Cultural identify can be considered as a person’s sense of self, which is derived from membership in a group, both formal and informal, that instill different elements such as knowledge, traditions, values, and belief, among others. In light of this understanding, this paper addresses issues to do with my cultural identity, which include the identity of my national, ethnic, and racial background. Other cultural identity elements covered include religion and spirituality, gender and sexuality, age and accessibility, class and geography, personal relationships, as well as group memberships. Even though culture has an impact on the values, behavior, and the attitudes of individuals, recognizing this impact might be challenging.
Race, Ethnicity, Geography, and National Origin
I identify myself as a US citizen of the African American racial group, reared in Mississippi. I regard myself as a product of an urban environment with conservative values. The values are derivatives of an organic society, in which individuals have predetermined positions and communal obligations. My ancestors came from Africa through slave trade. I do not think that they adjusted well in the new home as they were brought to America forcefully. One of the aspects of the culture of their origin they might have retained is the family structure, as my family emphasizes on the importance of having close ties with the extended family. The impact of the way of entering the US, which was through slavery, has led to modern day oppression of the black race.
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Religion and Spirituality
My religious affiliation during childhood was Christianity, Baptist church. The religious affiliation was passed down in my family through slavery. Whenever there are conflicts in my family, the Christian religious values dictate that they should be resolved through prayer, which is a practice observed by my family. I think that the religious preference reflects that my culture or heritage entertained spiritual mediation as the most appropriate way to resolve conflicts. My religious affiliation is still Christianity, as I have preferred to retain it as passed down from my parents.
Gender and Sexuality
I am female and my sexual orientation is lesbian. My family members are liberal, which means that they do not have reservations or objections about my sexual orientation or the sexual orientation of other members in my family. In my family, sexism is not an issue, as the members of my family do not regard one gender as superior to another. However, my culture dictates that women should be submissive to their husbands and act as homemakers, as men are considered as providers and are the leaders of the family. Conflicts between gender roles are handled in this culture through consultation between authoritative figures such as parents. In marriage, the men are responsible for providing and protecting the children and spouses, which childrearing being the main function of the women.
Age and Accessibility
I am 30 years of age. When interacting with my peers, I generally treat them with respects, during which I express my opinions or ideas freely, as we are likely to be having the same level of experience based on our ages. I generally treat those the same age as my children or younger in a firm but kind way, particularly when teaching them how to do something. Conversely, I treat my parents and grandparents or older people with respect, even though I do not fear giving them advice or share my opinions on a certain topic. My age has affected my experience in my family of origin positively as I have grown to listen to and understand the tribulations they were undergoing and I have grown to understand their circumstances based on my interaction with their history. The understanding has shaped me as a person, as I have developed a deep sense of respect for them.
Class and Geography
The socioeconomic history of my family is low income and poor. The role of socioeconomics for individuals with a background like mine is based on the idea that the situation compels a person to work towards prosperity, which calls for the need to work harder. My socioeconomic history is different now, as I have strived to pursue education and acquire the skills that can enable me to get employment to improve my situation, including my family’s socioeconomic situation. The political preference of my family of origin is democratic in nature, which came to be with the need to fight for the rights of the people. I think that this political preference reflects on my culture in the sense that it does not encourage dictation. My political preference is still democratic, as I believe that the majority should be listened to, as they represent the desires of a significant portion of the population.
Personal Relationships
The attitudes of significant people in my life as a child were characterized fostering a sense of community regardless of the background of the individuals in the society. When young diversity issues were advocated for passionately, as activists were cropping up to advocate for equality in the face of discrimination against different provisions such as classism, heterosexism, and racism, among others. I grew up hearing the significant people in my life advocating against racism, which was one of the most discussed topics then. My parents determined the social norms and riles in my family, which were enforced through teaching and punishment whenever they were not followed. The events I remember involving personal contact with diverse groups was during my high school years. I was initially awed by the event. From my interactions in high school, I developed close friendships with the members of the multicultural and diverse groups, consequently retaining about four friends that have been my long-time friends. The friendships are not different from the other friendships with those that reflect my own cultural group. The significant events that have affected my family and those closest to me include the discovery of my sexual orientation, including my qualification for college.
Group Membership
I have always been aware that I am a member of the groups that have shaped my identity. However, the awareness was heightened by interacting with other students during my high school years, during which I chose to embrace the different aspects of my cultural identity.
Conclusion
In the cultural identity paper, several cultural provisions have been addressed, including the different individual perspectives that have become prominent to components that include class, nationality, and ethnicity. Through the focus on my cultural identity, the paper has maintained a traditional focus on the cultural identity of other people, thereby revealing some of the hidden dimensions of my culture that are presumed to be difficult to penetrate.
