Intercultural Humor

Many times comedy or humor plays on how cultural universals look differently from culture to culture.

Here are the cultural universals we are learning about:

• Food
• Clothing
• Communication
• Celebrations
• Beliefs
• Religion
• Customs and Traditions
• Shelter/Architecture
• Family Structure
• Art/Music/Entertainment/Sports

We are going to watch three videos that show cultural diversity (differences in cultures). Your job is to hunt for the differences in the cultural universals. Hint: It is what makes the videos very funny!




Now you have a quick skit! Come up with a quick skit that shows how cultural universals are different.

Finding our Values

4HR is exploring beliefs, values, cultures, and traditions in our current Social Studies unit. We began by exploring what 4HR values. We found out that we really value:

Understanding     Learning    Respect     Care     Listening     Collaboration     Fun & Enjoyment

Next we looked at ourselves. We arranged these statements in order from most important to least important, and analyzed our responses to determine our individual values.

I try to understand what other people are feeling.

I am as important as everyone else.

Everyone else is equal to me but different from me.

I know what is fair and not fair. I try to do the right thing.

I look after the environment and don’t waste things.

I try to help others and not fight with them.

I have my own ideas but can alter them when I realize they were wrong.

I want to learn more about the world.

I think I can change things in the world.

What would your responses be?

One Day, Many Holidays

Today people of different faiths are celebrating different holidays. Muslims have begun the annual pilgrimage to Mecca called the Hajj. In Malaysia, we celebrate Hari Raya Haji. Jews, who believe in Judaism, are celebrating Yom Kippur. Let's learn more about these important holidays and rituals.

Hajj 360 video

Yom Kippur ceremony and rituals

Sorting Out Information about Beliefs and Values

Yesterday, we found out some key information about the three major religions in Malaysia: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam. Today we are going to be using BrainPop to answer our individual questions.

1) It is important to identify your curiosities.

2) Then choose a video that you think will give you more information.

3) Record this new information on your note taking sheet.

What did we learn?
Adam: Does Ravanna control all 10 of his heads? Or do his heads have different souls. Ranvir told me Ravanna controls all his heads.
Jacob: When/where did these religions originate? Hinduism (1,500 BC) and Buddhism (4th or 5th century BC) in India, Islam in Saudi Arabia (610 -632 AD)
Linh: Where does the swatik come from? India, but I am curious about where in India.
Colin: What do Hindus celebrate? Diwali, Deepavali
Beckett: Why is Buddhism one of the largest in numbers? It spread to China from India, so a lot more people believe.
Jack: How many types of thilaks are there? Ranvir showed me two.
Rea: What does Aum or Om mean? It is a Hindu symbol and comes from India.
Juliette: What does the swatik mean? It is connected to __________.
Leila: What is Hinduism? It is a religion that some Indians practice.
Aron: What do we call people who don't believe in gods or supernatural? I found out they are called atheists.
Alicia: Why do we celebrate Deepavali? To remember the return of the ancient king Rama and his defeat of Ravanna.
Mikaela: Why do Hindus wear thilak? Ranvir told me it shows respect to the gods and on praying days and celebrations.
Joshua: Why is Hanuman so important? Is Hanuman the monkey king? I found out Hanuman is the monkey king, and he is important because he helped Rama to defeat Ravanna.

Still curious about:
Linh: Where does the swatik come from?
Tessel: Why do most Hindu gods have an animal?
Jack: I am wondering if there are more than two types of thilaks.
Rea: Where does Om come from in India?
Leila: What is Buddha?
Julie: What animals do Hindu gods have?
Alicia: Why did they chop of Ganesha's head and replace it with an elephant?
Ranvir: Bhaidooj, what is this? I saw it on BrainPop.

What Do Ads Tell Us about Beliefs and Values?

We are inquiring into the beliefs and values of our families, our classroom, and our school. One way to find out about beliefs and values is to look at advertising. What does this advertisement tell us about the beliefs and values of Disney World?