Post 5: Career Related Website OR An Expert on your Field

My favorite Philosopher  

Byung-Chul Han (Seoul, 1959). He is a South Korean philosopher, specialist in cultural studies and professor at the Berlin University of the Arts. He is considered one of the most relevant philosophers of contemporary thought for his constant criticism of capitalism, the society of work, and technology. Byung Chul Han was born in Seoul. When he was a child, he was interested in technology, he played with radios and the occasional electronic item, then when he was young he began to study metallurgy at the University of Korea, he abandoned his studies after causing an explosion in his house while conducting experiments. At the age of 26 he came to Germany without knowing anything about philosophy. He studied German philosophy and literature at the University of Freiburg and theology at the University of Munich. Since 2012, he has been a professor of philosophy studies and cultural studies at the Berlin University of the Arts (UdK), where he directs the Studium Generale, or general studies program.

Han's current work focuses on "transparency" as a cultural norm created by neoliberal market forces, which he understands as the insatiable drive toward the voluntary disclosure of all kinds of information that borders on the pornographic. According to Han, the dictates of transparency impose a totalitarian system of openness at the expense of other social values ​​such as shame, secrecy and confidentiality.

Han criticizes the generalization of pressures on the individual, who is required and is demanded constant activity, an obligation that ends up plunging him into depression.

Post 4: A Photography you like

 

The shield of the Chilean Soccer Federation was changed after Chile played the World Cup in South Africa in 2010. At the same time, the Chile’s jerseys changed their brand of sportswear from Brooks to Puma. What this shield shows is the star of the Chilean flag, with their respective colors. It was taken in Marcelo Bielsa's farewell match, when the Chile’s national team played against Uruguay’s, in which Chile won by 2 goals to 0. I like this shield, for its simplicity, elegance and the colors palette used, it also brings me very fond memories, since several myths were demolished such as to practice a sport only talent is needed, which is false. Bielsa, with that Chilean team, showed that with effort, work, perseverance, and accepting defeat as a learning process, they serve to achieve sporting achievements by supplementing talent. In addition, the successes of the Chilean team have been the prelude for society to demand changes for a better and fairer country.

Post 3: My favorite piece of technology

 

My favorite piece of technology is the smartphone, especially if the operating system is Android, since they are cheaper, more accessible and most people use this type of device.

My favorite brand are Huawei and Xiaomi. I have a Huawei mate 10 lite, the cheaper version of that line. It has been very useful to carry out my homework. I use it to record videos that I am tasked to submit in classes, I chat with my classmates to keep myself informed about the tasks, I read news, I share academic information with my friends and colleagues; in general, I use it for all kinds of duties that are required. The frequency with which I use it is constant, since the academic duties are too many, regardless of whether we are in a pandemic or not. Using them a lot creates stress and anxiety, more than necessary. I like to use it because it is a useful tool for all kinds of activities that today's world requires.

To sum it up, I could not carry out with life at university, especially given our current context, since I simply could not fulfill my academic duties, I could not study, or do my homework, or even log into online classes.

Post 2: Why did you choose this career/study programme?

When I grew up, I wanted to be a painter, since I liked to draw landscapes, recreate the reality that is around me; it was also a way to channel and express my feelings. Another of my dreams was to be a musician, since I was really into bands such as Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Los Prisioneros, Los Tres, among others. The career options I had at the time I was applying for college was a BA in History, Sociology and Anthropology. What made me opt for sociology was the higher level of employability it offered, compared to the other programs I was considering.

My experience at the university has been quite vertiginous, I have gone through very good times, and I have met friends with whom I have worked very well and I have felt comfortable studying with, since it has allowed me to learn from their experience. However, I have also had bad experiences that have made me question if this career is the one I want to pursue once I finished university. I have failed branches that have delayed me, and that has frustrated me a lot. Once I get the degree, I would like to work with social organizations that are making an attempt to change the system in terms of social and economic equality.