Definition Of Humanities

Submitted By slb2011
Words: 746
Pages: 3

When asked to define the humanities, I turned to the Stanford Humanities Center for a little help with my description. According to Stanford, the humanities are defined as “the study of how people process and document the human experience.” I believe that to be a pretty good definition of the humanities. Now, each and every one of us processes the information differently and in our own way. We all have our own style, and different ways of expressing our style and life. I think the biggest humanity that we all explore and try our best to explore is culture. I am so interested in different cultures. Not that I would give up living in my own ways, it just interests me to see how others live and go about their daily lives. The culture that interests me the most is the Amish culture. I don’t rely on the reality shows about the Amish because they are not the true Amish. I live about an hour from Arthur, which is a populated Amish area in Illinois. When I have free time, I like to drive over there and through the country to see how they live. And each time I wonder, how do they do it? It amazes me that they live with no electricity, vehicles, and do field work by hand with only horses. Although the Amish culture interests me, the cultural event that I have experienced that I am going to discuss is my vacations to Puerto Rico. I have been to the Island twice now, and learn more about the island and the locals each time, even when I have done my research. It is a huge culture shock on the Puerto Rican Island, in a good way. The locals there are very welcoming to vacationers. They know a visitor when they see one, and try to be as helpful as possible. Even though Puerto Rico is United States territory, the first language spoken is Spanish. The language barrier is the biggest culture shock. I had 3 years of Spanish in high school and know enough that I can understand a few words spoken, or ask a simple question if I need to. Locals who do not speak English in Puerto Rico still try and help out an American by doing hand gestures, drawing, or finding someone who speaks fluent English to help. During my vacations to Puerto Rico, we have visited Old San Juan. That town is full of history and culture. I have not made it to any of the military forts, but I would like to in the future. I would also like to visit Casa Blanca, as it is important to culture and history as well. Old San Juan is best known for their unique jewelry selection from all over the world. Old San Juan is a popular place now for cruise