The Joy and Blight of Being Different (Duo's online lecture 4.2.2014)

• Watch the lecture (the video opens in another tab on Perheaikaa.fi website)

When we think about differences, cultural differences in particular, we often think about problem. However, a difference, cultural or otherwise, does not equal a problem. Instead, some differences have no effect at all (you like classical music and your partner likes jazz, where's the problem in that?) and some differences can lead to a new solution, a new way of doing, seeing and experiencing things. Learning about differences, and experiencing them at first hand, gives us all a chance to see things from another perspective. That new perspective is often a source of joy.

There are some differences, however, that need to be acknowledged, identified, accepted and acted upon so that they would not cause arguments that stem from misunderstanding and different expectations.

Helka Silventoinen talked about these issues, the joy and blight of being different in her online lecture for Duo on 4 February 2014. The lecture was recorded and you can watch it here.

(Hanna Kinnunen)

More information:

• Watch the The Joy and Blight of Being Different lecture (the video opens in another tab on Perheaikaa.fi website).
  
• Handouts from Helka SIlventoinen's The Joy and Blight of Being Different  online lecture (PDF)

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