n one episode of the series Black Mirror, a world is depicted where everyone has gadgets that allow them to rate each other – not on social media, but in real life. Smile at a passerby, yield to someone, help a neighbor – they give you five stars. Be rude, insult, or deceive – they give you one star. …
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It’s well known that “tois” (celebrations) are an integral part of Kazakh national culture. This tradition dates back to ancient times, when nomads used major life events — such as weddings, childbirth, and so on — as long-awaited opportunities to reunite with relatives and friends, to socialize and strengthen ties.
However, over time, “tois” have taken on a different meaning. …
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In the patriarchal Kazakh society, women have traditionally been the keepers of the home. Everything related to the household was considered their responsibility, which was fair since women didn’t work and spent their entire day managing the home, while men earned money.
However, later on, women began striving for equality and started working outside the home. Despite this, the stereotype …
Recently, I had a discussion with friends on an interesting topic: should we accept charity from wrongdoers? Imagine a thief who brings a portion of stolen money to a mosque and donates it to help the poor. Or imagine they send a large sum to a cancer treatment charity. On the surface, it seems like a good deed. These funds …
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I am the captain of a football team and sometimes I have to select players to participate in competitions. Since there are always more volunteers than places on the team, unpleasant situations often arise when I have to exclude someone from the main lineup. Recently, one of my friends complained, “Why didn’t you take me to the competition? We’re old …
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Serik is a typical Kazakh. He has a good family and his own business. Almost every weekend, Serik meets relatives and friends at traditional gatherings. He drives up to the restaurant in a luxury SUV, wears huge watches with a tourbillon, and is adorned with gold rings and chains. This is how he demonstrates his high status to others. Serik …
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In every society, whether primitive or modern, Eastern or Western, there are certain norms of behavior. These rules can vary greatly in different societies, but they exist in any culture. And Kazakh “uyat” is a restraining factor against violating established norms of behavior in our society. For example, walking naked or relieving oneself on the street violates Kazakhstani norms of …
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During these days, the whole world commemorates the victory of the international coalition over Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. This day symbolizes the victory over the ideology of national superiority and political despotism. Therefore, yes, this is a holiday. And I believe that on this day, we should rejoice in the victory over evil. I congratulate war veterans on Victory …
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If someone does you a favor, even if you didn’t ask for it, you subconsciously feel indebted to them, you want to thank them, and you do something for them. For example, in the 1970s, the income of the Hare Krishnas in the USA began to grow rapidly only after they started using a new tactic. Before asking for donations …
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When I first joined social media, I gained many real and virtual friends. The number of them gradually increased. But at one point, I started noticing that some of them were unfollowing me or even turning into haters, people who hated me and constantly criticized me. The most surprising thing was that among them were my friends and acquaintances from …
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