympathetic, aggressive and disinterested in parenting. New research suggest that women from countries with healthier populations prefer more feminine-looking men while in countries where poor health is particularly a threat to survival, women leaned toward “manlier” men. (http://online.wsj.com/article/ ). 
 
Gender role reversal does affect the macho image of a man because it puts man secondary to women. It affects their pride that from being dominant, they were now being viewed as equal to women. Some male characters are being protected by female characters. They are the one being saved instead of them saving which sometimes make the character irritated because he cannot accept being defeated by women. An example is Tate Yuuichi of Mai-Hime wherein despite his kendo skills; he is still being beaten by women. However, according to a research, the machismo of men is not measured physically but by how he shows himself. This only proves that when men are seen crying in public does not mean they are not men. They are just being real to what they feel because men are emotional beings too. 
 
Based from the interviews conducted, 7 out of 10 men have accepted the role reversals happening today as part of a change in our culture. Although it somehow affect their masculinity, they accepted the fact that there are things that only women can do and men cannot. They do not find it as an issue because giving authority to women is part of their being a gentleman. Actually, some of them hated being served by women because it seem to appear that women are really more knowledgeable than men where in fact, they can do it on their own. This means that this role reversal is a positive factor for men for it adds points to their masculinity.

HW6: Interview Cover Leter

November 30, 2012

Dear Respondents:

I am a student under the direction of Mr. Dustin Celestino in the English Resource Center at Asia pacific College. I am conducting a research study entitled “The Effects of Gender Role Reversals Featured in Anime in the Society”. The purpose of this study is to clarify whether the change in gender roles is already accepted by adults and its underlying impacts. This interview will be conducted for adult males and females.

Your participation will involve answering my interview questionnaire and should only take about 10-15 minutes of your time. The interview questions are:

1. Have you watch cartoons before? If not, can you name some cartoons that are famous during your time?

2. What can you say about women protecting men in cartoons?

3. Some cartoons nowadays portray change in gender role. As a man/woman do you agree with the changes? Why or why not?How does it affect you?

4. Do you think the change that is being portrayed in some cartoons affect our traditional knowledge on the role of men and role of women in our society? How did you say so?

Your involvement in the study is voluntary and you may choose not to participate or to stop at any time. The results of the research study may be published, but your name will not be used. Your identity will not be associated with your responses in any published format.

The findings from this project will provide information on the better understanding of the effects of gender role reversals with no cost to you other than the time it takes for the survey.

If you have any questions about this research project, please feel free to contact me at  (+63) 9471 287 444 or send an e-mail at isjovellano.apc.edu.ph .

By returning this questionnaire in the envelope provided, you will be agreeing to participate in the above described project.

Thanks for your consideration!



Sincerely,

Mikaela Gheline S.Jovellano
Student, Asia Pacific College

November 30, 2012

Dear Respondents:

I am a student under the direction of Mr. Dustin Celestino in the English Resource Center at Asia pacific College. I am conducting a research study entitled “The Effects of Gender Role Reversals Featured in Anime in the Society”. The purpose of this study is to clarify whether the change in gender roles is already accepted and its underlying impacts to people of my generation . This interview will be conducted for anime fans.

Your participation will involve answering my interview questionnaire and should only take about 10-15 minutes of your time. The interview questions are:

1. Can you give a particular anime that you have been watching? What do you love about that anime?

2. What can you say about women protecting men in anime?

4.  As a man/woman do you agree with the changes? Why or why not? How does it affect you?

5. What do you think are the similarities between gender role reversals in anime and in our society?

6. What do you think will be the outcome if such change continues? Can it truly change our tradition? How did you say so?

Your involvement in the study is voluntary and you may choose not to participate or to stop at any time. The results of the research study may be published, but your name will not be used. Your identity will not be associated with your responses in any published format.

The findings from this project will provide information on the better understanding of the effects of gender role reversals with no cost to you other than the time it takes for the survey.

If you have any questions about this research project, please feel free to contact me at  (+63) 9471 287 444 or send an e-mail at isjovellano.apc.edu.ph .

By returning this questionnaire in the envelope provided, you will be agreeing to participate in the above described project.

 Thanks for your consideration!

Sincerely,

Mikaela Gheline S.Jovellano
Student, Asia Pacific College

HW5: Actual Survey

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

 For Adults:

1. Have you watch cartoons before? If not, can you name some cartoons that are famous during your time?

2.What can you say about women protecting men in cartoons?

3. Some cartoons nowadays portray change in gender role. As a man/woman do you agree with the changes? Why or why not? How does it affects you?

4. Do you think the change that is being portrayed in some cartoons affect our traditional knowledge on the role of men and role of women in our society? How did you say so?

For Anime Fans:

1. Can you give a particular anime that you have been watching? What do you love about that anime?

2. What can you say about women protecting men in anime?

3. As a man/woman do you agree with the changes? Why or why not? How does it affects you?

5. What do you think are the similarities between gender role reversals in anime and in our society?

6. What do you think will be the outcome if such change continues? Can it truly change our tradition? How did you say so?

