Culture is the
quality in a person or society that arises from a concern for an excellence in
arts, letters, manners, and scholarly pursuits. I believe my parents and
grandparents were instrumental in supporting the development in my cultural
identity. They taught me that cultural identity isn’t about food, language, and
music, but about how I feel everyday at any given location. They taught me I am
not defined by where I live, the food I eat, or the family I was born into.
Growing
up I always came across the change of thinking money and material items defined
who I am. My parents are not materialistic, but society is and I was falling
into that role. I always wanted the newest technology and expensive items
thinking that if I had those things I’d be well off. I have come to learn that
my parents and grandparents are right, those things do not matter, it’s the
people and things you do in your life that matter and determine your happiness.
I have to remind myself all the time that material items only give me temporary
happiness, it won’t last a lifetime much less a couple months.
Based
on my experiences I can help children realize that when they do unto others and
make a difference in their family or community they will feel good. I will try
to show them that you don’t need the best of everything to define who you are.
Just because society says you need something doesn’t mean you’ll be happier if
you have it. I think I can affect a child’s identity development by teaching
them to be happy with what they have and showing them that there are people
less fortunate out there who would love to have half the stuff we do. I think by
teaching children good morals, values, and respect for one another they will be
able to determine who they are and be proud of the person they have become.
