Culture Reflection - Melinda

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Culture

Identity Development Related to Culture

When you hear or try to define the word “Culture”, what is your first thought?  Well, for me it means who I am, my make-up, family background, and who and what impacts my life.

Preliminary Activities/Individual Activity

As I reflected on the “Preliminary Activity”, it brought back memories as to when I entered college for the first time.  My very first roommate was Regina Meredith.  She was a tall and very outgoing person, while as for me I was kind of laid back and somewhat quiet.  We both had very similar family backgrounds (somewhat similar to Figure 1.2 p. 11), but our goals were very far apart.  You see, I wanted a career in business, while Regina dreamed of becoming a model. As I reflect back my desire was to pursue a career in computer information system/business management.  Consequently, education was somewhat of an afterthought.

The Concept of Culture

Definitions of Culture

            Although, the term culture can be defined and even looked upon in several different aspects, Taylor places a unique spin on culture by referencing it as the structure of a tree (e.g. roots of language, beliefs, perceptions etc.).  Taylor identifies the elements of culture as “that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom, and other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society” (Noel, 2008, p. 11 & 12).  Consequently, the ultimate connection to culture is the language that is shared whether spoken or through some non-verbal form of communication (e.g. e-mail, body language, fax etc.).

Functions of Culture/Cautions about Culture  

            Culture is essential for the development of Mankind.  It assists with the providing of basic human needs.  According to Maslow’s order of needs, culture gives us a sense of “belonging”, provides protection, gives us that assurance that we are not alone, and most importantly culture shapes and molds us into loving and productive citizens (Noel, p. 13).  Even though, culture provides those necessary components we need as human beings.  There are other aspects such as the media, technology, and even other people who can have a strong influence whereby, things become distorted, resulting in people moving into a not so glamorous direction (Noel, p. 14).

Components of Culture

Communication Style/Characterizations of Culture

            Communication among cultures varies one to another.  Just like there are differences in ethnicity, cultures differ as well.  One of the key attributes in the manner in which we interact/ communicate is “the participation patterns in which members of a culture engage” (Noel, p. 16).  One interesting culture factor identified was “Styles That Are Privileged in Schools”.  As emphasized in this particular section, “Western and European American” philosophies as it relates to education, appropriate behavior, and values are very similar.  While on the other hand “East Asian” cultural outlook takes on a different prospective (Noel, p. 22).  When examining student expectations in America, the building of productive citizens is just as important as learning to read and write.          

                                                                          Summary
          The term culture has a far greater meaning to me now than before I read this chapter.  Before reading the chapter, I only thought about culture in the narrow sense.  Communication, beliefs, economics, and citizenship all fall under culture. The term “funds of knowledge” as a “community teacher” will assist me in getting to know my students, their families, and communities better.  In essence, the knowledge obtained will assist in creating the most effectively lessons as well as building stronger teacher and student/family relationships (Noel, pp. 30-31). Culture is the foundation and the make-up of society. It is what binds and even sometimes separates us as a community and nation.  Ultimately, there are differences, but as American citizens we have “a large role in the cultural shaping of identities”.  It is our responsibility as educators and administrators to provide the best educational experience as possible for all students (Noel, p.37). 
                                                                 

References

Noel, J. R. (2008). Developing multicultural educators. Long Grove: Waveland Press, Inc.