Every day, in every action, we express our particular group culture and our individual relationship to our culture. It is our way of being in the world. Our thoughts, our gestures, our actions and reactions, the very way we perceive, reflect our unique experiences with our group culture and our family culture. It’s just that most of the time people don’t notice their culture unless they find themselves in the midst of another culture. For example, in a hypothetical situation where I would have to leave my country with three items that is precious to me, I would take my Bible, my passport and my academic credentials. All of which reflect who I am.
My social identity of that of a born again Christian, trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ and relying on His word for His guidance and leading, would prompt me to take my Bible with me. In an unknown place, in the midst of confusion and chaos, surrounded by uncertainties not knowing what lies ahead, my bible which is a ‘lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path’ (Psalm 119:105), would provide me with the assurance, support and strength that I would need at that critical time. My passport would be the only proof of who I am. Especially as a refugee in a foreign land I would need my passport to prove my identity since it records my name, my date of birth, and my nationality. In order to be able to make a good living, I would need my academic credentials with me which would prove my academic qualification and entails me to a rightful position in the job front.
Though these three items reflect my social identity, Bible of that of a Christian, passport of that an Indian and my academic credentials of an early childhood educator, if asked to give up any two of these and keep the third item, I would select my academic credentials. Bible I would always be able to buy a new one and moreover the basic foundation has already been laid which cannot perish or fade away. Passport would not be of further need if my country is totally devastated and I would be able to establish my refugee status in the new country of residence. Whereas my academic credentials are something I would never be able to replace. From the age of 3 one toils to gain these credentials and therefore losing them would be an irreplaceable loss.
In everything they do, families communicate their culture’s values, beliefs, rules and expectations to their children. It is my family’s values, beliefs, rules and expectations that is reflected in me when I chose the three items I did. When I finally narrowed the items to my academic credentials, it was my family values of being able to provide for myself and not stretch out my hand before others being reflected. Through this exercise it was clear that our cultural identity also influences how we live our other social identities.
Deepa,
ReplyDeleteI found it noteworthy when you stated that your academic career began at age 3. It is the earliest time that formalized schooling begins for many children. This comment tells me that your family culture places a high regard on academic pursuits.
Deepa,
ReplyDeleteI also found it difficult to narrow the list down to one item that reflects my social identity. There are so many things that help us identify ourselves in the society and reflect our values and beliefs.
Deepa,
ReplyDeleteThe items you choose in your social identity were good items. But the item I choose to keep was my Bible. That would be difficult. I think keeping your academic credentials would be a strong hold knowing that the foundation of your education begin at the age of 3. This is a good jesture in your family to know that education is your foundation.