Many old buildings are protected by law and are part of a nation's history. Some people think they should be knocked down and replaced by new ones. How important is it to maintain old buildings? Should history stand in the way of progress?

Many old buildings are protected by law and are part of a nation's history. Some people think they should be knocked down and replaced by new ones. How important is it to maintain old buildings? Should history stand in the way of progress?

In contemporary times, many believe that it is essential to preserve historical edifices as they are a part of national pride, whereas some believe they should be demolished. This essay shall delve deeper into both the perspective and conclude with my opinion. 

Advocates for preserving such structures argue that it is important to maintain them, as these ancient constructions represent rich ancestral legacy and help preserve long standing history, culture and traditions.  These help one identify the core roots, lifestyle and values that have been embedded in the history. Moreover, it also allows the natives, especially youngsters to stay connected to their roots and values. Additionally,  such locations and premises attract tourism, assisting  in generating huge revenue, thereby  contributing to the economy. For example, India with its wealth of monuments, reflecting richness, versatility and diversity, offer an enriching and enticing experience to tourists from across the world, and the majority of tourism comprises visitors craving to indulge with these ancient buildings. 

In contrast, many people believe that such preservation initiatives by the government are a waste of the contributions of taxpayers. They further argue that there are long-standing issues of the citizens that should be addressed and paid heed to, rather than focusing on saving structures that are already in a deteriorating state. Furthermore, rapid population growth and limited residential space are major concerns in modern society, and many old buildings could be demolished to make way for new infrastructure that would better serve humanity. 

In conclusion, I believe that ancient structures carry history and cannot be completely scrapped. It is also true that increasing population raises concerns with regards to accommodation. Hence, structures that could not be maintained should ideally be demolished, whereas the ones in good condition should continue to be maintained. 

Some people believe that traditional and cultural values and behaviour will gradually disappear as societies become more modern. Do you agree or disagree?

Some people believe that traditional and cultural values and behaviour will gradually disappear as societies become more modern. Do you agree or disagree?

Agree 

• Global identity means, shedding native beliefs and rituals, and other things like music; 
• This is also fueled by consumerism and global appeal of entertainment, consumer goods and cultural unification 
• Rapid urbanization that is exposing people to new ways of life which has little room for traditional lifestyles   

Disagree 

• The cultural aspirations have held steadfast, and have instead adapted themselves to modern times without losing their authenticity 
• Even families living in nuclear settings are ensuring that their next generation is well-informed about the beliefs endemic to their communities
• Social media has made it possible to promulgate local beliefs 

While some fear that the shifting paradigm in all walks of life may cause traditional beliefs to die, this notion lacks conviction as advancement is instead bringing people closer to their customs, helping ensure that these will continue to exist.

Those  alleging that the advent of fresh aspirations and alterations are going to unfavorably impact native ways of life, profess that this phenomenon has promoted a global identity in all spheres: language, clothing, festivals and food, among others. This has led to many, especially the young generation, to abandon their own traditions, and very soon the latter will diminish. However, this perception is misconceived; even the youth can clearly differentiate between foreign and their own lifestyles, and successfully maneuver between the two. 

Nevertheless, the progress has rather reinvigorated the dying conventional ceremonies. The availability of state-of-the-art tools and applications has allowed perpetuation of cultural practices, and community leaders are able to conduct a profound research on their traditional systems and enlighten the populace at large, engaging it more actively. To corroborate, social media has become a vehicle of proliferating information about the festivities, and rationale behind observing them, widely, convincing even the strongest critics of traditionalism to celebrate events.

Moreover, parents, despite living in nuclear family settings, are involving their progeny in rituals, celebrations, and learning about cultural and religious aspects. For instance, children are regularly sent to attend classes imparting knowledge of scriptures, folk dance and music, and so forth, and participate in communal programs and processions, to educate them about their indigenous routines.

In hindsight, the concerns about local beliefs being pushed into extinction by progressive thought processes and global aspirations, are completely unfounded; technology and the intent to practice the culture, are going to ensure that the traditional ways will always exist.          

Many people think young people should follow traditions. Others argue that young people should be free to be individuals. Discuss both views.

 Many people think young people should follow traditions. Others argue that young people should be free to be individuals. Discuss both views.

