This is a static copy of In the Rose Garden, which existed as the center of the western Utena fandom for years. Enjoy. :)

#1 | Back to Top01-21-2008 07:25:36 PM

Giovanna
Ends of the Fandom
From: Edmonton, AB
Registered: 10-12-2006
Posts: 8797
Website

Words of wisdom from my online Cultural Communications text.

Because I was forced to take this Cultural Communications class online, the tuition came up to about $650. The 'text' is online material that cost another $60. Keep this in mind as I quote from the World Explorer, an online flash tool for exploring countries and reading about their histories, culture, and basic statistics like population and literacy rates.

India, under the heading 'Culture' wrote:

Of Bollywood films: "Imagine Rambo crossed with The Sound of Music and a Cecil B De Mille biblical epic, and you're halfway there. It's cheap operatic escapism, often rough around the edges, and should not be missed."

Iraq, under the heading 'Culture' wrote:

There is no 'Culture' heading for this country.

Canada, under the heading 'Culture' wrote:

"Canada has a deliciously rich culture if you take the time to explore it and view it as distinct from its louder neighbor."

Italy, under the heading 'Culture' wrote:

"Dubbed the world's 'living art gallery', Italy has more culture than you can shake a paintbrush at. In fact it's fair to say that if something can be painted, played, eaten, sang, sculpted or written about, the Italian's had a hand in elevating its appreciation to the highest art form. The world has much to thank the Italians for."

"Coffee, beer and wine are of course magnificent countrywide."

Switzerland, under the heading 'Culture' wrote:

"Switzerland does not have a strong artistic heritage,"

"Switzerland doesn't have a great indigenous gastronomic tradition."

"Swiss folk culture includes yodeling, playing the alp horn and Swiss wrestling. We suggest you don't indulge in any of these after a night in a Swiss tavern."

Russian, under the heading 'Culture' wrote:

A four line long paragraph, compared to most countries, who have at least four or five paragraphs.

Saved the best for last.

Japan, under the heading 'Culture' wrote:

"Pop music is massive in Japan: indigenous groups usually feature a gorgeous lead singer of irrelevant talents."

"Drinking is the glue that holds Japanese society together."

"Japan is frequently cast as an environmental vandal, slaughtering whales and dolphins, hacking down rainforests and polluting the ocean and atmosphere, all in the name of the rising yen. There's more than a little truth to it."

Of Prime Minister Koizumi: "Promising to end the culture of high-level nepotism that had in part led to the deflation, he distinguishes himself with his charisma and dashing haircut."

That's enough of that, I could be working on the gallery. emot-mad


Akio, you have nice turns of phrase, but your points aren't clear and you have no textual support. I can't give this a passing grade.
~ Professor Arisa Konno, Eng 1001 (Freshman Literature and Composition)

Offline

 

#2 | Back to Top01-21-2008 07:27:27 PM

Yasha
Bitch Queen
From: Edmonton, AB, Canada
Registered: 10-15-2006
Posts: 6031
Website

Re: Words of wisdom from my online Cultural Communications text.

Wow. Your textbook makes racist comments and assumptions.

Go Florida! emot-biggrin


Hat Mafia Member: Ratchedface
Je vais mourir pour l ' a e s t h e t i q u e
Internet Atrocity Tourist             -           MY POSTS             ARE WARSHIPS

Offline

 

#3 | Back to Top01-21-2008 07:32:11 PM

Giovanna
Ends of the Fandom
From: Edmonton, AB
Registered: 10-12-2006
Posts: 8797
Website

Re: Words of wisdom from my online Cultural Communications text.

Worth every fucking penny you French wannabe cheese-sniffing trash Canadian.


Akio, you have nice turns of phrase, but your points aren't clear and you have no textual support. I can't give this a passing grade.
~ Professor Arisa Konno, Eng 1001 (Freshman Literature and Composition)

Offline

 

#4 | Back to Top01-21-2008 08:13:28 PM

satyreyes
no, definitely no cons
From: New Orleans, Louisiana
Registered: 10-16-2006
Posts: 10328
Website

Re: Words of wisdom from my online Cultural Communications text.

