Task- Cultural awareness of one’s self and others is vital to the field of family life education. Each person was brought up with different values and expectations and thus lives their life differently. Being aware of your own culture and potential biases

Instructions

Cultural awareness of one’s self and others is vital to the field of family life education. Each person was brought up with different values and expectations and thus lives their life differently. Being aware of your own culture and potential biases can aid you in working with individuals and families.

You will be partnered with another student in the class and discuss your similarities and differences. These conversations can be related to your backgrounds, where you grew up (e.g. rural, suburban, urban), differences in gender or gender expectations, age, ethnicity, income level, religion, etc. Discuss topics that you are comfortable being open and open minded about – you do not need to cover every topic listed, but find a couple in which you have similarities and differences.

Then, you will each write a 3-5 page paper that discusses what you learned about yourself and your partner through this process. Connect the interview to concepts learned in the class, and cite/reference all materials in APA format.

My answers:

1. Can you share a bit about your background and where you grew up? How do you think your upbringing has influenced your values and expectations?

I am 29 years old and a mother of 4 ( almost 5) I was born in Chicago, raised in a two parents household up until the age of 11. My parents met when my father was stationed in Chicago and for the first 7 years of my life, we moved frequently depending on where my dad was stationed. Finally my parents chose to settle in Fort Worth TX. Although my grandfather did not accept my father, my siblings and myself due to our African American heritage, both my parents made sure i knew i never had to choose a side and i should always treat everyone around me equally and with respect. Regardless of age or differences . Family was always #1 in our household and this did not just depend on blood relation.

2. Are there any particular cultural or regional customs that are important in your family or community? How have these customs shaped your perspective on life?

We didn’t have any regional customs. I watched both my parents work to give me and my siblings the best life possible. Filled with unconditional love and support. I was taught to never depend on anyone but myself and always maintain my own independence. I am very strong willed because of this.

3. What are some key similarities you’ve noticed between your upbringing and your partner’s, and how have they impacted your beliefs or behaviors?

Both my partner and i were raised on love and immediate family importance. Knowing there is always someone in your corner. We both speak to our parents regularly and live in very close proximity. We met here in the DFW area. But after getting to know each other we found out both his mother and my mother were raised in the same part of Chicago!

4. In what ways have you experienced or observed gender-related differences or expectations in your culture, and how have these influenced your life choices or opportunities?

Gender had no significance in my household growing up. My mom worked just as hard as my dad. And they taught me and my sister that we could also be just as hard working and independent without depending on a man of any kind. My father was a very active father, he attended school events, tucked us in at night and even cooked dinner most nights ( he was a better cook than my mom) so overall we were taught equality.

5. Can you describe any significant age-related differences you’ve encountered in your family or community, and how do they affect intergenerational relationships?

There wasn’t any significant age related differences. Of course we were taught to respect our elders but i was also taught it takes respect to get respect and even though i was a child those around me should also respect me just as much as i respect them. I am the same with my children, i teach them to never speak or approach a situation with disrespect, but this is regardless of age or gender but i also make sure they know their value and that they are also owed respect!

6. What role does ethnicity play in your life and cultural identity? How does it affect your experiences and interactions with others?

School was the only place i felt like people made me feel like i needed to choose sides being a biracial person. I wasn’t black enough for certain groups to be accepted but also it was the same with anyone else. However because from birth my parents instilled in us the importance of accepting both sides, i never let the ignorance of others affect me much. My partner is also biracial, so our children do take more of a lighter complexion with light colored eyes and hair. Sometimes they have problems feeling the need to prove their blackness to others. I wish they didn’t feel this way though.

7. Have you encountered variations in income levels within your family or community, and how do these differences impact people’s lives and opportunities?

Of course becoming a mother a 18 proved to impact income level and opportunities for me within society. However as I’ve gotten older, I’ve taken what i feel the necessary steps are to prevent the lack of opportunities from affecting my children. As mentioned my immediate family has always been super supportive and within the family i have never felt less than or any differences. If one person “has it” then no one goes without.

8. How does religion, or the absence of it, shape your values and the way you approach life decisions and relationships?

Religion has never been an important topic in relationships. I believe in Jesus Christ and would consider myself a Christian however, religion never took on a majority role growing up.

9. Are there any cultural or traditional celebrations, holidays, or rituals that are significant in your life? How do they bring your family or community together?

As mentioned previously, we celebrated all traditional American holidays. 4th of July being my favorite because of the fireworks, but thanksgiving and Christmas being the ones where family is most involved.

10. Have you ever faced situations where you had to confront your own biases or prejudices related to culture, ethnicity, gender, or other factors? How did you address these challenges?

