Based on this information, provide a two-page written commentary addressing the following questions:
In what ways do widely distributed cultural products influence their targets’ preference for an ideal affect? What kind of feelings do you strive for? What is your ideal affect? Describe the type of activities you prefer, and whether they lean more toward high arousal or low arousal positive states.
What cultural ideas and practices related to emotion were you exposed to when you were a child? What cultural ideas and practices related to emotion are you currently exposed to as an adult? How do you think they shape your emotional experiences and expressions?
Discuss the occasions in which you have noticed how people from different cultures express themselves. Were their behaviors similar or different from your expectations? Why or why not? Can the concept of universality and cultural display rules help explain some of your experiences?
