Who We Are Today Is In Large Part Defined By Our Cultures

Who We Are Today Is In Large Part Defined By Our Cultures Societal Co

who we are today is in large part defined by our cultures, societal connections, customs, and morals we learned as children. In our life journey we continually redefine our identities as we encounter more experiences and more people. For this discussion post, discuss the concept of “culture.” Include the following: How would you define “culture”? Discuss all the various ways you can consider culture (personal, geographic, organizational, etc.). With which cultures do you most identify? What are the internal and external characteristics of your culture(s)? What cultural norms did you learn as a child? What stereotypes are connected to those cultures?

Paper For Above instruction

Culture is a complex and multifaceted concept that encompasses the shared beliefs, values, customs, behaviors, and symbols that a group of people use to interact with each other and interpret their world. It is the fabric that weaves individuals into communities and shapes their worldview, influencing everything from our communication styles to our moral judgments (Geertz, 1973). Culture is dynamic; it evolves over time as societies encounter new influences and as individuals gain new experiences (Hall, 1989).

There are various ways to consider culture, including personal culture, geographic culture, organizational culture, and broader societal culture. Personal culture refers to the unique amalgamation of influences that shape an individual's identity, including family background, education, and personal beliefs (Ting-Toomey & Kurogi, 1998). Geographic culture pertains to regional customs, dialects, and traditions that vary across different places, such as urban versus rural communities or different countries (Hofstede, 2001). Organizational culture involves the shared values, norms, and practices within a particular institution or workplace that influence behavior and decision-making (Schein, 2010). Broader societal culture includes the collective norms of entire nations or ethnic groups, which impact social policies, societal expectations, and cultural identity at a macro level.

Personally, I most identify with a multicultural background that combines elements from my ethnic heritage and the community I grew up in. My cultural identity is a blend of traditions and values from my family's cultural practices and the broader societal norms of my environment. This hybrid identity has allowed me to appreciate diversity and adapt to varied cultural contexts.

The internal characteristics of my culture include core values such as respect for elders, community cohesion, and a strong emphasis on family bonds. Externally, my culture is reflected in traditional clothing, language preferences, culinary practices, and social rituals that distinguish it outwardly from other cultures (Kroeber & Kluckhohn, 1952).

During childhood, I learned cultural norms such as the importance of collectivism, courtesy, and deference to authority figures. These norms shaped my behavior and expectations in social interactions. For example, politeness and maintaining harmony were highly valued, which aligns with the collectivist perspective prevalent in my cultural background (Triandis, 1995).

Various stereotypes have been associated with my culture, often based on misconceptions or generalizations that overlook individual variation. For instance, stereotypes about being overly traditional or resistant to change are common; however, I recognize that these portrayals do not define the diversity within my culture. Similarly, assumptions about language proficiency or social behaviors can lead to misunderstandings, highlighting the importance of nuanced cultural awareness (Chen, 1997).

Overall, understanding the layered aspects of culture—its internal and external traits, norms, and stereotypes—is essential for fostering intercultural competence and promoting respectful interactions in an increasingly interconnected world. Recognizing the diversity within cultures also helps to challenge stereotypes and appreciate the richness of cultural identities.

References

• Chen, G.-M. (1997). Asian American communication styles and cultural values: A comparative analysis. Communication Quarterly, 45(4), 118-132.
• Geertz, C. (1973). The interpretation of cultures. Basic Books.
• Hall, E. T. (1989). Beyond culture. Anchor Books.
• Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture's consequences: Comparing values, behaviors, institutions and organizations across nations. Sage Publications.
• Kroeber, A. L., & Kluckhohn, C. (1952). Culture: A critical review of concepts and definitions. Papers of the Peabody Museum of American Archaeology and Ethnology, 47(1), 1-213.
• Schein, E. H. (2010). Organizational culture and leadership (4th ed.). Jossey-Bass.
• Tan-Toomey, S., & Kurogi, A. (1998). Korean communication patterns. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 22(2), 195-220.
• Triandis, H. C. (1995). Individualism & collectivism. Westview Press.