Undeniably, there has always been a fierce debate among varied sections regarding the young generation observing traditional values. While some profess that this should be done at any cost, others dissent. I shall critically analyze this matter and elucidate my views in the following paragraphs.

Some profess, native ways of life play a pivotal role in promoting  essential local rituals, encouraging people to stay connected to their roots, comprehend the rationale behind those, and preserve the knowledge amassed by ancestors.  For instance, celebrating the festival of lights, and colours in India, involving following different ways of worshiping gods  and goddesses, is a way of informing oneself about the relevance of these occasions: the festival of lights marks the transition of climate and  also teach about victory of good over the evil, and festival of colors indicate beginning of the harvest season. 

Likewise,  embracing customs endemic to a society has a profound impact on behavior, and also persuades youngsters to follow the precedents of their ancestors to sustain values, besides  perpetuating these to the next generation. For instance, as per Indian customs, being respectful to elders, and touching their feet every morning, teaches youngsters about humanity and politeness, and carry them forward. 

Nevertheless, in the contemporary era, some disregard this, and assert that living life without restrictions is the privilege of the young. Their main focus should be on adapting to the fast evolving world, instead of being tied down by orthodox traditions, to earn success. Thus,  it should be their prerogative to follow their culture, or not.   

To recapitulate, I vehemently agree with the former view, encouraging the youth to stay connected with their home-grown rituals, is the only way to guarantee survival of a community, which otherwise might lose its sense of existence. 

Some people think that cultural traditions may be destroyed when they are used as money-making attractions aimed at tourists. Others believe it is the only way to save these traditions. Discuss on both sides and give your opinion.

 Some people think that cultural traditions may be destroyed when they are used as money-making attractions aimed at tourists. Others believe it is the only way to save these traditions. Discuss on both sides and give your opinion. 

Showcasing local customs is becoming one of the prominent means of generating income from the travellers hailing from other parts of the globe. Many are in the favor of the above notion and feel that this will help preserve the native culture. However, there are a few who register their disapproval.

Some are cynical about portraying traditions with commercial objectives, out of fear that this might prove detrimental for the authenticity of customs. There is a potential danger, these traditions may gradually become simply the modern means of entertainment, which will initially blur the distinction of customs, by virtue of being altered to make things comprehensible for aliens, and finally leading to extinction since many might start following those greatly modified practices. 

Nonetheless, a few are quite optimistic about this exercise and are of the view that many cultures have already disappeared due to the rapid development of modern society. Thus,  it is the need of the hour to make the native cultural traditions witnessed and appreciated by the tourists, so that these could be acknowledged across the globe, and hence visible.  

Moreover, using these to make money to engage leisure travelers is considered quite practical since many would consider it as a novelty and hail it. Beside this, it might become a tempting profession amongst local youth, who may be overwhelmed by the financial benefits such work might help drive in. Consequently, preserving and perpetuating tradition to the next generation may become an easier task, and thus prevent them from being lost forever. 

To conclude, I personally feel that although making cultural traditions profitable attractions can save them in some respect, the potential perils should by no means be ignored as it would eventually make the values and authentic flavor fade in the future. 

People’s behaviour varies from country to country. When traveling to a different country, people should copy the behaviour and habits of the inhabitants of the country they visit. Do you agree or disagree?

 People’s behaviour varies from country to country. When traveling to a different country, people should copy the behaviour and habits of the inhabitants of the country they visit. Do you agree or disagree?

Yes 

• To be accepted by locals more closely “When in Rome, do as Roman do”, rendering them a chance to look at the host ways of life more closely 

• THis can also prevent them from offending local aspirations 

• Protection from becoming victims of crimes 

No 

• Against the globalized  ethos: those visiting are there to experience diversity and not abandon their own beliefs.   

• Harboring hostile attitudes may hamper the reputation of the country and keep visitors away: affecting the tourism badly, and earnings in foreign exchange 

• Affecting the relationships between societies 

Many suggest that those undertaking journeys to diverse regions of the globe must embrace the ways of the life of the host society. This proposal is quite prudent, and promises rich experiences to those visiting alien surroundings 

To begin with, making adjustments in the attitude to complement the native lifestyles of the destination can help  visitors prevent themselves from becoming the subject of wrath(anger) of the locals, and instead being accepted more readily by the latter; they feel that their customs have been acknowledged. This can precipitate(result in creating ) a conducive environment, wherein one can explore differences and also uniqueness of the culture being visited, and create nostalgic memories, thereby fulfilling the fundamental purpose of travelling. Several travelogues written by avid backpackers (keen travellers ) clearly highlight the relevance of this aspects as most were well-received by people of countries they went to simply because they followed local traditions and even etiquettes.

