Personal Narrative: My Cultural Identity

Cultural identity is the natural feeling you have from belonging to a group. Cultural identity is a lot of things but what is most influential to me are holidays, and family activities because these concepts stick out to me the most. Cultural identity is something that everybody has whether they realize it or not, they just need to understand it, and find themselves within their culture.

Who am I? Where do I belong? I was raised and born in Palm Springs, California. I'm German, Irish, Jewish, the rest I'm not sure. In California it was normal being white. I didn't feel like an outsider. I felt normal. But when I moved to Hawaii I didn't feel normal. I didn't know people would judge you for being white or as they say it, a "Haulie" . But I think I let that word get the best of me because it's only a word that describes a white person. That's what I am. But the only thing that gets to me is, why do they say it? Why do they have to remind me that I'm white? I been with myself for along time, I think I know I'm white.

I am from a white Anglo Celtic background. I grew up in a small country town in Victoria and went to a catholic primary school and high school. My parent’s, their friends, my friends, my classmates and my teachers were all Anglo Celtic also. My schooling was very much based on catholic learning’s and western culture. Using the seven step process outlined in Sue & Sue (2013) I will reflect on my own cultural identity development.

When I am asked about my cultural identity I think about my ethnicity. Being an Indian in a predominantly white school I feel awkward and out of place. Through the conflicts of my race and religion I have learned more about myself and my cultural identity.

Culture is everything that defines a group of people, from the food they eat, to the values they practice each day. To some people, their cultural identity is the most important thing to them, while to others, they may not even know which cultures they belong to. I am part of the second group, so it took a lot of time and work to really discover my cultural identity. I am defined by a few cultures, some very different from each other, but nevertheless, they define me. The cultures that define me are a mix of my hobbies and the people I interact with within videogames and the world of robotics, the food and ethnicity my grandfather brings to the table with his Jewish heritage, and the southern food and traditions that I find all over my family.

“Cultural identity is the identity or feeling of belonging to a group.” Cultural identity is everywhere from whites to blacks, to Christians or Catholics. Everybody has a different cultural identity. However, there are stereotypes that are made against a lot of cultures due to society. For example, black females are being misunderstood by stereotypes which is causing diversity.

Who are you? Most respond with their names, but there are probably a thousand other people who have that name. Knowing one’s name doesn’t mean you really know a person. No, to really know someone you learn their birthday, star sign, favorite color, favorite hobby, how many brothers or sisters they have. You learn them like you’ll have an exam on it next week. You learn their cultural identity. Who am I? I am a candle stick. I am one of six, a capricorn, a soccer player, and someone who lacks ambition. I am, and my culture is: the people I surround myself with, my environment, and most of all, my memories. I am an unexplainable enigma far too complicated to be analyzed by any single human being.

Cultural identity is an individual’s self-perception of their identity. Cultural identity relates to one’s religion, nationality, gender, generation, etc. Some aspects of a person’s identity may be easily seen, however, some aspects lie deeper than skin color, accent, and clothing.

In my opinion i believe that cultural identity is how your cultural backgrounds reflect on the things that you do. Such as for me i was brought up hunting and fishing,these things were taught from generation to generation from the hawaiian culture.

I have gone to Catholic school since kindergarten. Needless to say, my cultural experience is fairly limited; mostly, I interact with white people. So when I got to high school, it was mostly curiosity that made me sign up to take Mandarin Chinese as a language.

Cultural identity is something that represents your ethnicity,religion,and nationality.Your culture makes up who you truly are.My cultural identity originates from the food I eat,the music i listen to,the celebrations I have,the clothes I wear,and the style of my hair.These characteristics represents who I am and what i do as a person.

Cultural identity is feeling or belonging to a group. For example Language, Religion, Jobs, or even daily life are some elements of culture. Your language is important so you can communicate with people like you. Religion is really important because more than likely you won’t get along with another tribe that doesn’t believe what you believe or believes the opposite. Clothing is also a cultural identity for example

Culture encompasses many facets, such as: language, ethnicity, religion, class, power, history, geography, gender, lifestyle, values, beliefs, and traditions (Culture and health, 2016). I had to put my own cultural beliefs aside when caring for an older gentleman who was a Jehovah Witness. It was early in my nursing career and this older gentleman was admitted to the hospital with a very low hemoglobin. He needed a blood transfusion, but because of him being a Jehovah Witness, it was against his religious beliefs to receive any blood. This was very difficult for me to understand, since this was not my belief system. Even though it was not my belief system, it was my obligation and duty as the nurse caring for him to honor his wishes

My culture transcends borders, because we are in every country of the world. My culture speaks all the languages of the world and celebrates all religions and no religion. My culture transcends dress, because we are found in all traditions. My culture is not inherited; rather, it is found and newly established by every individual in every generation. Some people find their place in this fluid culture right away, and others take years to recognize it.

Cultural identity is defined as the sense or feeling of belonging to a group. I connect my cultural identity to my immediate family. My immediate family consists of my parents, two younger sisters, and myself. Each one of us has significant values that have been instilled in one another. I believe that they play a large role in making me who I am today. Coming from a large, Sicilian family, the importance of love, loyalty, and support has always been prominent.