My Cultural Development Throughout The Semester

This class has not only reinforced my cultural beliefs, but it has also challenged some preconceived notions of all cultures. I am a first generation Mexican American. My parents were born in Mexico and came to American 25 years ago. In contrast, I was born and raised in California with my older and younger brother. My brothers and I constantly struggled between two distinctive cultural norms— the Mexican culture, and the American culture. My parents are from a small town called San Juan De Los Lagos in Jalisco, Mexico. San Juan is centered on religion¬– it is the home of La Virgin De San Juan, Henceforth, both of my parents were reinforced with strict religious values. My mother attended an all girls catholic primary school. My father was less fortunate and had to attend public primary school, however, since San Juan is grounded on religion, public schools also integrated reliogious values. My parents constantly compare and complain about the lack of values schools in the Unites States teach in their curriculum. Things like: respect your elders, and proper etiquette skills. Due to stricter boundaries here in the U.S, I can see why integrated such things can become problematic. For example, both of my parents experienced physically getting scolded with a ruler for things like: talking back to professors, being disruptive, and even for having dirty fingernails or a messy appearance. Although my parents were raised in strict catholic environments, they have not reinforced

Getting my new text and being filled with curiosity is always a great feeling prior to starting a class; Cultural Anthropology, such a foreign topic, so I thought. Once I began to read the first few chapters of the book I began to recognize words and details that I have previously been introduced too. Thinking back to when and what classes I have had the same experience, I recall Multicultural Counseling and Psychology. Stepping out my comfort zone is what really came to mind. Growing up in a society that has changed so much over the years you would think that I would be used to it; however, asking to look at your community with a different set of eyes is uncomfortable and brings feelings of disbelief most of the time.

1.To improve my understanding of different cultures I could study them on the Internet or in person through experience such as travel and I can also engage in events and local groups that celebrate different cultures such as multicultural gatherings and festivals.

My life experiences with different cultures began in my hometown, when Prairie Island Tribal Council members educated students about their culture through lectures, dance, and band performances. This allowed me to appreciate my Mdewakanton classmates’ culture. My exposure to different cultures expanded during an internship at a medical examiner’s office, because death is universal. I learned being culturally respectful and sensitive begins by listening to their stories and experiences before answering their questions honestly and reassuring them the deceased would be treated with respect. As I traveled to rural Honduras on a medical brigade and as a student studying abroad in Italy and Germany, I realized by listening and observing without judgement, I began to understand the cultures. In addition, I discovered generalizations of a culture give an incomplete view and I cannot assume I understand a culture. Instead, individuals are unique based on experiences as well as their culture.

This class has really opened up my eyes to many new views and opinions toward certain information and assumptions. Before taking this class I did not believe I was racist or had any downward views towards any people or cultural. This soon came to my attention that everyone has a little bit of racist in them no matter how hard you try not to be. I also thought that Columbus discovered America, I found it very interesting and almost common sense when we discussed this issue and how the school curriculum has been lying to students in a sense about the discovery of America. The finial bias I soon came to see was that no matter how much you think you will not face other cultures or other religions in schools that you are not familiar with your chances are very slim. No matter where you plan to teach at their will always be situations that you are unfamiliar with.

Growing up, I was surrounded by a juxtaposition of numerous cultures due to the fact that my dad is from Bangladesh, my mom is from India, my family is in the Middle East, and my childhood is rooted in a diverse area where I am surrounded by no one like myself. My family would joke about how I was culturally confusing, as I shifted my perspective and filtered my communication almost effortlessly in order to adapt to my environment, however, to me, analyzing those discrepancies between cultures and traditions dazzled me rather than dizzying me.

It is a challenge to provide important information about specific cultures without the appearances of stereotyping and many educational programs are focused on helping learners to understand how to communicate with individuals from other cultures or with beliefs and experiences that are different from their own. (Fetters, 2005, p. 1307)

Studying the histories of cultures that are different from ours gives us a frame of reference that can lead to better intercultural communication. It is not only important to study the histories of other countries’ cultures but our own American subcultures as well. We need to understand

I was able to demonstrate cultural competence when I volunteered at the hospital reading books to patients. I had a chance to interact with diverse groups and learn about different cultures. Some patients used to teach me their language and this is how I became more culturally sensitive. In the beginning, I had a hard problem connecting with them because I lacked the knowledge of their cultural practices. So to solve this, first I had to become aware of my own culture by asking my parents some questions and reading books that pertain to my culture. I had to understand how my culture has affected me before I understand how it affects others. The reason that I thought this was important was because if I become comfortable talking about my culture

Normally we look at other culture and try to understand them. But surprisingly in this week’s class I found it interesting how important to take a look at my culture and myself first. My understanding and judgment of other people are based on my perception about them. In working across culture we should realize that our beliefs, expectations and assumptions are not the same as

As an American who has Russian parents and was born in Israel, I have always been engaged in multiple cultures. My parents have put emphasis on preserving our Russian heritage while encouraging me to immerse myself in American culture. As I stand at the threshold of entering college, I am thrilled by the prospect of becoming acquainted with yet another cultural sphere.

By trying to see someone else’s culture through their eyes I need to be curious and introspective. Teachers that are culturally responsive strive to learn about themselves, their culture, and how their beliefs and experiences influence their perceptions and interactions with their students (Rosenberg, Westling, & McLeskey, 2011). I would like to work toward all of my students gaining resilience within my classroom. According to Rosenberg, Westling, & McLeskey, the real goal of helping students is to develop their capacity to be resilient. This will help students to succeed despite adverse circumstances and challenges (pg. 65).

Over this entire year, I have learned so much from my Honors World Cultures class. In the past years of my learning, they taught me a lot about American history. I was very familiar with all the wars and conflicts America has been involved in. What I learned new was all the conflict that went on outside of America. I was amazed how much happens that we never hear about. I learned so much about people’s culture and how it affected their lives just because of the choices they made.

America being as diverse as it is, it is amazing how different my culture is not only to a foreigner, but also to other Americans. Being raised in the south my culture is heavily impacted by a southern mindset. So as a foreigner new to my culture there are a lot of southern things they would need to understand. From the way a southerner talks all the way to the how people interact with someone. Also how men and women are viewed and how they interact with others. Race is another thing in which I want to talk about and how it has become “a body of prejudgments that distorts our ideas about human differences and group behavior” (Howell and Paris 73).

The environment, family, and community I have grown up in has shaped me as a person. So far, I grew up in the same house all seventeen years of my life. My personality has grown and molded over the years of middle school and high school based off the lessons I have learned and the things I’ve been through.