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Culture
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Introduction
Culture definition
The idea of culture is a collection of shared beliefs, values, and norms. These shared beliefs,
values, and norms give rise to patterns of behavior that are passed down from one generation
to the next. Culture is the totality of socially transmitted behavior - A community or
population's habits, arts, beliefs, institutions, and all other byproducts of human labor and
thought. - It is the set of beliefs, values, and norms that guide human behavior in society
(Macionis, 2019). Culture shapes our attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. It affects how we
perceive the world and how we relate to other people. Culture is passed down from one
generation to the next and aids in our understanding of our common past and history.
Cultural membership
One way a person can be a member of several cultures at once is by having a multicultural
background. For example, a person who is of Hispanic and Caucasian descent may identify
with both cultures. Another way a person can be a member of multiple cultures is by living in
a diverse community. A person who lives in a neighborhood with people from many different
cultures may learn about and identify with those cultures. Other ways in which a person
might be a member of multiple cultures simultaneously include speaking multiple languages,
practicing multiple religions, or living in multiple countries. Additionally, someone might
identify with multiple cultures based on factors like race, ethnicity, nationality, or gender.
Prejudice and discrimination.
Prejudice is an unjustified negative attitude towards an individual or group. It can be based
on irrational fears or stereotypes and can lead to discrimination, which is an action or
behavior that results in the unfair treatment of someone. As a Filipino, I have been a victim of
prejudice and discrimination. This has especially come out strongly due to racism.
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Personal experience with prejudice and experience
Filipinos are often seen as being dark-skinned and, therefore, inferior to whites. This is a
form of racism that is still very prevalent in our society. Another reason for prejudice and
discrimination against Filipinos is that they are often seen as being economically
disadvantaged. This is often true, but it doesn't mean that all Filipinos are poor. It has led to
discrimination in the workplace and in other areas of life.
Personal reflection
Needless to say, my culture has definitely influenced several aspects of my life including
heritage, religion, hobbies and sports, life goals, and my relationship with family and friends.
Heritage - There has been a certain influence on my heritage. My parents instilled in me a
great sense of pride in my culture from the moment I was born and nurtured in a Filipino
family. As a result, I have always been very interested in my ancestors and their customs. I've
also had the great fortune of being exposed to a lot of Filipino music and dance, which has
influenced my own aesthetic preferences.
Religion - has also been a large aspect of my life. I have been brought up as a staunch
Christian. This has definitely been influenced by my culture since that's the way of life for
my parents and most of my relatives.
Hobbies and sports - I play Basketball. It is a great way by which I stay physically active,
and it is also a lot of fun. This being one of the most common games in my home country,
that might have had an influence on me like it.
Family and friends - Family and friends are also important aspects of Filipino culture.
The family is the basic unit of society in the Philippines, and it is the foundation of the
country's social structure. Filipinos place a strong emphasis on family ties and relationships,
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and family members are expected to support and care for one another. Community is also
important in the Philippines, and Filipinos often form close-knit communities where everyone
looks out for one another.
Life goals - I have always been driven by a strong desire to achieve great things. My
parents taught me the value of setting and attaining objectives when I was younger. I am
happy to report that the majority of the many personal and professional objectives I set for
myself over the years have been met. One of my main objectives is financial independence.
Without the help of anyone else, I want to be able to provide for my family and myself. To
achieve this, I have been working hard to save money and invest in my future. I am also
careful with my spending, and I make sure to live within my means.
Finally, I want to be happy and fulfilled in my life. I want to do something that I love, and I
want to be surrounded by people who make me happy. I am working to create a life that is
rich and fulfilling, and I am grateful for all the good things that I have. I am confident that I
will continue to achieve my goals, and I am excited to see what the future holds.
Traditions
Fiestas - Fiestas are a very important part of Filipino culture. They are a time for families
and friends to get together to celebrate a religious or cultural event. It is a traditional Filipino
celebration that happens after a religious festival. It is a time for feasting, music, and dancing.
Food - Filipino food is a delicious blend of different cultures. From the sweet and sour
flavors of Filipino dishes to the savory and spicy dishes of other cultures, there is something
for everyone to enjoy. Some popular Filipino traditional foods include adobo, sinigang, Karekare, lumpia, and pancit.
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Importance of traditions
Traditions are therefore vital to me as an individual. They are important for several reasons.
For one, they help me feel connected to my past and to my heritage. They remind me of my
ancestors and of the things that they valued. They also help me in keeping my culture alive
and pass it down to future generations. They help me to feel anchored in my beliefs and in
my values. They help me to feel like I belong to something larger than myself. And finally,
traditions have been a source of joy and happiness. They have helped me in creating special
memories with my family and friends.
Assisting others to maintain their traditions
I would do this by encouraging them to practice and embrace their cultures. I would simply
be respectful and open-minded when interacting with people from other cultures.
In conclusion, culture is a vital aspect of any society. It shapes the values, beliefs, and
traditions of a group of people and gives them a common identity. Culture is carried down
through the generations and contributes to the definition of a community. It is a dynamic and
multifaceted phenomenon. But, one thing is for sure: culture is an important part of who we
are and how we interact with the world.
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References
Macionis, John J., and Ken Plummer. “Sociology.” A Global Introduction, Prentice Hall,
2008.
“You Have a Culture: 5 Ways to Understand Your Own Better &Mdash; Seebeyond.”
Seebeyond, 20 Apr. 2022, www.seebeyond.cc/blog/2022/2/15/you-have-a-culture-5-ways-tounderstand-your-own-better.
“World Youth Alliance | Does Culture Shape Our Identity?” WYA, www.wya.net/op-ed/doesculture-shape-our-identity. Accessed 2 Oct. 2022.