Multicultural Self (Reflective/ Personal Essay)
Prompt :
Every person is a result of a multitude of experiences and influences. These experiences and influences create unique perspectives and qualities within each individual.
In a well-organized essay, reflect upon experiences and influences that have helped shape your personal qualities and perspectives to define your unique multicultural self.
Prewriting :
Determine what and/or who has influenced you the most. Use the following topics and questions to guide you. Then add additional information to make the reflection more personal.
Topics
1.
ethnicity/ nationality
2.
georegional origin
3.
sex (male/ female)
4.
religious affiliations
5.
social class
6.
minority positions
7.
majority positions
8.
political affiliations
9.
preferences
10.
prejudices
11.
ethics (acceptable/ unacceptable actions)
12.
positions of isolation
13.
roles at school
14.
clubs/ activities
15.
goals
16.
roles in the workplace
17.
family structure
18.
roles in the family
19.
significant experiences/ moments of change
20.
important people in your life (pos/neg)
Questions
1.
Are there contradictory cultural positions in your life?
2.
Are there supportive cultural intersections in your life?
3.
Where are your cultural positions relative to the dominant culture in which you circulate?
Hint
It may be helpful to create a thematic web of cultural influences to visualize the intersections and contradictions in your life.
Length:
1 ½ - 2 pages
Approximately 4-6 paragraphs

Format:

MLA heading, title, margins, page numbers
 Title: “My Multicultural Self” or an original title is acceptable
Suggested Outline

Intro P : background information and on-the-surface facts about yourself. For example: age, ethnicity/nationality, sex, religion, social class, etc.

Body Ps : identify the most important influences, cultural characteristics or other information that contributes to your multicultural self. Include examples and deep reflection to clearly define your significant cultural aspects.

Conclusion : summarize the major influences in your life. Then, in one clear sentence, define yourself as a multicultural individual. To bring closure to your thoughts, you may either comment on your overall uniqueness due to the influences in your life or comment on your “future multicultural self” (since culture constantly changes).