How do I Define my Cultural Identity?
Within my network of friends and acquaintances, there are lots of people with whom I have at least one thing in common: I know many people who speak Spanish; I know many people who are teachers. One thing which isn’t clear though, is how I, just like everyone else, am unique, and this is something I’ve come to consider as a part of this course.
The idea of culture forming ideas of right and wrong is, for me, ludicrous. There are so many factors which one must take into account in order to consider right and wrong, that to just to such a quick conclusion would be presumptuous. The way I’ve been raised and my experiences in life have taught me the difference between the two, as well as observing what other people of other cultural make-ups do well and fail at. The fact that I am British, for example, doesn’t mean I know I shouldn’t steal from a shop, or key a car. This is something we observe and something we are taught. And even then, some Brits still see this as acceptable. I do not see this as a cultural influence.
Despite the fact I was baptised as a baby, I am an atheist.
I think it’s true that to some degree, cultural traits make you different from others, but there will always be someone who shares your views and opinions, who may not necessarily be from the same town, city or country.