On top of that, following this strategy can be of great avail to the ones visiting other parts of the world by virtue of safeguarding them from criminal activities and unwarranted situations. It has been often observed that foreign travellers tend to become easy victims of petty crimes, or overcharging.  However, familiarising oneself with ways endemic to the destination nation such as wearing the local attire, learning and using the local dialect, and so forth, allows mingling with natives effortlessly, and being treated equally. A growing number report that when they behaved the same way, a national would do, illegal elements stayed away and the shopkeepers treated them with respect and with equality.

In hindsight, it can be safely asserted that when in Rome, do as Romans do,so that one can enjoy their travel, experience the customs and traditions of host societies more closely.

Intro 1:- In times, when more and more are undertaking journeys to diverse regions of the globe their conduct has come under a critical scanner, and many suggest that they should embrace the ways of life of the host society. Although some challenge this practice, I believe that this is the most prudent way of experiencing an alien surrounding. Intro 2 :- Of late, a suggestion has surfaced that those undertaking journeys to diverse regions of the globe must embrace the ways of life of the host society.I concur with this proposal, and shall elucidate reasons to validate(support/bolster/augment) my stand/stance in the following paragraphs. Intro 3:-

In some parts of the world traditional festivals and celebrations have disappeared or are disappearing. What problems is this causing? What measures could be taken to counter this situation?

In some parts of the world traditional festivals and celebrations have disappeared or are disappearing. What problems is this causing? What measures could be taken to counter this situation?

In the contemporary world, traditional celebrations and social rituals are disappearing fast in numerous parts of the world, stipulating assessing the damage this engendering and along with remedial measures. 

The identity of individuals is often shaped based on the traditions that they follow as they embark on their journey towards their goals. Ignorance of such practices, is leading to a detachment  between generations and breaking family bonds, imperative to experience and enjoy existence in this world. In particular, a few celebrations are observed to preserve natural resources such as mountains, rivers and wildlife. Discontinuing these rituals is promoting a more self-focused lonely life rather than preserving the flora and fauna.

To continue with, indigenous festivals are one of ways to partake in the family discussion; and seek counsel from ancestral knowledge, some practices sinking into oblivion and exposing next generations to a life bereft of native ethics and ethos. Moreover, discontinuation of these occasions is affecting the local economies that depended on such festivities; a lot of merchandise was specially produced to mark such events, and many used to earn their livelihood from such commerce, but now, they are left high and dry since they lack other skills.   

To surmount this issue, parents and society should bear the equal responsibility to help recover ancient practices and rituals. Imparting the significance of each occasion to the younger generation will ensure the continuity of family and social practices. Local community leaders must ensure that community festivals are planned to accommodate generations across decades, and handover the responsibility of carrying out certain activities to the upcoming generation.  

Overall, individual awareness and responsibility plays a vital role in respecting cultural values to ensure the permanence of native festival celebrations  and this can bring people back to their native occasions.

The best way to understand other cultures is to work for a multinational organization? Do you agree or disagree

 The best way to understand other cultures is to work for a multinational organization? Do you agree or disagree

Do you agree or disagree

Yes the best way to learn about foreign cultures is to engage professionally with an MNC 

• People come in touch with others from disparate backgrounds and learn about their ways of life 

• They know about festivals and other occasions through holidays and other celebrations 

• When these people travel to offices in other locations for their work, they interact with their colleagues 

No

• People take up jobs to just fulfill their professional aspirations and earn money, and seldom bring culture into the picture 

• They rarely socialize with others and maintain an arm’s distance 

• Most are dealing with their overseas counterparts through online resources and there is hardly any shoptalk or exchange of personal views  

 

As per a common perception, working in a multinational organization can help one familiarize themselves with disparate ways of life from across the world. In my view, this notion needs to be critically analyzed. 

