#western worldview

[rawjeev]

Not all cultures in the world share the dominant Western view of a secularized, utilitarian, depersonalized nature. The existence of alternative views of the natural environment is important as part of the cultural heritage of humankind. This cultural diversity is akin to biodiversity as the raw material for evolutionarily adaptive responses

Fikret Berkes (Sacred Ecology)

[gnotruth]

Buddhism is not a Religion?

This assertion is a big deal to a lot of people. It goes back (at least) to one of the first American Buddhists– Henry Steel Olcott! Let’s explore! (more…)

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[numena]

Dr. F. David Peat elucidates how key innovations in science, art, and technology led to our sense of control over the world around us, while he makes a plea for Gentle Action.

[rihammond]

Jin Won Lee workout and interview with Personal Trainer Jae Hyun Ryu 

Growing up as an athletic girl who thought I was just as good and should be treated like the guys, this video bothered me a bit at first...Then I thought about it and realized it is a good example of the contrast between Western and Korean (East Asian) ideas of female strength and fitness (Generally).

Women with Western views tend to believe we are equal to men even in terms of strength and athleticism. I grew up hearing "beauty is strength." This idea, in a way, trades traditional femininity for a new definition of beauty—a masculine idea of grit and strength.

After living in Korea and meeting/learning more about Korean female athletes, I see a difference. They are incredibly fit but seem to do it within a feminine context; by that I mean they do not necessarily try to compete with or mirror men's (stereotypically) aggressive, testosterone-y bravado. They tend to say they are different than men and from there create their own space and definitions of strength.

Is either view better or worse? No. Just different. In some ways, I think "strength" and "beauty" should be completely separate. Women should have the freedom to be as fit (or unfit) as they want without worrying whether or not it positively or negatively affects their "beauty" and/or "femininity."

Agree, disagree, have thoughts? I'd be interested in hearing them.

P.S. ....the most annoying part of the video was how the trainer emphasized Lee's greatest advantage was her Asia-ness. Thanks for playing into the exotic Asian portrayal.