COMING FROM TWO CULTURES

Culture is among us. It is a topic that is influential to the family; culture defines the family. It is a set of shared values, attitudes, and practices that describe an organization or group.

I come from two different cultures; Samoan culture and Mexican culture. In these cultures, activities are done together, traditionally as a family. Samoans and Mexicans are passionate in their faith, family and music. 

My father is Samoan. He has acquired many of their traditions, the biggest one being family. Samoans have an attitude of respect to all individuals, especially the elderly. The elderly are wise and are highly respected. In family reunions, feasting is a way of expressing thanks and love towards each other. The elderly are always served first, with children being last. Children are expected to serve the elderly in every occasion. Unity amongst extended family is important. Samoan families are so close that they often are raised with cousins, aunts, and uncles. Every family member knows each other very well.

Samoans are passionate in their faith. Once they are converted to a religion, they stick with it. 

My father has made this a focus to our home. His motto was, “God comes first on every aspect of our lives.” The way he expressed this was by family prayers over the dinner table, paying church tithing, and attend church every Sunday.

Last is music. Music adds joy to the Polynesian family. It adds joy to our presence and is a way of celebrating thanksgiving. Like mentioned before, doing activities is important. Music is one of the many activities they prioritize.

The same goes for Mexicans. My mother taught us to have pride in who we are. This culture is known for working hard. They work hard to provide and survive within the family. My mother comes from a family of immigrants. They are from Yucatan and chose to move to the states to better the family. In order to do this, my grandfather moved to the U.S and got the family’s paper work done. The sacrifice was leaving the family for a time. My grandmother was on her own, raising five children. This is where our emphasis of hard work came from. “You work to reach your dreams,” my grandmother said.

Once my Mexican family moved to the states they were grateful because of the support they received from friends in the U.S; they have had an attitude of respecting all persons. The family motto was to serve your fellow beings. Everyone deserves love and respect.

There are many attitudes my family has I appreciate. If I were to pick two aspects of my culture to improve, it would be faith and family. Both of my cultures came from hard circumstances. Many sacrifices were made, but they stood close to their faith. I come from a family who worship God. Faith helped them overcome the fears and struggles they faced.

The other is family. Family is important. They are in the individuals who have helped me become the person I am today. I give them a lot of credit. It is because of them I have come to value morals. These morals have helped shaped who I am today in wanting to help others find their own morals. These standards add purpose and importance to life.

I’ve pondered on how I can improve and implement these traditions. I’ve committed myself to learn about religion and how it’s positive perspectives can help bring good morals to the family. The other is family. Right now, I am currently doing Marriage and Family studies to better understand how I can implement a good household. There is a lot to do.