Ch 13,14, and 57

 In Ch 13, the chapter talks about Mcdonald's presence in Hong Kong and how to changed culture around meals. Before McDonalds, fast food wasn't part of the culture in Hong Kong, and introduced a new way of having meals. Children who grew up with McDonald's became used to that style of resturants, and created a divide between older generations who were used to the old ways. While innovation and change is not a bad thing inheritantly, it's easy to isolate those who haven't been surrounded by these changes the majority of their life and causes conflict between the generations that can hurt their understanding of each other.

In Ch 14, it discusses the Miraflores of the Dominican Republic and their connection to Boston. Many members leave the Dominican Republic and move to Boston for better job oppurtunities and pay, then sending money back to those still in their home country. While away from home, they still keep in touch with their culture and practices, and stay connected to those back in the DR. Leaving home is always scary, and I am afraid of moving away from the place I've lived all my life and being surrounded by unfamiliar places and people. I would hate to not be able to go see my grandma whenever I needed or not be able to go into a market and grab a fresh woopie pie. I can still make woopie pies and shoefly pie wherever I am, and talk to my grandma over the phone, but it's not the same as being physically around those I care about and things I love.

In Ch 57, the chapter speaks about practices like yoga and mediation that have been recognized globally. These practices have been adopted all around the world, but their cultural roots have slowly been changed into health and wellness instead of religious practices. While I think practicing yoga or mediation is not a problem and can definitely help you with your wellbeing, I feel some people have kinda co-opted them and don't acknowledge their true meanings to make it more marketable to a western audience. We should treat cultural and religious practices with respect as long as it is not hurting anyone, even if they are not what we personally follow.