Those  aligning themselves with this perception find support in the assumption that the environment in such organizations afford opportunities to interact with colleagues from overseas locations and enrich the knowledge of workers in terms of language, attitude, festivals and customs, to name a few. It has been seen that those employed in such establishments are exposed to their counterparts through regular associations being effected with the help of video conferencing, or traveling to  offices in other locations. Such contacts help inform people about various ways of life prevalent  in the world.

Having said that, the former view has certain flaws. It is hard to discount the fact that the majority are inclined to keep their professional and personal lives apart, and rarely dilute them. Their primary objective of joining any organization, including a transnational corporate, is to earn a livelihood to support themselves and their kin, and in these establishments they get better paid, and knowing about other cultures is neither on their priority list nor they are afforded such chances due to their hectic work schedule.

 

Similarly, professional engagements with the multinational can at best render global visibility to professionals but enlighten them about customs and beliefs populating this world since due to a great difference in aspirations most are wary and rarely have trust on each other, impeding cultural exchanges between them. 

Overall, even though this notion might hold some relevance, it can hardly be concurred with since those employed in companies with global presence have tight schedules and rarely have faith in their overseas colleagues. 

Nowadays cultures around the world are becoming more and more similar, as compared to the past. What are the reasons for this? Is this a positive or a negative development?

 

Nowadays cultures around the world are becoming more and more similar, as compared to the past. What are the reasons for this? Is this a positive or a negative development?

There is a lobby that believes in the contemporary era, disparities among a variety of cultures available across the length and breadth of the globe are disappearing and they are turning out to be similar/identical. This essay shall delve into the reasons behind this new phenomenon and find out whether this is favourable or unfavourable evolution.

The newly emerging uniformity in cultures world over can be attributed to several parameters. Nowadays, with the advent of globalisation as well as technology, the world has evolved into a global village which has escalated the interactions between the people belonging to the diverse cultures across the globe, by virtue of which they are embracing a wide array of things that stimulate uniformity, and abandoning those which might become a source of discord.

Many have hailed this human propensity since this advancement is mitigating the disparities as well as conflicts between the nations, thereby fostering bonhomie by establishing harmonious relationships and promoting homogeneity among masses. Furthermore, this evolution has alleviated the fears of cultural shock and acclimatization among those travelling abroad for numerous purposes such as tourism, education, jobs, and many more.

However, there are many failings to this inclination as people are losing their unique cultural identity with the disappearance of the traditions and languages which are intricately entwined with the cultures. Moreover, this practice is robbing the opportunity from the young ones to take a look into their rich past and keep themselves abreast of the ethnicities, festivities, life of the ancestors, and so on.

To reiterate, the trend of accustomed similar cultures across the world is inspired by globalisation and technology and this idea is accompanied by a plethora of positive aspects since it helps in cultivating harmony between the countries by extending equality in terms of culture.

The development of science and technology has been accompanied by a decline in traditional culture. Do you think that this has a negative impact on our life?

 “The development of science and technology has been accompanied by a decline in traditional culture. Do you think that this has a negative impact on our life?”

Scientific and technological forays have influenced society profoundly in all spheres, completely transforming the way people live and interact with their surroundings, consequently, making many believe that conventional ways of life are fading away, thus negatively affecting people  though it does not seem to be the case as per the progressive lobby. 

Pessimism seems to have descended upon the camp of purists due to the way people have shifted from  meeting in person to communicating with their familial, social and professional circles. There is a fear, the proliferation of this not so old phenomenon is gradually pushing people into cloistered living, away and isolated from the outer world. This, as per many traditionalists going to detach people from their native roots, eventually impeding perpetuation of traditions and beliefs.   

Nevertheless, those supporting the technological developments allay the fears of the counterproductive impact infusion of technology, in day to day life, is having on the customs. The modern settings have helped refine the culture by helping detach superstitions from undiluted forms of beliefs. This has in a way assisted people to appreciate the true value and relevance of their ways of life, traditional practices and the customs.

Moreover, undeniably technology may have usurped the long-established ways of living but for better; thus questioning the very rationale of any adverse impact of technological interventions. New innovations are now informing individuals more conclusively about their past, rituals, ancestors, holy literature and scriptures, thereby increasing their affinity to their native customs and  bringing   communities closer.

Overall, I strongly believe the scientific technological discoveries have for sure influenced the conventional beliefs and displaced some, but this has not at all adversely impacted the lives of the people since they can now distinguish between the illusions and pure traditions.