Thang Nguyen 555

Cultures on Collision Course

recent posts

about

With some short-term relief work in Asia/Africa and long stint in Telecom, Thang also earned a B.A. at Pennsylvania State University. M.A. in Communication at Wheaton Graduate School, M.A. in Cross-Cultural Communication at Gordon-Conwell Seminary, Boston. In addition, he earned a CELTA – classes taken in Hanoi for cultural re-immersion.

Author: Thang Nguyen 555

  • Love as motivator

    Fear, fun, money, dream, passion, human spirits are all strong motivators. This series cannot end without the mentioning of love. I came across a newspaper clip which showed two skeletons (male and female), still clinging to each other. Apparently they died in an earthquake. At least the saying “live together, die alone” doesn’t apply here. Talking…

  • Human spirit as Motivator

    Papillon is a real-life recount of  an undefeated spirit. Viktor Frankl talks about “they can take my body but not the spirit that is in me”. In war, down the trenches, with bullets zipping by, what causes a man to stay put? No greater love than a man who lays down his life for a friend.…

  • Personality as motivator

    Besides fun, fear and need for recognition, each of us is motivated by an unique set of triggers. Some are expressive e.g. talk it out to then realize what they think. Analytical people, however, weigh the pros and cons before opening their mouths. Amiable people just empathize, feely-touchy and are good listeners Social folks love…

  • Recognition as motivator

    Ceremony has its place in every culture. It’s an occasion for recognizing distinctive people or acts of valor. As opposed to guilt and shame, praise and recognition validate achievement. Maslow ranks this need right above survival and security need. Self-esteem. Martial Arts and Military subscribe to ranking and recognition more than often: black belt and…

  • Fun as motivator

    Cyndi Lauper and Sheryl Crow both touched on “wanna-have-fun” theme. (Girls just want to have fun, All I wanna do). The upcoming Olympic in Brazil should be a fun place (certainly more than polluted Beijing). Fun ranks up there as one of the highest motivators. It’s wired in our fabrics. Pure fun. Wholesome fun. Grand…

  • Fear as Motivator

    As a child I feared rising flood water (drowning). I feared thief by night, bully by day. I feared having to stand out in the crowd (wearing bright colors). For a nail that sticks up will be hammered down. Fear of being drafted, of being called out in class to recite something in English. Fear…

  • Money as Motivator

    Money does something to us. It both elevates and debases us. In War and Peace,  Pierre, as opposed to Prince Andrew, inherited a vast estate. Then things went south: duel, divorce and determination to “sanctify” himself by joining the Free Masonry Society. When money is involved, motivators are involved, not all pure and noble. We are shy to talk about it.…

  • Passion as motivator

    With passion, one can even work without pay. At least for a while. Blessed are those who can translate passion into profit. Novelists, musicians and movie-makers. But those of us who do not belong in that club can still tap into the well of creativity. Create products that your kids want to use (to take…

  • Music as Motivator

    Old Time Rock and Roll, Get Ready, I Just Want to Celebrate etc.. will “soothe your soul”. Take time out to massage the affective part of yourself. Ancient culture or atomized culture, we all need to gather around the “fire”, to warm up, to celebrate and to belong. Music as equalizer, as motivator. A call…