...It's like The Onion's world atlas, only it's meant to be taken seriously.  Awesome.

Offline

 

#5 | Back to Top01-21-2008 10:17:01 PM

MissMocha
Bettie Page Princess
From: Tallahassee, Fl
Registered: 10-19-2006
Posts: 4632

Re: Words of wisdom from my online Cultural Communications text.

I totally lol'd. I'm a horrible person. emot-frown


The first time you looked at her curves you were hooked
And the glances you took, took hold of you and demanded that you stay
And sunk in their teeth, bit your heart and released
Such a charge that you need another touch, another taste, another fix

Offline

 

#6 | Back to Top01-21-2008 10:24:02 PM

Giovanna
Ends of the Fandom
From: Edmonton, AB
Registered: 10-12-2006
Posts: 8797
Website

Re: Words of wisdom from my online Cultural Communications text.

Sad huh? I'm really pissed off given this is supposed to TEACH students about cultures, not grossly stereotype or generalize them. The hour long 'Glimpse of the World' video I had to watch for this lesson had three minutes on India that were basically 'It's crowded and there's pollution also castes and they worship cows.'

Grr. emot-mad


Akio, you have nice turns of phrase, but your points aren't clear and you have no textual support. I can't give this a passing grade.
~ Professor Arisa Konno, Eng 1001 (Freshman Literature and Composition)

Offline

 

#7 | Back to Top01-21-2008 10:28:29 PM

BlackRoseVixen
Snowdrop Lover
From: USA, Arkansas
Registered: 12-24-2007
Posts: 1815
Website

Re: Words of wisdom from my online Cultural Communications text.

Lol, we all are.

Was there anything about the US in there? XD


The Saionji Support Squad: Believing in True Friendship Since 2006.

Hat Mafia Member: The Vixen

Offline

 

#8 | Back to Top01-21-2008 11:18:21 PM

Stormcrow
Magical Flying Moron
From: Los Angeles
Registered: 04-24-2007
Posts: 5971
Website

Re: Words of wisdom from my online Cultural Communications text.

...it's hard for me to reconcile you as Yasha's louder neighbor somehow...

And I have to admit I do like the way they characterize Bollywood.emot-tongue


"The devil want me as is, but god he want more."
-Truck North
Honorary Hat Mafia Member

Offline

 

#9 | Back to Top01-21-2008 11:26:17 PM

MissMocha
Bettie Page Princess
From: Tallahassee, Fl
Registered: 10-19-2006
Posts: 4632

Re: Words of wisdom from my online Cultural Communications text.

Stormcrow wrote:

And I have to admit I do like the way they characterize Bollywood.emot-tongue

In a sense, it is a bit accurate. Bollywood is the most wonderful conflagration of cliche and originality.


The first time you looked at her curves you were hooked
And the glances you took, took hold of you and demanded that you stay
And sunk in their teeth, bit your heart and released
Such a charge that you need another touch, another taste, another fix

Offline

 

#10 | Back to Top01-21-2008 11:48:40 PM

Yasha
Bitch Queen
From: Edmonton, AB, Canada
Registered: 10-15-2006
Posts: 6031
Website

Re: Words of wisdom from my online Cultural Communications text.

Stormcrow wrote:

...it's hard for me to reconcile you as Yasha's louder neighbor somehow...

Are you saying I'm loud, bitch? emot-mad

What's that, you wanna fight? Huh? Do you feel lucky or something? emot-mad


Hat Mafia Member: Ratchedface
Je vais mourir pour l ' a e s t h e t i q u e
Internet Atrocity Tourist             -           MY POSTS             ARE WARSHIPS

Offline

 

#11 | Back to Top01-21-2008 11:50:57 PM

MissMocha
Bettie Page Princess
From: Tallahassee, Fl
Registered: 10-19-2006
Posts: 4632

Re: Words of wisdom from my online Cultural Communications text.

Yasha wrote:

Stormcrow wrote:

...it's hard for me to reconcile you as Yasha's louder neighbor somehow...

