Two Cultures


The idea of two cultures presented by the readings is indicative of our society’s perspectives on two types of intellects. One type rooted in science, specifically the physical science, and the other in literacy and the humanity sciences that comes with it. It’s a distinction that has been noted and very much prevalent on the UCLA Campus. The campus is commonly split into “North Campus” and “South Campus.” North Campus is home to the more literary sciences and humanity majors while South Campus is home to majors related to physics, biology, and chemistry. Common stereotypes prevail for each side from the idea that South Campus students are less happy and often working longer hours than their North Campus counterparts. In some ways it is parallel to the global gap between those in physical sciences and those more in the literary arts. In a similar fashion, this distinction creates two entities with the idea that the other side is ideologically different from us. While the separation at UCLA is more in joke, it does create a presence of two cultures. It is from small scale distinctions such as these that perpetuate the idea of two cultures. Reading the articles add a cautionary tone to my perspective. Whereas I knew previously that such a split culture did exist, I never looked at the issues it could present. The articles however shine a holistic light on how these distinctions can create separation between two important areas of studies that could do more if they worked in unison.

Comments

  1. UnknownApril 11, 2017 at 4:18 PM

    I couldn't agree more with your ideas about "North Campus" and "South Campus". This is my first year at UCLA and since classes started I have notice how the separation between science and humanities majors has created different stereotypes about people from both sides of the campus. If fact, it's pretty interesting how these people interact around each other due to the " common stereotypes" - which shouldn't be that common, because UCLA is a school that promises an well-round education with interdisciplinary courses- which can be transformed into education with a win - win outcome for both sides of the campus. Even though this separation inside the school is harmless, in the long run it would be our critical thinking and innovative ideas the ones to pay the price.

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    1. William ConnerApril 12, 2017 at 10:38 PM

      I also agree with your notions of north campus students and south campus students. There are definitely certain stigmas placed on both sides of campus, but I do not believe people take these stereotypes to heart. I certainly have no issues with random students on south campus or north campus because everyone is friendly. There is definitely a different feel for both sides of campus. North seems sunny all the time and people are smiling, while the south side of campus is very gloomy.

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