Cultural Norms Definition

Cultural norm, however, is split up into two parts. Culture refers to attitudes and specific behaviors in a group. Norms refer to the attitude and behaviors that are considered normal to the cultures themselves (Heberle, 2018 p. 1). When looking up the definition of ‘Cultural Norms,’ you come across many examples of American norms. As Americans, for example, we like to smile and joke (InterExchange, 2018), whereas other cultures might find that disrespectful and rude. Another definition states that cultural norms are shared, sanctioned, and integrated systems of beliefs and practices that characterize a cultural group (Encyclopedia of Physical Health, 2002). From both those definitions, one could gather that a cultural norm is a specific …show more content…
“I was formally a Jehovah’s Witness.” Which is a millenarian restorationist Christian denomination with nontrinitarian beliefs distinct from mainstream Christianity (Encyclopedia, 2002). “Growing up was difficult, especially around the holidays. We didn't celebrate them. Everyone would ask ‘What did Santa bring you for Christmas’ and the look on their face when I would say that I didn’t get anything because my family doesn’t celebrate them, was in shock. I would get asked why and all I would say is that it was against my religion. Then after they would ask the question if I celebrated any holiday, the answer was no; not even my birthday. I would get told happy birthday, but it wasn’t a big deal like it is in almost every culture, like yours. Until I was 12, I didn’t really celebrate anything. It wasn’t till my parents got a divorce. My dad has primary custody over me and he was over being a Jehovah's witness and wanted to get back to the religion he was before my mom and him married. Growing up my dad was raised in the same church that we go to now, the Seventh Day Adventist right in Onaway. Seventh Day Adventist is a form of Christianity.” Garrett would add. The transformation was hard, going from a place where we would go meet five days a week to only on Sunday was a change, as well as having your parents split up. We had more time on our hands so adjusting …show more content…
“There are many vegetarians across the World due to religion and other reasons including health. One stereotype is that because i'm a vegetarian I am healthy, not true. It all depends on how you handle yourself. You could be eating a salad, which is healthy, but also could pour a whole bottle of ranch on it which kind of defeats the whole purpose of eating healthy.” Some people that classify themselves as vegetarians only eat seafood, or even white meat, which shows there is many different types of vegetarianism. For myself, I could never be a vegetarian, I like steak too much. “The typical vegetarian is one who doesn’t eat any kind of meat. Many people who are vegetarians have to use a protein substitute like ToFu or soy bean products. We do like our cheese and dairy. Especially ice cream, have to have ice cream.” I soon would ask what advice he had to someone who was thinking to become a vegetarian. “If you are thinking of switching to become a vegetarian, slowly ease your way off of meat, do not just cut it out. You will go absolutely crazy and lose your