Leynes_CEFS504_CulturalBackground

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Liberty University *

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504

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Arts Humanities

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Apr 3, 2024

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docx

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Cultural Background Paper Assignment 1 Jennifer Leynes Liberty University CEFS 504 March 3, 2024
Cultural Background Paper Assignment 2 Cultural Background Paper Assignment Being someone of European descent born and living in America, my background is composed of cultural heritage and unique experiences of growing up in the United States. My heritage originated in Europe, but my identity is shaped by the intersection of ancestral traditions with the dynamic tapestry of American society. Growing up in America, I have been immersed in a melting pot of cultures, languages, and customs that enrich my perspective and shape my worldview. Despite being far away from Europe, I have remained connected to my heritage through family traditions, stories, and values passed down through generations. Being white in America means navigating the complexities of identity, belonging, and cultural heritage. It means embracing the diversity of my background while also recognizing the privilege and responsibility that comes with it. I am constantly reminded of a nation that is built on the contributions of immigrants from all over the world, who have each brought their unique talents, traditions, and stories to American life. Ultimately, being of European descent is a testament to the interconnectedness of our world and the enduring legacy of migration and cultural exchange. It is a reminder that no matter where we come from, we are all part of a shared humanity, bound together by our hopes, dreams, and aspirations for a better future (Rothe & Pumariega, 2020). Becoming aware of my cultural background has been a gradual process influenced by family, education, and personal beliefs. For me, it has been a journey of self-discovery that unfolds over time. At a young age, I listened to stories from my family about heritage and traditions, these painted a vivid picture of where we came from and instilled in me a connection to my roots. As I became older, my awareness changed through experiences like family gatherings, celebrations, and traveling to my native land. I sought to learn more about my history and traditions, as well as their significance by reading books, watching documentaries, and
Cultural Background Paper Assignment 3 having conversations with others. Becoming aware of my cultural background prompted me to reflect on its complexities and nuances. I became conscious of the diversity within my culture as well as the interactions with other identities like nationality, religion, and socio-economic status. Overall, my journey of becoming aware of my cultural background has been enriching and enlightening. It has deepened my appreciation for the diversity of human experience and strengthened my sense of connection to my roots. It has also inspired me to embrace cultural exchange, dialogue, and understanding as a means of working towards fostering a more inclusive and harmonious world. My heritage values direct communication where we express our thoughts and opinions openly and assertively. We also use gestures, tone of voice, and body language to communicate, which is known to be different for other cultures. Gender roles in my family were influenced by cultural norms and traditions. Gender roles dictated specific expectations and responsibilities for men and women, including my mom being responsible for taking care of the kids and house while my father was the main financial provider and decision-maker. These roles are dynamic and have changed over time, especially for me moving into adulthood, becoming married, and having a child. Marital roles for me are seen as an equal partnership where both husband and wife share responsibilities with housework, taking care of the children, financial responsibility, and decision making. Martial roles such as family honor and reputation and interdependence and support are also influential customs that contribute to my family’s background. Martial roles are influenced by considerations of family honor and reputation while maintaining harmony and respectability within the family unit is paramount. Marriages are viewed as alliances between families, and marital roles reflect the broader familial and societal expectations (McGoldrick et al., 2005). For
Cultural Background Paper Assignment 4 my parents, educational pursuits were not prioritized, so when it came to their children, they made sure we knew and understood the importance of getting as much education as we possibly could. They prioritized academic achievement and placed a strong emphasis on educational pursuits as a means of social mobility and success. Both of my parents had pursued vocational roles and have been very successful with their work. I believe that by understanding my family’s specific cultural background, I can understand the customs, practices, values, and behaviors that shaped my identity and experiences. The influence on spirituality is shaped by my cultural heritage which is made up of belief systems, rituals and practices, community and social structure, morality and ethics, symbolism and artistic expression, and interfaith interactions. My cultural background profoundly shaped my spiritual and religious identity. Recognizing and understanding these influences has deepened my appreciation for diversity, intercultural dialogue, and promoting mutual respect and understanding among individuals and communities. New insights I have gained from this assignment are the interconnectedness between my cultural background and spirituality. I have realized how deeply ingrained cultural background is in shaping not just my religious beliefs and practices but also moral values, community dynamics, and artistic expressions associated with spirituality (Rothe & Pumariega, 2020). Growing up, other cultures that I encountered were mostly Hispanics and African Americans. Similarities that I noticed we shared are strong family bonds, cultural pride, resilience, and adaptability. When it comes to family bonds, my family placed a strong emphasis on family ties, mutual support, and collective identity. Family gatherings, celebrations, and traditions were central to my cultural experience and fostered a sense of belonging and interconnectedness. Differences that I noticed between my culture and others are the cultural
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