Human Universals

We often focus too much on our differences and what divides us, than the commonalities we share and what brings us together. When watching the dancing movie Where the Hell is Matt is it emphasized that where ever in the world Matt went, whether he was in Sydney Australia, Soweto, South Africa, or even Seattle, WA everybody had something in common. They could dance! And everybody could dance the same dance. Watching the dancing movie made me feel happy and full of joy. I felt like all people were brought together and united by such a fun yet simple activity: dancing. I feel like this project resonates so many people around the world because it brings us close to other cultures and helps us realize that despite our differences we are all the same in some aspects. People realize that they really can relate to people in China, Australia, and South Africa. They might not be able to understand their language or culture, but they sure can dance!
This movie explores one of the many human universals that bring cultures together. Despite our different ethnicity, culture, beliefs, lifestyles, languages, religions, and all the aspects of life we differ from each other, it is amazing that we can still find things where we are all the same. Things as fun and simple as dance that can unite and bring people from all different cultures together.
As we discussed in class, dance is one form of universal art that brings people together. It is a form of expression with some kind of symbolic and deeper meaning; but each one of us interprets the art, its meaning and how it relates to us differently. It is of different meaning and importance to each and every one of us. This art could be theater, music, singing, visual arts, glass structures, architecture, sculptures, poems, literature, jewelry, language, cooking, and in this case, even dance. Regardless, this human universal is something that is of some significance to us.
A couple other human universals are the smile, kindness, and love. A smile is recognized around the world as a genuine expression of joy and happiness as well as a friendly greeting. Other human universals we share are kindness and love. We all have the ability to love and spread this love to one another. Despite cultural barriers, a smile, kindness, and love can all be shared and spread to everyone.
I believe that we have human universals because we truly are all the same. We are all human. One’s religious beliefs and how the world began and how humans came into existence would possibly alter this opinion. However, I believe that we are all children of God. We were all made the same, without cultural barriers, prejudice, discrimination, poverty, and inequalities that separate us today. Over time, as we have evolved, we have categorized ourselves and found ways to identify and distinguish ourselves from one another. Arts such dance are human universals because they get away from the things that divide us such as language and religion and go to a new place shared by all people. This is a place of expression. Different forms of art are used as a place to express oneself—ones thoughts, emotions, experiences, etc. As human beings we seek to share bonds and share similarities with other people. These human universals that we share and have explored recently are a few of the basic fundamentals that help us remember that we really are all the same.




This video is similar to the dancing one we watched, but also explores the meaning of universal language and arts among cultures

http://www.ourkindness.com/archives/123