Andrada, Rosalie V.

Understanding the Self

Reflection paper
Acceptance and Respect Is a Must
The self is always developing because of the difficulties that exist in our
societies. Analysts have demonstrated that the self is reliant on the way of life that the
self has been arranged in. Western and eastern concept demonstrates that there are
social contrast among the self and self-idea.

A western culture self is usually seen as abstract, private, individual, and

separates themselves from the rest of the group. They tend to look only for positive
things and seek a way to put themselves ahead of others. Western people are more
goals oriented for individualism rather than collectivism. They want to out beat another
individual so that they will be on top.

Whereas an eastern culture self-presented as open and flexible which create inte
raction towards other people. They prefer collectivism rather than individualism. The
main goal of the eastern people is to maintain harmony and balance within society.
Eastern cultures are more on thinking the safety of other people instead of thinking
about themselves.

Traditions such as Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism see attachment to self a

s an illusion that serves as the main cause of suffering and unhappiness. This simply
means that they are not materialistic. While , other religion in the western makes a
distinction between the true self and the false self, and sees the false self negatively,
deformed through sin.

To conclude, western cultures are more self-reliant and competitive whereas east
ern cultures embrace collectivism that values the relationship towards other people. The
self is always developing because it always looks for satisfaction and reasons to not
be harmed. We may be differ from each other but all we need right now is acceptance
and respect.