GEN241 : BEAUTY OF LIFE

Name : Tanatad Seakow Student ID : 64070504007 Section : 31

1. What is the importance of Material Culture studies? How do material culture

studies promote understanding of ourselves and society? Explain in detail
with example(s).

- In my opinion, the importance of studying material culture is to understand

the culture of each thing that is different from each country and to
individual beliefs. It gives us more access to the value of that item, such as
expensive Chinese knives and cheap Thai knives. Some people choose to
buy expensive knives. because they understand the process of making that
knife may take a long time to do or use very good material. Material culture
can be divided into 3 types. First is a Utilities value is to understand and
appreciate that story. Next, market value such as amulet, In Thailand, we
believe that amulet can protect us from danger. causing some amulet to
have a very high price but from the perspective of foreigners, they may not
be able to access this culture of Thai people or gold is something that
everyone values it because it is believed that if kept, it will increase the
high price. Last one, meaning value such as watch brand between G-shock
and Rolex. Everyone prioritizes Rolex because it's expensive, it's hand
made, and it's of better quality in many ways. Therefore, every item has
value depending on how we understand the importance of that item. and
understand the story of the process of making that item.
2. Describe your perspectives on the topics/class assignments you have learned
throughout the course and how they can help you recall meanings and values
behind the objects and give you a sense of aesthetics in your daily life. Explain
in detail with example(s).

- In this class, I got an assignment to choose a feeling and find objects that
convey that feeling with my group. At first, we selected emotions. We
choose emotions peaceful, fear and aggressive. After that, we must find
things that can be connected to that feeling in 3 things. After I try to think
about the thing that must be connected to that feeling. I found that each of
them gave me a feeling of different memories that happened to me such as
a lighter, it makes me feel fear. It helps reminds me of past memories that
had been burned to the hand and make it more aware of the careful use. In
the end we had to put together a picture of our friends and ours. and
interpret the meaning of the image that conveys it. In terms of daily use, it
made me feel the value of those things more. Approaching the feelings of
things and being more aware of their use. For example, when it comes to
peace, I tend to think of headphones and the music I hear, or I feel surprised
when I think of a birthday cake my loved one bought for me. Lastly, it
helps me to look at the bigger picture easier. Understanding emotions more
and seeing the value of the existence of that item more.
3. Over the past two years, many activities have been changed due to the
COVID-19 situation, whether it is tourism activities, dating, hangout with a
group of friends, etc. In your view, if you possibly live your own life again,
what lifestyles do you yearn for or miss in your life? Describe the value,
importance, and feelings of those lifestyles on both positive and negative sides
and how they affect who you are in the future

- In my view, I believe that the COVID-19 outbreak two years ago

significantly altered my way of living. Before the COVID-19 situation, I've
planned a lot of going out with my friends at school. Traveling with family
in upcountry and abroad. And it also made my daily life more difficult such
as going out shopping, eating, and being close to others. Another thing that
is a new lifestyle for everyone is to wear masks all the time to prevent
COVID-19. On the other way, there are many advantages, for example, it
allows me to spend more time with myself. It made me learn to do new
things more and allowed me to spend more time with my family. During
the COVID-19 I learned about playing music. It gave me time to practice
playing guitar and singing. I've spent about 2 years practicing and now I'm
a night musician. It made me feel very proud of myself for helping my
parents lighten the burden more. I have formed a three-man band for folk
song. We have spent time practicing together. and patrolling to play music
around the university whether it is a liquor store or a restaurant It made us
feel like professional musicians. However, the of covid has both
disadvantages and advantages. We shall be able to appreciate the benefits
of the present more if we know how to live in it.