Identity: A Reflective Factors Of My Cultural Identity

I identify as an African American woman. Being a woman as well as a minority are the two most distinctive factors of my cultural identity. There is little known knowledge of my ancestors pass on both sides of my family. I assume my ancestors came from Africa. Before this assignment I have given little thoughts to the roots of my ancestry. It was not a topic greatly discussed in my families. The way they entered the United States does have an influence on my culture. My ancestors made the new land their own. They mastered the languages of North America and created a new sacred world. Their children, who knew no other land, took root in American soil and made the land that had been forced on their parents their own. This began to shape the African …show more content…
I did not grow up being taught negative feelings towards diverse populations, only to embrace and accept others that are not like me. Racism and prejudice was something that I was taught thoroughly while living in the south. I experienced and witnessed it. It was confusing and hurtful as a child. Growing up in a black southern Christian community there was a lot of homosexual-prejudice, especially from the churches. Homosexuality is not fully accepted in the black community. Social norms of my family are to get an education, marry someone of the opposite sex, and have children. The heads of households and the elders of my family passed these social down. They are not necessarily enforced but it is acknowledged if you step outside of these cultural norms. Common rules found in my immediate family are treating others with respect, being responsible, and showing gratitude, I have incorporated all of these rules into my adulthood. I try to always treat others with respect, especially my elders. I acknowledge that I am responsible for my own actions. I show gratitude by taking time each day to say thanks for what I have, the people in my life, and the opportunities I have been