21 DWELL ON THE CONCEPT OF HAPINESS.

PEOPLE'S PERCEPTIONS OF THEIR

OWN HAPINESS IN DIFFERENT CULTURES

The concept of happiness has been most extensively analyzed by philosophers and
historians.Most philosophers and historians agree that the concept of happiness in antiquity
centered around good luck and fortune, whereas contemporary Americans view happiness as
something over which they have control and something that they can actively pursue

It is interesting to note then that whereas poets and tragic writers accepted the fatalistic view of
happiness, Socrates thought of happiness as something at least partially within one’s control

In TheSymposium, Socrates argues that the education of desire is a key to happiness.

Aristotle emphasizes the distinction between happiness and amusement, and argues that
happiness consists in a contemplative (philosophical) life.

It is also interesting to note the divergence even within the same language. For instance,
Australian English possesses a luck and fortune definition, whereas American English does not.
Likewise, the Guatemalan definition of happiness includes luck and fortune, whereas Spanish,
Argentine, and Ecuadorian definitions of happiness do not. The dictionary definition of
happiness thus seems to reflect not only linguistic heritage but local history and culture.

In American culture, it is almost taken for granted that happiness is one of the most important
values guiding people's lives. Western cultures are more driven by an urge to maximize
happiness and minimize sadness. Failing to appear happy is often a cause for concern. Its value
is echoed through Western positive psychology and research on subjective well-being.

In non-Western cultures, in contrast, it is a less valued emotion. The ideals of harmony and
conformity are often at odds with the pursuit of personal happiness and the endorsement of
individualistic values. For instance, studies have shown that East Asians are more inclined than
Westerners to think that it is inappropriate to express happiness in many social situations.
Similarly, Japanese are less inclined to savor positive emotions than Americans.

The review points out that many cultures shy away from happiness. These cultures hold the
belief that especially extreme happiness leads to unhappiness and other negative consequences
that outweigh the benefits of such positive feelings. In both Western and non-Western cultures,
some people side-step happiness because they believe that being happy makes them a worse
person and that others may see them as selfish, boring or shallow. People in non-Western
cultures, such as Iran and neighboring countries, worry that their peers, an "evil eye" or some
other supernatural deity might resent their happiness and that they will eventually suffer any
number of severe consequences.

"Many individuals and cultures do tend to be averse to some forms of happiness, especially when
taken to the extreme, for many different reasons," the researchers conclude. "Some of the beliefs
about the negative consequences of happiness seem to be exaggerations, often spurred by
superstition or timeless advice on how to enjoy a pleasant or prosperous life. However,
considering the inevitable individual differences in regards to even dominant cultural trends, no
culture can be expected to unanimously hold any of these beliefs."
 17 MASS CULTURE AND CELEBRITY WORSHIP SYNDROMe: HOW TO FIND A
HEALTHY BALANCE?

Celebrity worship syndrome is an obsessive-addictive disorder in which a person

becomes overly involved with the details of a celebrity's personal life. Psychologists have
indicated that though many people obsess over glamorous film, television, sport and pop stars,
the only common factor between them is that they are all figures in the public eye. The term
Celebrity Worship Syndrome is in fact a misnomer.

For some people this obsession is a bit of harmless fun. But for many others who suffer
from Celebrity Worship Syndrome, such obsessions can be extremely unhealthy and even
dangerous. When an impressionable young adolescent that his/her celebrity or celebrity hero is
their "soulmate", there is a serious cause for concern. Scientists who have studied the syndrome
say that celebrity worshippers tend to anxious and depressive. Some spend hours on the internet
discussing minute personal details of the stars' lives; other write confessional letters to their
heroes. In a small number of cases, some are even ready to hurt themselves in the name of the
hero.

Despite the dangers, the researchers insist that a certain amount of hero worship can be
good. If we attempt to make ourselves better by imitating our heroes, that can only be positive.
In primitive human societies, it was normal for the young to look up to the most successful
members of the tribe and to use them as role models. It is natural for us to evaluate people in
terms of the success they have achieved. In a society where success and celebrity are often the
same things, it's natural for us to want to be like stars.

But this question really need finding a healthy balance. The most attentively this should
be controlled with parents. To my mind children shouldn't be involved in it at all, as it's
absolutely dangerous for them. They just get acquainted with the world, and other imaginary
film, cartoons, game world can just disturb this process and change creating of the person's own
interior world. As about teenagers. Their own world is the same fragile, they change too fast,
they are too sensitive and trustful and impressionable. Parents should be as attentive not to let it
become a trap for their children. It is easy to help child and explain, it all can be avoided, just a
bit of attention, care and a good and confidential talk won't leave even a track of the last
problem.