HW4: Culture

Culture defines our roles. It involves the total way of life of a  given society. It defines what behavior is particular to an individual. Societal expectations and values mandate males to be “masculine” and females to be “feminine”. A gender role stereotype that is created by a culture governs our lives throughout our existence which vary among different cultures. Men are generally viewed as active, strong, critical, and adult-like with psychological needs such as dominance, aggression, and endurance while women are generally viewed as passive, nurturing, and adaptive with psychological needs such as affiliation and deference. 

According to an article The 12 essential roles of culture in society by Bharat Kumar, culture fulfills a number of function.Our social life has been made possible because of culture and that we cannot survive as man without culture.

Based from the article, culture has 12 roles in our society which are:

 

1. Culture is the Treasury of Knowledge

This means that culture provides knowledge, which is essential for the physical and intellectual existence of man.  Humans have greater learning capacity and intelligence compared to man. With the help of culture, we are able to modify our place in an environment. Culture preserves knowledge and helps its transmission from generation to generation. On the contrary, animals do not have this advantage because culture does not exist as to humans.

2. Culture Defines Situations

Culture defines social situations for us. It not only defines but also conditions and determines what we eat and drink, we wear, when to laugh, weep, sleep, love to like friends with, what work we do, what god we worship, what knowledge we rely upon, what poetry we recite and so on.

3. Culture Defines Attitudes, Values and Goods

It is the culture, which conditions our attitude towards various issues such as religion, morality, marriage, science, family planning, positions and so on.  Our values concerning  are influenced by our culture. Our goals of winning the race, understanding others, attaining salvation, being obedient to elders and teachers, being loyal to husband, being patriotic etc. are all set forth by our culture. We are being socialized on these models.

Culture defines our values,attitudes and goods in the sense that we follow the traditional norms of our society. In the Philippines people say "po" at "opo" to give respect to elders. The other way of showing obedience and respect is by the use of " pagmamano". We also show respect to our Philippine flag and song by standing straight and putting our right hand to our left chest. All of this values is because of our culture.

4. Culture Decides Our Career

Culture sets limitations on our choice to select different careers. Whether we should become a politician or a social worker, a doctor, an engineer, a soldier, a farmer, a professor, or an accountant is decided by our culture.  Individuals may develop, modify or oppose the trends of their culture but we always live within its framework. Only a few can find outlet on the culture.

5. Culture Provides Behavior Pattern

Culture directs and confines the behavior of an individual. It assigns goals and provides means for achieving them.  We see dream, aspire, work, strive to marry, enjoy according to the cultural expectation.

6. Culture Provides Personality

Culture exercises a great influence on the development of personality. Culture tells us how we are going to live and how are we going to act. It is the culture that provides opportunities for the development of personality and sets limits on its growth. 

 

7. Culture Makes Man a Human Being

Culture shapes individuals. It is culture that makes the human, a man, regulates his conduct and prepares him for group life.  It teaches one how he/she should  behave with his fellows or friends, how he/she should speak with the people and how he should co-operate or compete with others. 

8. Culture Provides Solution for Complicated Situation

Culture provides man with a set of behavior even for complicated situation. It often does not require any external force to keep himself in conformity with the social requirements. His action becomes automatic. His culture gets into his mind and shutters vision so that he sees what is supposed to see in dream what he is expected to dream and hunger for what he is trained to hunger.

 

9. Culture Provides Traditional Interpretations to Certain Situation

Through culture individuals get traditional interpretation for many situations according to which he determines his behavior. If a cat crosses his way, he postpones his journey. It may however be noted that these traditional interpretation differ from culture to culture. Among some culture owl is regarded as a symbol of wisdom and not a symbol of idiocy.

In my understanding of this role, our interpretation of how one must behave varies by culture.For example in America, a couple who are seen kissing in public is legal because America is a liberated country. But in the Philippines, its different because it looks unethical in our society. this couple will be judge by the society.

10. Culture Keeps Social Relationship Intact

Culture has importance not only for man but also for the group. It is the prescription for guiding values and ideals. By regulating the behavior of the people and satisfying, the primary drives pertaining to hunger and sex it has been able to maintain group life. Lessen the chances that a man will behave irrationally. The members of group characterized though they be by consciousness of kind, at once competing. They are held in line by constraints prescribed by culture.

11. Culture Broadens the Out Looks of the Individual

Culture has given a new vision to individual by providing him a set of rules for co-operation of the individuals. He/she thinks not only his/her own self but also of the others. Culture provides one with the concept of family, state, nation and class and make responsible the co­operation and division of labor.

12. Culture Creates New Needs

Culture also creates new needs and new drives, for example, thirst for knowledge and arranges for the satisfaction. Because of the gradual changes of culture, our knowledge gets broader and broader that gives rise for new needs and drives that will satisfy individuals. 

In my overall understanding of this article, culture has many functions in our lives which makes us a prisoner. Culture designs our lives because it provides us the values and attitudes of an individual. It tells one how he /she should behave in a given society. People's knowledge of the culture varies because every society has different cultures. The culture in America is different from the Philippines. In terms of gender roles, gender development begins from the moment we are born.The colors of pink and blue are among first indicators used by society to distinguish female from male. 

For me although culture is the framework of everything, it does not mean that we are required to follow everything. Culture might be what everybody follows but at the end of the day what is important is that we also understand if we are still following the right thing. We individuals are born with own special minds, skills, talents, or abilities that makes as human. What I mean is that although we follow our culture, we must still be wise in all our actions and decisions.