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September 14, 2005
Culture and Identity
After much thought, I listed some of the aspects that define a culture: food, self-image, background, traditions, beliefs and religion, morals and thoughts. In the same way, these things define an individual. These are the things that characterize my culture and identity.
Family traditions were once very influential in my life. As a child, we had Christmas traditions at my grandmother's house such as setting up the train that circled around the tree. We had particular Easter and Thanksgiving traditions, and certain foods also coincided with these annual events, such as my mom's sweet potato pudding that she has been making ever since I can remember.
As for my background, I'm English, Irish, Norwegian, Dutch, Scottish and German. Therefore, I can't place myself in one particular category. This doesn't bother me though because there are so many nationalities in America now that we have merged to make our own combined and diverse culture. Although this is true, I do not define myself by my country, as it has many flaws on the superficial, materialistic and imperial levels.
In terms of religion, beliefs and morals, it's hard to decide from where or whom I inherited them. My extended family is quite religious, so in this sense, it is hard to identify with them. I adhere to what I think of as strong morals, but it is not my religion guiding me, but my own conscience. At this point, I'm not sure what I believe when it comes to a higher being. I know what I would like to believe in but I would say I'm agnostic. And with every year, each generation develops differing ideas from their parents and grandparents. So in that sense, it is also my generation and my own integrity that form my morals and beliefs.
In other cultures throughout the world, self-image is a very controversial issue because of the fact that women have been led to believe that they are inferior and should be submissive and silent. Practicing the opposite of these beliefs is one way in which I am proud of my culture; in this country, we have mainly gotten past such obstacles. In many ways, such as this, the society I was brought into at birth has shaped who I am, and who I am allowed to be, in my life. That was basically out of my control, and all I can do is be thankful that I am this luck to be one of the fortunate women of the world.
When it comes down to it, there are countless aspects of society and my background that have affected my own personal culture, but these are the main influencing factors on any individual and groups of people. What makes a specific culture or a particular person so interesting is that they are unique in their history and how they came to be. Every story is different.
Posted by lcishagan at September 14, 2005 09:57 PM
Comments
I don't define myself by my country either. I remember when I was younger I traveled to Europe and at the time the United States was on good standings with many other countries..everyone was so psyched to meet an American, welcoming my family and I very warmly. In the last trip abroad, I felt so ashamed being an American, because I was disappointed on how our government was handling certain situations. The people who identified us as Americans, looked at us different.
Thats why it is so important to travel abroad. Expand horizons, and to realize that theres more out there than just America.
Posted by: Lauren Searls at September 15, 2005 10:57 AM