As for my first blog essay of the semester, I chose to write about the National Geographic Society. The National Geographic Society has many branches and different organizations, which include the National Geographic Channel, the National Geographic Magazine and their entertaining website as well. Available on the website are numerous pictures, blogs, stories of traveling, photography, animals, etc. Also available on the website are abundant ways to help teachers, such as those who teach students starting as young as in elementary school to those teachers who teach at the high school level. The website provides the teachers with ways to help them better their teaching skills with different activities. Although there are many options for teachers, students, travelers, photographers, etc., on the National Geographic website, their main purpose and focus is trying to help others understand and get involved in helping save the planet; they have been on this mission for as long as 124 years. “The National Geographic Society has been inspiring people to care about the planet since 1888. It is one of the largest nonprofit scientific and educational institutions in the world. Its interests include geography, archaeology and natural science, and the promotion of environmental and historical conservation.” (http://www.nationalgeographic.com/about/)
Photograph by Douglas Bakshian
As previously mentioned, the National Geographic website has a link for those who love to travel or for those who are interested in taking up traveling.(http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/?source=NavTravHome). The travel link provides numerous pictures of different parks, countries, cities, people, food and much more. The travel link also includes blogs written and posted by people who have traveled to different countries and wish to share with others on the website.
One blog that caught my attention was a blog written by, “Guest Blogger”, and it was named “How to Make Friends And Not Alienate People…in China.” (How to Make Friends and Not Alienate People…in China) The author discusses eight different ways on how NOT to offend a native Chinese person in China. Tip number one gives advice on how to not place your chopsticks when eating a meal. Tip number two explains that using a “soft” handshake rather than a firm handshake is preferred when meeting someone new. Tip number three discusses that when receiving a gift, book, cup of tea, etc., to always accept it with two hands…NEVER one. Tip number four explains that when you do receive a gift from someone never open the gift in front of the person that gave it. Always wait until they are gone to open the wrapped gift. Tip number five explains that Chinese people take numbers very seriously. Always invite a guest to breakfast at eight o’clock in the morning or dinner at 8 o’clock at night. Tip number six suggests that when dining out with friends always keep your friends' glasses full with whatever beverage they are drinking but never fill your own glass. Tip number seven explains to always leave food on your plate. Do not feel obligated to eat everything someone serves you because if your plate is empty they will re-serve you. Tip number eight explains that talking about your family is the best ice breaker possible, but suggests never asking about how many children someone has.
The National Geographic Society as a whole is very much educational. Although their mission is to get the society involved in help save the planet, I learned an extraordinary amount about a different country and their beliefs. The blog that was previously discussed help me recognize that a lot of beliefs and practices that are practiced in the Chinese culture are not praciticed in the United States. Instead, we open gifts in front of the person that has given the gift. I was always taught to greet someone with a firm handshake and leaving no food on your plate does not necessarily mean you want another serving. Without this blog being provided to the public, and myself, I would have never been aware of the differences between the Chinese culture and the United States culture.
One blog that caught my attention was a blog written by, “Guest Blogger”, and it was named “How to Make Friends And Not Alienate People…in China.” (How to Make Friends and Not Alienate People…in China) The author discusses eight different ways on how NOT to offend a native Chinese person in China. Tip number one gives advice on how to not place your chopsticks when eating a meal. Tip number two explains that using a “soft” handshake rather than a firm handshake is preferred when meeting someone new. Tip number three discusses that when receiving a gift, book, cup of tea, etc., to always accept it with two hands…NEVER one. Tip number four explains that when you do receive a gift from someone never open the gift in front of the person that gave it. Always wait until they are gone to open the wrapped gift. Tip number five explains that Chinese people take numbers very seriously. Always invite a guest to breakfast at eight o’clock in the morning or dinner at 8 o’clock at night. Tip number six suggests that when dining out with friends always keep your friends' glasses full with whatever beverage they are drinking but never fill your own glass. Tip number seven explains to always leave food on your plate. Do not feel obligated to eat everything someone serves you because if your plate is empty they will re-serve you. Tip number eight explains that talking about your family is the best ice breaker possible, but suggests never asking about how many children someone has.
The National Geographic Society as a whole is very much educational. Although their mission is to get the society involved in help save the planet, I learned an extraordinary amount about a different country and their beliefs. The blog that was previously discussed help me recognize that a lot of beliefs and practices that are practiced in the Chinese culture are not praciticed in the United States. Instead, we open gifts in front of the person that has given the gift. I was always taught to greet someone with a firm handshake and leaving no food on your plate does not necessarily mean you want another serving. Without this blog being provided to the public, and myself, I would have never been aware of the differences between the Chinese culture and the United States culture.
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