In this paper, the student will examine how a person’s cultural background affects their identity by analyzing various sources that contribute to cultural programming. By understanding the motivations behind behaviors, beliefs, and morals, individuals use a range of influences to shape their personality and character. This paper will focus on the specific factors that have impacted the identity of this student.
Deciphering the most impactful cultural influences in my life is challenging due to the array of factors involved. These influences have held differing significance and consequences throughout different periods of my life. To narrow down our exploration, let us commence by examining the influence imparted by my parents. Born to Carl and Jane Stringfield, an average-income couple, I entered this world in July 1965. Being raised in a middle-class family nurtured values within me like diligence, accountability, integrity, and propriety.
My parents instilled in me the importance of hard work and the negative consequences of laziness. As a direct result, I have consistently shown a strong work ethic throughout my life. This is evident in my current responsibilities where I manage 14 properties for my family as a full-time job, while also working part-time as a Loreal representative at the mall and selling real estate for a land developer. Simultaneously, I am pursuing my education at the University of Phoenix.
Besides my parents, the existence of three siblings greatly impacted my cultural upbringing. Having two older sisters and a younger brother taught me vital abilities like negotiation, accusation, and participation. As the middle child in our family, I had to comprehend that typically the youngest sibling receives more attention from parents, while the oldest sibling can offer guidance. It is also important to acknowledge one’s position in the family hierarchy.
In addition to teaching me about family hierarchy, my siblings also instilled principles of loyalty and trust within me.
Throughout my childhood, my parents offered continuous guidance, which helped us develop a strong bond and face challenges together. This support system cultivated in me a sense of self-confidence and security that influenced how I interacted with others. Additionally, being raised in a small town in Tennessee had a profound impact on shaping my cultural values. The atmosphere in this place encouraged tight-knit families, safety, and protection. Furthermore, this nurturing environment, especially during my early years, fostered openness and compassion among community members who consistently provided support for one another.
After becoming an adult and relocating to Maryland, I observed a notable contrast in the surroundings compared to my hometown. In this unfamiliar place, individuals tended to be more reserved, families were restricted to blood ties, and it was unusual for any indications of family discord to be displayed. Having experienced both regions, I developed a genuine appreciation for the environment where I grew up and raised my children. Additionally, being a woman in the South has profoundly shaped my cultural identity as Southern men generally exhibit great respect towards women and recognize their vital role within society.
In the past, women were typically expected to be homemakers and mothers, reflecting societal views at that time. However, these perceptions have gradually changed over time. Currently, as a woman, I seldom face obstacles when pursuing any career path I desire. Throughout my professional journey, I have held positions such as Stock Trader, Mortgage Loan Officer, and Real Estate Agent – all of which were once considered unattainable for females. Ultimately, I take great pride in being a woman and feel respected within my immediate cultural circle.
My cultural programming is primarily influenced by my spirituality, which I consider to be the ultimate source. Rather than using the term “religion,” I prefer to refer to it as spirituality. It has always played a major role in shaping my cultural identity. Although my immediate family was not overly religious, I developed an inclination towards attending church at a young age because of my best friend’s family. As time went on, my spirituality became an integral part of who I am and replaced many previously ingrained beliefs. As a result, external influences have less impact on my cultural self. Through my spirituality, I have established a set of morals and ethics that I choose to adhere to.
As I age, I expect the impact of external culture on my identity to decrease over time, and I will depend solely on the spirituality within me. Despite my surroundings, this paper highlights that various sources have contributed to forming my cultural makeup. Each source has played a vital role in shaping who I am today, although their effects are distinct and separate. While our cultural backgrounds influence certain aspects of our identities, our individuality allows us to utilize these aspects in different ways.