The biggest prejudice challenge i faced was not having acceptance from my grandfather on my mom’s side. He was raised to only date and marry within his race, and when my mom chose not to follow his footsteps, he disowned her and us. I can only recall speaking with him one or 2 times before he passed. I’m sure my mom had internal issues dealing with the rejection of her father but she never let us see that side. I never felt a lack of love because of this.

11. Can you share an experience where you felt that your cultural awareness or understanding of someone else’s culture had a positive impact on a relationship or interaction?

I was raised to accept and love everyone until proven otherwise. So this is the mindset i have. I take the time to get to know each person as an individual because making judgement based off the differences we might or might not share .

Partners Answers:

. Can you share a bit about your background and where you grew up? How do you think your upbringing has influenced your values and expectations?

I was born in Taiwan and raised by my grandparents when my parents were in the US working to provide for our family financially. I joined my parents in the US when I was 13 years old as a 1.5 generation immigrant. Growing un in a very traditional Asian family, I was taught to work hard, obeying elders, care for other people’s feelings, and always perform your personally best without asking anything in return. These values and expectation made me a very responsible adult. Living with grandparents, not with my own parents, also made me appreciate the unconditional love my parents showed me.

2. Are there any particular cultural or regional customs that are important in your family or community? How have these customs shaped your perspective on life?

Living in a three-generation household where the elders help taking care the grandchildren while the parents work to provide the breads for the whole family is a very common phenomenon in Asian families. We value and are grateful to have the wisdom of our elderly. We also take care of the elderly just like how they took care of us when we were young. It’s a full circle of life.

3. What are some key similarities you’ve noticed between your upbringing and your partner’s, and how have they impacted your beliefs or behaviors?

My husband is a native Taiwanese. Taiwan is a very small island with only 23 million population. The people of Taiwan share common values, so we have very similar beliefs. One of the differences I would say is that I value and belief a little less of collectivism and toward individualism more than he does because I moved to the US during teenage years, and I find there are pros and cons when too extreme.

4. In what ways have you experienced or observed gender-related differences or expectations in your culture, and how have these influenced your life choices or opportunities?

Again, in a society that practices collectivism, everyone has a role to play. Men are the bread makers and women care for the house and raise children. Very typical gender stereotyping. Wives follow their husband’s decision. But personally, I do not agree with it, so I refuse to live in Taiwan. Although I met my husband in Taiwan and married there, he moved to the US with me after I got pregnant, so we can give our children more open and freer environment to pursue who they wish to be.

5. Can you describe any significant age-related differences you’ve encountered in your family or community, and how do they affect intergenerational relationships?

In Asia, age is very distinct and sensitive. People are expected to “act according to their age.” There is a very strong societal order according to age, the older the more seniority. People will use aunt/uncle, grandpa/grandma when greeting elders. There are special tones and phrases used when speaking to people who are older than you. Elders have all the privileges in the community. Society does it out of the respect of elders, not because of sympathy or empathy.

6. What role does ethnicity play in your life and cultural identity? How does it affect your experiences and interactions with others?

I identify myself as a first-generation immigrant, although I was truly a 1.5-gen. I find myself most comfortable hanging out with people with my similar background. However, I feel my children are having more trouble identify and find their own tribe, especially we recently just moved out of state and my children also have to adapt to the new school and finding new friends.

7. Have you encountered variations in income levels within your family or community, and how do these differences impact people’s lives and opportunities?

Yes, income levels determines your societal ranking. I find it less a problem in family because your family member will help you out, but outside of the family, the society will judge you base on your income and job title.

8. How does religion, or the absence of it, shape your values and the way you approach life decisions and relationships?

I feel religion is a less important topic in my life and I don’t find it effecting my decision or relationship.

9. Are there any cultural or traditional celebrations, holidays, or rituals that are significant in your life? How do they bring your family or community together?

Luner new year celebrations is the most important holiday in our culture. Every family member will unite and celebrate together. Food, party, giving and receiving red envelope lucy money. So much fun and festive. Very much like Christmas in the US.

10. Have you ever faced situations where you had to confront your own biases or prejudices related to culture, ethnicity, gender, or other factors?

How did you address these challenges? In my job, I work with women with different of background, culture, and social status. I learned to asked questions and listen to their thoughts, concerns, and goals. That way, I can think from her perspective and come up with solutions that work.

11. Can you share an experience where you felt that your cultural awareness or understanding of someone else’s culture had a positive impact on a relationship or interaction?

As an immigrant and minority, I had to adapt and adjust to fit in almost anywhere I go. Never assume anything and speak up when in doubt have always work for me.