Are you saying I'm loud, bitch? emot-mad

What's that, you wanna fight? Huh? Do you feel lucky or something? emot-mad

Yasha will one day make a most excellent New Yorker.


The first time you looked at her curves you were hooked
And the glances you took, took hold of you and demanded that you stay
And sunk in their teeth, bit your heart and released
Such a charge that you need another touch, another taste, another fix

Offline

 

#12 | Back to Top01-22-2008 01:11:40 AM

BlackRoseVixen
Snowdrop Lover
From: USA, Arkansas
Registered: 12-24-2007
Posts: 1815
Website

Re: Words of wisdom from my online Cultural Communications text.

I second that emotion. emot-rofl


The Saionji Support Squad: Believing in True Friendship Since 2006.

Hat Mafia Member: The Vixen

Offline

 

#13 | Back to Top01-22-2008 02:24:22 AM

dlaire
A Whole Orange
From: Poland
Registered: 04-08-2007
Posts: 2322

Re: Words of wisdom from my online Cultural Communications text.

Now I feel embrassed because I don't know nothing from Canadian culture (one exeption: Maple Syrup).

Last edited by dlaire (01-22-2008 02:25:43 AM)

Offline

 

#14 | Back to Top01-22-2008 05:40:32 AM

Giovanna
Ends of the Fandom
From: Edmonton, AB
Registered: 10-12-2006
Posts: 8797
Website

Re: Words of wisdom from my online Cultural Communications text.

You forgot mounties and mooses. school-eng101

Amd kicking the US's ass in mock military battles. poptart


Akio, you have nice turns of phrase, but your points aren't clear and you have no textual support. I can't give this a passing grade.
~ Professor Arisa Konno, Eng 1001 (Freshman Literature and Composition)

Offline

 

#15 | Back to Top01-22-2008 05:59:16 AM

Sey
Our Sicilian Prince
From: S. Cataldo, Sicily, Italy
Registered: 10-16-2006
Posts: 268
Website

Re: Words of wisdom from my online Cultural Communications text.

"Dubbed the world's 'living art gallery', Italy has more culture than you can shake a paintbrush at. In fact it's fair to say that if something can be painted, played, eaten, sang, sculpted or written about, the Italian's had a hand in elevating its appreciation to the highest art form. The world has much to thank the Italians for."

"Coffee, beer and wine are of course magnificent countrywide."

I must say... LOL!
Everyone talk about what Italy was, not what Italy actually is...
I'm sure you know about the problem of rubbish in Campania... what a mess... poor, poor Italy emot-frown

Last edited by Sey (01-22-2008 05:59:59 AM)


Your lovely "That's Amore" IRG User.

Offline

 

#16 | Back to Top01-22-2008 07:32:03 AM

Stormcrow
Magical Flying Moron
From: Los Angeles
Registered: 04-24-2007
Posts: 5971
Website

Re: Words of wisdom from my online Cultural Communications text.

Yasha wrote:

Stormcrow wrote:

...it's hard for me to reconcile you as Yasha's louder neighbor somehow...

Are you saying I'm loud, bitch? emot-mad

What's that, you wanna fight? Huh? Do you feel lucky or something? emot-mad

Bet you won't come down here and say that. emot-tongue

(And it's not just mock military battles where Canada mopped the floor with us. Back in the day when we were enemies, they regularly embarrassed us. But that's OK, because...um...they're loud! emot-tongue)


"The devil want me as is, but god he want more."
-Truck North
Honorary Hat Mafia Member

Offline

 

#17 | Back to Top01-22-2008 06:05:27 PM

Raven Nightshade
Someday Shiner
From: Louisiana
Registered: 12-17-2006
Posts: 2925

Re: Words of wisdom from my online Cultural Communications text.

dlaire wrote:

Now I feel embrassed because I don't know nothing from Canadian culture (one exeption: Maple Syrup).

Don't forget hockey and Canadian bacon!

Oh, and Canada's primary export: ACTORS!


Sometimes I wonder if I'm ever gonna make it home again.
It's so far and out of sight.
I really need someone to talk to and nobody else
Knows how to comfort me tonight.

