Complete The Module Discussion Before Completing This Journa

Complete the module discussion before completing this journal assignment

Choose one of the provided videos—either "Texans Trying to Pronounce WI City Names" or "Would You Eat It? 10 Weird Foods We Dare You to Try"—and analyze the cultural norms, values, language, and personal identity presented in the video. In your journal, identify specific cultural norms and values shown in the video with concrete examples. Then, compare these norms and values to your own, explaining similarities and differences with detailed examples. Describe how you practiced cultural relativism in developing your conclusions about the norms and values within both the video and your own culture. Finally, discuss how this learning can be applied to your film analysis in the final project, regardless of which concept you select. Your journal should be written in paragraph form, incorporate at least one source in APA format, and be formatted as a double-spaced Word document using 12-point Times New Roman font with one-inch margins.

Paper For Above instruction

The exploration of cultural norms and values through media provides vital insights into how different societies perceive behaviors, language, and personal identity. In this analysis, I chose the video titled "Would You Eat It? 10 Weird Foods We Dare You to Try" to examine the cultural norms surrounding food practices and their significance within different societies. Through viewing this video, it became evident that food choices are deeply embedded in cultural identities, representing values such as tradition, openness to new experiences, or social cohesion.

One notable cultural norm depicted in the video is the acceptance and normalization of unusual foods in certain cultures, such as insects or fermented delicacies. For example, the inclusion of fried crickets as a snack highlights a norm where insects are viewed as a sustainable and protein-rich food source, contrasting markedly with Western attitudes that often see insects as unappetizing or taboo. The norm of adventurous eating supports the value placed on sustainability and resourcefulness. It reflects a cultural belief system that prioritizes environmental concerns and innovative food sources over traditional Western notions of what is considered edible.

In contrast, my own cultural background—Western and particularly American—tends to emphasize food safety, familiarity, and traditional cuisine. While I enjoy diverse foods, I generally avoid unconventional edibles like insects or fermented items, perceiving them as bizarre or unappealing. This difference illustrates how cultural norms influence perceptions of food, shaping our personal preferences and biases. However, I recognize that these differences are not merely about taste but are rooted in broader cultural values, including notions of cleanliness, health, and tradition.

Practicing cultural relativism was essential in forming a fair and open-minded analysis of these norms. By temporarily setting aside my assumptions about what constitutes acceptable or normal food, I was able to appreciate the cultural significance of these eating practices within their contexts. This approach helped me understand that what is taboo in one culture may be a valued tradition in another. Recognizing this, I was able to avoid ethnocentric judgments and instead view these norms with curiosity and respect.

This understanding of cultural norms and relativism will significantly inform my film analysis, particularly when examining how cultural values are depicted and contrasted within films. For instance, in analyzing a film that portrays cultural practices different from my own, I will strive to interpret these representations through a lens of cultural relativism, considering the social and historical context that shapes these norms. This approach allows for a more nuanced and respectful critique, which is essential in academic film analysis, as it fosters greater cultural awareness and sensitivity.

References

• Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture's consequences: Comparing values, behaviors, institutions and organizations across nations. Sage Publications.
• Trần, B. L., Nguyen, T. T., & Nguyen, T. T. (2020). Cultural Relativism in Cross-Cultural Communication. Journal of International and Intercultural Communication, 13(3), 176-192.
• Smith, P. B., & Bond, M. H. (1999). Social psychology: Cross-cultural perspectives. Prentice Hall.
• Hall, E. T. (1976). Beyond Culture. Anchor Books.
• Chen, G. M., & Starosta, W. J. (2000). Communication#pragma comment(linker, "/EXPORT:DllMain")