Reflection 1

                       Culture and Culture Identity

The culture of American is primarily western culture, but it also influence by other cultures like Native American, African, Asian, and Lain American cultures together. To Understanding American culture is a very difficult subject due to the constant diversity between each and every individual. There are so many different races, religions and beliefs being put together in America.

        I received critical insight throughout all of the readings which helped explain that culture means so many different things. It is something that is not inherited; each person’s culture can change because it is learned. Language is a very dominant feature of one’s culture, and may also be the most diverse.

My aha moment came when I noticed people who share the same heritage as me, but are now very different. There are many of people that lived in a different country and over time have adapted to the current place they now live. A lot of them who have reformed to the American lifestyle don’t celebrate the same New Year as they did, and now may be celebrating Christmas. The idea that America is a salad bowl compared to a melting pot is a good way to look at how things should be, and I believe something that Americans don’t recognize.

My bumper sticker would say “Stay True”. Referencing that it is important to remember how you were brought up and the beliefs that created the person you are today. Not to be mean or rude to others ideas. Just remember that we are all unique and that’s what makes us beautiful.

        I didn't know that ethnocentrism exists or that people criticizing others cultural beliefs had a definition. Americans practice a lot of ethnocentrism which leads to their idea that America is a melting pot, and everyone should change to be like them. Learning about ethnocentrism makes me very aware of how a lot of countries, especially America, make them seem not very welcoming to foreigners. I this is a subject that everyone should study and become aware of to create more peace, and for everyone to feel comfort being their own ethnicity.