It may seem obvious that there are a number of cultural differences between societies. We can easily see that people vary from one society to the next, and between generations as well. This is natural because a culture is the byproduct of the people who make it up. Members of society continuously interact with and impact each other, driving constant change. Therefore, the flow of the cultural mainstream should also keep evolving to reflect these changes.

Media messages can reach all the way around the world now. These messages affect individuals’ thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. This is particularly true of children. One of the most popular TV programs for young children, Sesame Street, has played a huge role in teaching kids not only how to read and count, but it has also taught them how to understand the world. Through Sesame Street’s lovable human and Muppet characters, it tries to represent a diverse world where children can learn about others.

Over the past five decades, Sesame Street has introduced Black, Asian, Hispanic, and white characters so that children can learn about skin color and language differences from a very early age. One of the Muppet characters on the show, Rosita, is fluent in both American English and Mexican Spanish. She is the first regular bilingual Muppet on the show. In addition, Sesame Street introduced Julia, an autistic character, in 2017 to widespread praise. Because Julia’s difference was embraced by her friends, her life models a better world and helps children go out of their way to understand and include children with developmental disabilities rather than rejecting or isolating them.

In 2021, Sesame Street introduced Jiyeong, the very first Asian Muppet. She is a Korean-American girl who loves to rock out on her guitar and enjoys tteokbokki.

By including various characters, the show teaches children how to identify themselves, how to understand others, and how to communicate with all kinds of people. Ultimately, the show aims to help children grow up with a healthy self-identity and sense of belonging. To do so, the show encourages children to celebrate their own race, ethnicity, and culture for themselves and one another.

“Which Asian singers have ranked on the top of the Billboard charts?” In this internationally renowned music chart, Kyu Sakamoto reached the top of the list in 1963, singing in Japanese. In more recent years, with the soaring popularity of online video-sharing platforms and social media, PSY’s “Gangnam Style” rapidly spread across streaming services in 2012. PSY’s music video went viral and became the first member of the “billion views club.” Although PSY didn’t reach the very top of the charts, he did stay at No. 2 for a remarkable 7 weeks in a row. This made him a global sensation. Yet, it wasn't until Korean boy band, BTS, reached No.1 that an Asian singer matched Kyu Sakamoto's accomplishment. Specifically, their song “Life Goes On” became the first song performed in Korean to reach first place on the Billboard Hot 100. It was such a hit that the number of K-pop fans has increased globally and people from many countries now sing along to BTS in Korean.

Here’s something to think about. The first BTS song to get on the international charts was released in 2017. Not until BTS started performing in English did they reach No. 1. Some people say this is because the music business opposes diversity.

What is the most promising kind of sport? Esports — electronic sports — are a huge and quickly growing market.

When it comes to esports, people tend to come up with ideas of just normal games or casual pastimes. What was once considered a hobby has turned into a billion-dollar industry. Parents might be surprised to hear that competitive video gaming is genuinely popular, and many fans are enthusiastic about both the players and their games. Moreover, esports players can earn substantial profits and achieve international fame. With their growing popularity and the soaring market value of esports, some universities, such as Ohio State University, established a degree course in esports, and more than 100 high schools in the US have esports programs.

There’s still one thing to be decided: Can esports be considered real sports like football or baseball? The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has acknowledged that esports are “sporting activities” but hasn’t decided whether they can be included in the Olympic Games. Given that esports have been officially included in the Asian Games, it’s probably only a matter of time before they are seen as a normal sport.

Winds of change are blowing through business and have impacted the way companies are run. Just a few decades ago, many companies were mainly evaluated by how much they invested and earned. However, there is a growing awareness that non-financial factors may be more important. The ESG movement is a new trend impacting companies.

What does ESG really mean? ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance.

The “E” aspect focuses on how a company or organization manages its impact on the environment. As part of the effort to understand environmental issues and advocate for sustainability, companies try to develop eco-friendly products and get involved in environmental projects.

The “S” has to do with social issues, such as standing up against discrimination or inequality. When it comes to the social element, some companies believe it is crucial to advocate for social justice issues.

The “G” is related to how organizations are managed. In this regard, companies try to enhance the diversity of employees, emphasizing their ethical practices and so on.

ESG is more than just an idea; it’s a framework that empowers executives and consumers to make a meaningful impact on the world. Consumers demand that companies meet their high expectations and are more likely to buy from companies with ESG commitments. Along the same lines, they have discontinued purchasing products from companies that treat employees, communities, and the environment poorly. ESG is no longer a set of regulations to be followed, but a matter of survival.

The world never stops changing, and neither does our society. In a rapidly changing world, are you going to ride the winds of change or get left behind? By understanding the significance of social issues and factors, you can be the change makers of tomorrow.