Offline

 

#18 | Back to Top01-22-2008 10:42:46 PM

Maarika
Someday Shiner
From: Estonia
Registered: 10-17-2006
Posts: 2510
Website

Re: Words of wisdom from my online Cultural Communications text.

They...teach that? emot-gonk

Also, does it say anything about Estonia? emot-tongue


The Saionji Support Squad:
Believing in True Friendship Since 2008.

Offline

 

#19 | Back to Top01-22-2008 10:59:54 PM

Yasha
Bitch Queen
From: Edmonton, AB, Canada
Registered: 10-15-2006
Posts: 6031
Website

Re: Words of wisdom from my online Cultural Communications text.

Maarika wrote:

They...teach that? emot-gonk

Unfortunately, the more I hear about American schooling, the more I can recognize as misinformation and flat-out propaganda, serving only the interests of whoever is in power. I disagree with the use of the school system to spread misinformation like this, but there is nothing I can do about it.

Gio and I have compared our schooling extensively, and the education I got in small-town primary, junior high, and high schools has far outmatched anything she's gotten in those, and in some cases, even what she's received in college education. For example, the high school math course I took last summer went beyond the maths that she learned in her college classes.

Maarika wrote:

Also, does it say anything about Estonia? emot-tongue

I would guess not. Sorry, sweetie. America doesn't concern itself much with smaller European countries... or larger ones, for that matter. The only reason I have to believe that some Americans know Estonia exists is because of that awful movie a few years back with Brendan Fraser playing a stone-age man who thawed out in modern day. In the movie, the excuse for his odd behavior was that he was from Estonia.


Hat Mafia Member: Ratchedface
Je vais mourir pour l ' a e s t h e t i q u e
Internet Atrocity Tourist             -           MY POSTS             ARE WARSHIPS

Offline

 

#20 | Back to Top01-22-2008 11:42:16 PM

Giovanna
Ends of the Fandom
From: Edmonton, AB
Registered: 10-12-2006
Posts: 8797
Website

Re: Words of wisdom from my online Cultural Communications text.

Maarika wrote:

Also, does it say anything about Estonia? emot-tongue

It mentions vana tallinn and then how quirky your language is and that you guys eat blood sausage.

Yasha wrote:

Gio and I have compared our schooling extensively, and the education I got in small-town primary, junior high, and high schools has far outmatched anything she's gotten in those, and in some cases, even what she's received in college education. For example, the high school math course I took last summer went beyond the maths that she learned in her college classes.

It really makes me embarrassed to try and toot my horn about having a 4.0. It's not like it proves my intelligence or anything. If anything it proves how capable I am at faking stupidity to answer questions in a manner that would suit such course material. I really want to believe that college opens peoples' eyes, especially to culture in this world, but it doesn't. Thus far this class has done nothing to expand my knowledge of other cultures. I've learned more watching No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain. A lot more. And without the flippant sarcasm about how barbaric or dirty or backwards a country is.

Over 700bux. Worth every fucking penny. emot-mad


Akio, you have nice turns of phrase, but your points aren't clear and you have no textual support. I can't give this a passing grade.
~ Professor Arisa Konno, Eng 1001 (Freshman Literature and Composition)

Offline

 

#21 | Back to Top01-23-2008 12:05:24 AM

Jellineck
Wondrous Sexual Eggplant.
From: Under your bed
Registered: 08-02-2007
Posts: 894

Re: Words of wisdom from my online Cultural Communications text.

"Swiss folk culture includes yodeling, playing the alp horn and Swiss wrestling. We suggest you don't indulge in any of these after a night in a Swiss tavern."

I wish you had an emoticon armed with a gun. That might definitely come in handy right about now. And if this is the characterization of Switzerland, I'd love to read what they say about Ireland. I bet it's like...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=1hbd5WO3chg& … re=related


"You said you would do anything for me, right Mamiya?" Mikage purred as he slithered close. "Yes that's right" Mamiya said with a rosey blush. Mikage's smile was evil and cinister as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a banana. "Eeny meeny myny moo. I wonder where my banana will go?" - The Forbidden Passions of Nemuro

Offline

 

#22 | Back to Top01-23-2008 12:07:56 AM

Yasha
Bitch Queen
From: Edmonton, AB, Canada
Registered: 10-15-2006
Posts: 6031
Website

Re: Words of wisdom from my online Cultural Communications text.

