My Asian Culture

Summary

The author reflects on the values and experiences of growing up in Singapore's multicultural environment, emphasizing the importance of helping others as a source of happiness and resilience in the face of life's challenges.

Abstract

The article titled "My Asian Culture" delves into the author's personal journey of growing up in Singapore, a first-world country known for its diverse cultural landscape. The author nostalgically recalls a childhood characterized by harmonious relationships, such as a close friendship with an Indian neighbor, marked by joy and mutual respect rather than conflict or discrimination. As the author matured into a teenager, they encountered various societal issues like negativity, violence, and cyberbullying, but found little personal pride in overcoming these challenges. Instead, the author attributes their sense of fulfillment to a Chinese proverb that underscores the joy derived from helping others, a principle that has guided them for two decades. The article advocates for mutual support and appreciation among individuals, suggesting that the essence of humanity is to assist each other. The author takes pride in their Asian cultural heritage, which teaches the virtue of community support and interdependence. Additionally, the author invites readers to follow their work on self-development, life, and technology topics for further inspiration.

Opinions

The author values the innocence and purity of childhood friendships, which were devoid of prejudice and full of genuine camaraderie.
Despite facing various modern-day challenges, the author does not consider these adversities as defining moments but rather focuses on the positive impact of helping others.
There is a strong belief in the Chinese saying that helping others is the foundation of happiness, which has been a guiding philosophy in the author's life.
The author emphasizes that our collective humanity is measured by our willingness to support one another, and this is a core value that should be cherished.
The author expresses pride in being part of an Asian culture that

The one thing that culture taught me.

Here I am, living in a first-world country — Singapore. I recalled the childhood that I had when I was young. The time I played with my Indian friend, Rashnan. Not with tear gas, but with water bombs. Not with racist words, but with compliments to one another. That was the kind of friendship we had.

Instead of tears, we had laughter. Instead of bang, we had a splash. Instead of sufferings, we had happiness. The childhood I had was beyond words. As I slowly grew up into the teenager I am now, I began to see the world clearly.

Throughout the years, I have experienced difficulties from various sources of my life. Negativity, violence, cyberbullying. There is so much more, but none of them made me proud of who I am today.

There is a Chinese saying that goes “助人为快乐之本”, and that, in English, means —

Helping others is the foundation of happiness.

That was what I have been taught since I was young, and it has been with me for the past 20 years of my life.

In this world, we have to appreciate one another and help each other out. No matter what issues we face, the ones that emerge out are the ones who help others voluntarily.

I always believe in this,

Help yourself by helping others. Help others if you want them to help you.

Our moral values of being humans lie deep in the core of our hearts, and I am proud of being in an Asian Culture.

My Asian Culture

The one thing that culture taught me.

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