An Assessment of Self, Essay Example

Introduction

When doing an assessment of self, it is often difficult to admit that one has biases and stereotypes against others. Culture is the leading cause of those feelings.  From an early age, we are taught to feel certain ways about certain things. For example, in my home, education was stressed every day. My parents did not have college degrees and they wanted to ensure that all of their children obtained a college degree.  In some cultures, females are not pushed to get an education, but my parents did not convey a difference. They expected all of their children to obtain a college degree. I know that the constant discussions and motivation from my parents is the main reason why I am attending college now.  One I was thinking about completing this assignment, I could thought it would be difficult to complete. Prior to this, I never really thought about how much culture influences and dictates my every day life. One’s culture dictates where one will live, the career he/she may choose, feeling toward education,  and even the types of food one eats.

Family Traditions

Holidays and family gatherings are very important to my family. For as long as I can remember, my mother always completed the holiday dinners. Likewise, there were certain foods that were traditional for us. These foods had to be prepared a certain way. For example, my mother always made cornbread dressing for Thanksgiving and Christmas and we always had black- eyed peas for New Years. I wasn’t aware of how this affected my decisions until I moved into my own place. I found myself cooking those very same foods for the Holidays. Ironically, I don’t feel like it’s the holidays unless I am having those dishes. Nevertheless, I have met other people who have similar holiday and food traditions. Recently I meet a person whose family did seafood for Christmas dinner. I was astounded that someone would eat fish and shrimp for Christmas rather than turkey and dressing. Nevertheless, he felt that everyone should eat fish and shrimp for Christmas. So, culture directly affects a person food choices. Some food choices that we acquire are healthy, while others are not. I have notices that I prepare food in the same way that I saw my mother do. I have learned that many of these food choices are unhealthy, but I have grown accustomed to the taste of these traditional foods. My parents only bought Coca-cola drinks when I was growing up. Consequently, I buy the same brand.

Conformity

I am not a deviant, but I am not easily conformed. I will stand my ground and stay true to my beliefs. Yet, I know that I am the victim of internalization. As I mentioned earlier, Coke is my drink of choice. I have known for years that consuming the large amounts of sugar in Cokes is not healthy. However, I just love Cokes, so I have continued to drink them for years. A friend of mine sent me a video that showed a person cleaning a car battery with a Coke. I was astounded. If a coke can wash away erosion from a battery, what could it be doing to my body? Nevertheless, drinking Cokes has become a part of my culture. So, I met this guy who said he had the same relationship with Cokes. He grew up in a home where Cokes were a common name. However, he had stopped drinking Cokes and was very pleased with his health improvement. He had even gotten a favorable update at his last health review.   I felt that if he could do this, surely I could too. For me, this was an epiphany moment for me because I realized just how much culture influenced me. Likewise, I thought about if my family drink of choice was alcohol. Had that been the case, my life would be so much different right now.

Faith/Religion

I know that my religious beliefs are directly correlated with my culture. I was taught that there is only one true and living God.  God is manifested through the Trinity-God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. I believe that God the Father created the world and everything in it.  I believe that Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit to the Virgin Mary. Jesus lived a sin free life on earth for 33 years and died on the cross for the eradication of mankind’s sins. I believe that the Holy Spirit lives in our hearts and empowers us to live Godly, worship in the spirit, and witness to the goodness of God. I believe that salvation is gained only through repentance and confession. Salvation is a gift given by God. Salvation is given by God and cannot be achieved through human works alone. Finally, I believe bible provides us guidelines to live. These are principles that I was taught by my parents and the pastor of my family church. Religion and faith was a very important aspect of my upbringing. I have taken these teachings and beliefs into my everyday life.

Views on Education

My culture has had the greatest influence on my view of education. I believe education is important because it provides a foundation for a productive community.  A successful society has each of its members functioning at his/her full potential. Educated people help to contribute to the democracy of society. My parents stressed this so much when I was growing up. Coming from a family where education was valued, I valued education. Having a proper education is the most important human task, next to serving and glorifying God. Being educated allows humans to reach their full potential in all aspects of life, from personal to spiritually.

Positive Culture

More important than carrying on family traditions, families should try to instill values in members. Culture is such a big influence on the life one leads.  Values are something that is taught through doing, not just telling. Values are much different from beliefs or choices. When parents instill values in their children, they are assuring that their children will make good choices regardless to the circumstances. If making the right choice means that one many not be popular or successful, a person with values will be unwavering.  By teaching one’s children this, one is guaranteeing that that child will most likely live a happy life because leading a life that is consistent with one’s values is optimal for happiness.  Everyone has heard the old saying that actions speak louder than words. It is true. One’s values are on display each day in many ways. This is observed by friends, family, and the communities in which one lives. The way one spends his money, time, and the company one keeps is a direct reflection of the values one possesses. Parenting skills also play a role in legacies. If parents ensure that children know the value of work and commitment, they are ensuring strong values and work ethics for the future generations. However, if parents are very relaxed and allow children to govern themselves, they will not get favorable outcomes. Often children do not like to carry through with projects they start when the task becomes too difficult. If parents allow children to quit when it gets difficult, they will become adults that quit when things become difficult.

Conclusion

When parents want to raise children who are grounded in strong values, motivated, and determined, they must possess these qualities themselves. Values direct every aspect of one’s life. For example, one who has great values will be charitable. They will help when they can.  That means giving time and money to worthy causes.  When children grow up seeing a parent who does this, they too will be charitable.  However, if a family trying to teach this to their children by word of mouth and not be actions, the outcome may not be pleasing. Children pay attention to everything because they are watching it from untainted eyes. Families with strong, practiced, values, even in the face of adversity will ensure that their legacy will be carried on by future generations.  My parents and their teaching were the grounding for my everyday life. This is where my culture comes from and I know that I will continue the culture they gave me for future generations.