Fuck American education. Also, Gio, you need to get schooled up here. We actually learn things here.


Hat Mafia Member: Ratchedface
Je vais mourir pour l ' a e s t h e t i q u e
Internet Atrocity Tourist             -           MY POSTS             ARE WARSHIPS

Offline

 

#23 | Back to Top01-23-2008 12:07:59 AM

Maarika
Someday Shiner
From: Estonia
Registered: 10-17-2006
Posts: 2510
Website

Re: Words of wisdom from my online Cultural Communications text.

Yasha wrote:

I would guess not. Sorry, sweetie. America doesn't concern itself much with smaller European countries... or larger ones, for that matter. The only reason I have to believe that some Americans know Estonia exists is because of that awful movie a few years back with Brendan Fraser playing a stone-age man who thawed out in modern day. In the movie, the excuse for his odd behavior was that he was from Estonia.

Hahaha, I heard somewhere that when an American was asked to tell something about Estonia then all they knew was that movie. So it's a true story, sadly. But I suppose most of them don't even know this country exists.

...Still, I had heard that the higher education in the US was quite good, so it's kind of hard for me to believe they teach things like that.


The Saionji Support Squad:
Believing in True Friendship Since 2008.

Offline

 

#24 | Back to Top01-23-2008 12:18:34 AM

Yasha
Bitch Queen
From: Edmonton, AB, Canada
Registered: 10-15-2006
Posts: 6031
Website

Re: Words of wisdom from my online Cultural Communications text.

Maarika wrote:

...Still, I had heard that the higher education in the US was quite good, so it's kind of hard for me to believe they teach things like that.

I would imagine that in some universities, it is. But after the ridiculous trash I've heard about Gio's schooling (sex ed involving condoms was only for gifted kids, no cultural studies whatsoever, maths and sciences dumbed down to the point that you could sleep through them and pass) and the stuff that's still ongoing, I know that either Florida is more of a shithole than I thought, or the level of education in the states is pathetically low.

I was expected to argue Peter Singer's viewpoints in my Philosophy 101 class in an essay, for the final. Yes, written onsite with a time limit. We were given study questions, but a lot of them weren't on the final at all. Gio was expected to identify Bentham's categorization as Utilitarian in a multiple choice test. This is not right, folks. And all it's done so far is give Gio the idea that she's uneducated.


Hat Mafia Member: Ratchedface
Je vais mourir pour l ' a e s t h e t i q u e
Internet Atrocity Tourist             -           MY POSTS             ARE WARSHIPS

Offline

 

#25 | Back to Top01-23-2008 12:18:57 AM

satyreyes
no, definitely no cons
From: New Orleans, Louisiana
Registered: 10-16-2006
Posts: 10328
Website

Re: Words of wisdom from my online Cultural Communications text.

I know off the top of my head that Estonia is an Eastern European country, a bit south of Scandinavia and bordered to the south by Latvia, that used to be a Soviet satellite state -- so the American education system must not suck quite so much as everyone says.  I have to admit, though, that I know almost nothing else about it; I don't know the capital, and I can't name a single cultural achievement by an Estonian.  So the American education system obviously isn't as good as it should be.  emot-frown

ETA: Oh, and hey, as long as I'm on this kick, let me add that the best American universities are some of the best universities in the world.  We also have a lot of crummy colleges, as well as scads of crummy high schools.  I have heard Americans excuse ourselves by saying "well, but it's not important that everyone grow up to be smart; it's only important that the smartest of us grow up to be smart, and that's what the good colleges are for."  This argument would be more convincing if a majority of us had the reasoning and literacy skills to understand it.

Last edited by satyreyes (01-23-2008 12:22:39 AM)

Offline

 

Board footer

Powered by PunBB 1.2.23
© Copyright 2002–2008 PunBB
Forum styled and maintained by Giovanna and Yasha
Return to Empty Movement