Category Archives: Cultural

Cultural

Dirty Science: How Unscientific Methods Are Blocking Our Cultural Advancement by Bob Gebelein

Bob Gebelein begins by stating “This book needs to be written.” “The story needs to be told.” You will discover why he makes this statement as you read this book.

I’m only going to mention a few subjects in this book because I don’t want to give too much away for the readers.

The author begins many of the chapters with a question. “Have you been ridiculed by members of the scientific establishment because of your psychic beliefs?” So, just think about this statement. Many of us have experienced spiritual believes and psychic experiences. What happens when you express these beliefs and experiences to other people? Do they look at you like you are some kind of quack? It doesn’t even have to be someone with a scientific background. These beliefs are ground into our minds because, as the author states, “science has tapped into a human psychological need for authorities who are people who know all the answers”. These scientists believe there is no reality beyond the physical. Therefore, people who express an interest in subjects like clairvoyance, the power of prayer, reincarnation, etc. are dismissed as mentally incompetent. We all know that there is much more to clairvoyance, reincarnation, etc. The author states that he had a dream about his grandmother’s death one hour before he received the telegram. I, also, had an experience similar to this when my father was very ill. I came to the hospital to visit him and he told me that he had a lot of visitors that day. When I asked him who came to visit, every person he named was dead. I knew right then and there that he was getting closer to death. I’m sure many of us have had experiences like this whether it pertained to death, a miracle that happened because of prayer, or how about the times we have gone to a certain place and felt like we have been there before? How about the times when we first met a person and could swear we knew this person before? Could this possibly be anything to do with reincarnation?

What is science? The author states that in order to have science, there must be three essential ingredients; observation, replication, and valid logic. He considers observation the most important of the three. Now take a moment and think about the word “status”. There are many types of status in the world. We have the status of a teacher, the status of our parents, etc. We look up to and believe what anyone with a so- called “status” tells us. If our teacher told us something, we would believe it. The author is pointing out that this very same thing is true of scientists. They have an authority status and just because they are a scientist, people will believe what they say. The author states that religion is a rigid belief system and an explanation of the unknown. Once again, we are reverting back to the authority figure. When we were young, we looked at our parents as someone who knew all the answers. Many things were “unknown” to us and we learned from a very young age that our parents had the answers because this was engraved in our mind. It is also the way we feel about our priest. They are also an authority figure and we believe they know all the answers. Now if a scientist indicates “that doesn’t exist” is this the same as saying “I don’t know the answer”. Bob calls this an ego-defense. Think about it – it does make sense. Could this be an example of dirty science?

Bob Gebelein believes that many subjects have been “ignored, dismissed and/or suppressed because of the domination of physicalism.” He had some suggestions; all subjects should be debatable, scientists should be the best qualified to operate in that particular field and lawyers who use illegal methods are disbarred. The author lists several ways that people who have money can use their wealth to help the academic community gain self-awareness.

Bob Gebelein’s style of writing is clear and to the point. However, this book is not to be considered light reading. The author will bring up many subjects that he is very passionate about and you will be left with many things to think about. You will have to do some very deep thinking and will have to try to put your own views aside for a moment while pondering the author’s statements. After you read Dirty Science, it will be up to you to decide whether or not you agree with the author. Even if you do not agree with him, you will find this book unique and compelling. I have read another of Bob Gebelein’s other books, The Mental Environment. This book is also very interesting and he speaks on the subject of “mind pollution”. If you find Dirty Science an interesting and challenging read, you might want to add The Mental Environment to your list.

Cultural

An Introduction to International Business Cultures – Asia

Students who’ve completed a foreign policy or international business program of study might be eager to begin working in a foreign country. Perhaps they might be a bit ambivalent or scared, too. After all, the business practices of various nations in Africa, Europe, Asia – and even, North America – can differ vastly from American business customs and etiquette.

Several Asian nations, notably China, Japan, and India, have the potential to dramatically shape the world economy over the next decade. Across Asia, workers highly skilled in computers, engineering, manufacturing, and biological sciences are revolutionizing global methods of innovation, business, and production. It will become more likely over the next decade that a business college graduate will work with professionals from one or more of these Asian nations – especially if that graduate pursues a career path with many international opportunities.

Developing cultural sensitivity and awareness is very important for cross-cultural exchanges. This article will explore some common business basics among people of several different Asian nations, while offering little-known, fun tips and facts.

Building relationships: Chinese, Japanese, and Indian international business

Asian cultures tend to be much more collectivist than Western counterparts. In business decision-making, the group as a whole chooses a course of action. An individual worker’s identity is strongly shaped by the group for which he or she works. In American business, conversely, one is much less likely to see collaborative strategies – though the newest generation of American office workers is beginning to change this. International business program graduates who work in China, Japan, or India might wish to develop their group work skills further before heading abroad.

Greeting individuals with a handshake, a slight bow of the head, and eye contact is polite. The firm, authoritative American handshake can be overkill overseas. Touching other professionals is taboo in Asia. Personal space is important; it is not considered polite to stand very close to someone. It is always best to observe the behaviors of your professional associates, and act appropriately.

Expect business to be conducted in a slow, deliberate fashion, and rushed business deals to be regarded as highly suspect. Speak slowly and clearly, and present new ideas cautiously. Aggressive proposals or overly showy body movements will not be interpreted well. Being on time is also essential. Asia is a continent of punctual business professionals, and it makes good sense to be early — or, at the very least, on time — to each new business meeting or collaborative opportunity. It also helps to be willing and able to gently negotiate and compromise. Consensus-building trumps maverick ideas in Asian countries.

Building strong business relationships is absolutely paramount in Asian countries, too. American workers abroad are at a disadvantage in this regard, because they will need to overcome cultural barriers to build trust and respect. They will also need to demonstrate their business skills in an honest, but not boastful fashion. Talking less and listening more are always wise moves when meeting a new business colleague. Status and rank are of greater importance in Asia than they are in mostly-egalitarian America, so pay attention to who’s who in a company – but, of course, get to know everyone with whom you will be doing business.

Customs for Asian countries

Of course, Asian business cultures will vary in their customs. In Japan, for example, gift-giving is much more acceptable than it is in China – although gift-giving can be an appreciated token if done correctly. Each Asian culture also tends to prefer some ways of greeting professionals over others. Typically, using the last name and the person’s professional title (such as ‘Dr.’) indicates respect. Asian business dress is sometimes more formal than standard American business dress, especially since jeans and t-shirts have become more acceptable in the American post-dot-com age. Navy, black, or grey business suits with conservative ties for men; and dark dress suits or formal, conservative sheath dresses and jackets for women will work well. Business shoes should be dark, polished, and as conservative as possible.

The presentation and reception of business cards is also important in Asia. It is most polite to have your business card printed double-sided, with the Asian language on one side and English on the other. You should offer your business card with the Asian language side facing up. When accepting other business cards, treat them as valuable: Study them carefully to memorize names and information, and never stuff them into your pocket. For your business cards, you might want to consider purchasing a hard case that snaps shut, and which can be tucked discreetly into a briefcase or purse after the card exchange has occurred.

Working abroad can be great fun. Americans can learn much from their Asian professional counterparts, and, by following some simple etiquette guidelines, can enjoy a most enriching cross-cultural experience.