Narrative Essay On Cultural Identity

My cultural identity developed through solid principles established on a foundation of positive values, and morals. I have fond remembrances for the traditions of worship, celebration, and clean living. This is what connected me to my family is how our family connected. What I gained from family gatherings was the importance of family unity and strength for family. My parents were very Afrocentric, my father would go to “Sankofa” meetings which I never understood the significance at that time, but now aware of that Sankofa symbolizes taking from the past what is good and bringing it into the present in order to make positive progress through the benevolent use of knowledge. Represented by a bird taking an egg off its back or a heart shape. (1.) I am very aware that the history of African Americans in this country is rooted in slavery. So to aggregate ideals that can be carried from one generation to the next fostered traditions to create pride, honor, and contentment. This heartening beginning was the source for the development of my personal thoughts, views and beliefs that have a pronounced impact on my cultural views. The awareness of culturally diversity is also in my name. My mother gave her children names that did not fit in with the social norms of Black people growing up in the fifties. I was named after my mother’s OB/GYN. Her name was Yasmine born in India. As I got older I was teased, and admired for having a name so different than most. I both loved and hated my name. My name influenced a desire to explore the meaning of names, and how your name can create your persona for future development of personality or behaviors. The neighborhood I lived in was comprised of working class families. All of my friends had both their parents in the household All of my friends had both their parents in the household. The block I grew up on was filled with manicured grass lawns, trees, flower gardens outlining the front, and backyards, and neighbors that were allowed (with reason) to discipline the children of the community if their parents weren’t home, and the best block parties where the communing of adults and children were in I was never taught to dislike or to hate other people, races, or cultures. However, I am fully aware that I have had to overcome biases, and prejudices shaped from beneficial or cruel life experiences. Cross’s “encounter stage of black identity exemplifies the experience I encountered after my family moved into a predominately White community of the hatred that community demonstrated to my family. The constant throwing bricks through our plate glass window. Writing “nigger get out” on our doors and constant obscene gestures had a profound effect on me. We endured the onslaught harassment and insults. Eventually with other minorities moving into the community it stopped. I believe if they never existed, I would have never developed the insight to go on this journey for self and cultural awareness. My parents wanted their children to develop a sense of pride for our culture and self. As a child, my father emphasized to come together as a family, inspiring close bonds and traditions. One tradition we celebrated every year was the celebration of the oldest …show more content…
I was extremely militant, and had a hatred for White America, and Whites in general. Not until I went to college, I had not had the opportunity to experience differences. It was as if I was in the twilight zone. What a culture shock! (2) I was overcome with anxiety, disoriented in my new social environment, and very overwhelmed with my recent …show more content…
The career counselor prompted me to be mindful that I come from a family of high achiever’s. She reminded me of the values my family instilled in me as a child, to be my best. The lesson was harsh but necessary. I was now at the “Internalization” stage. This stage is characterized by inner security of working out conflicts between my old self and new identity I had established. (pg291) I had to return to the positive values of my African heritage that were instilled in me as a child. After college, I was hired at Cabrini Hospital. I was a Unit Secretary on the Pediatrics ward. I was often asked to speak to the parents and sick children to help the children’s stay in the hospital. Upon doing