Personal Culture and Appreciating Others Culture



Personal Culture and Appreciating Others Culture

PART 1

I. Understanding Ones Own Personal Culture and Appreciating Others Culture

Cultural awareness has always been an important aspect of my life. Being a female, African American is a minority group which has proven to be both beneficial yet challenging. The benefits include witnessing my white counter-parts given opportunities in which I had to work harder to achieve. The challenges were being ignored or by-passed for positions that I was well qualified and experienced. Like most minority groups, I learn and grow from my negative experiences to increase my knowledge and determination.

Growing up in Pelham, Georgia afforded me the opportunities to become extremely aware of how people have several racial and cultural differences. The differences between southern and northern groups are profound. From my background, southerners are exceptionally friendly, exceedingly generous, welcoming, and easier to befriend. While living in the north is tolerable, the people tend to be less friendly, more aggressive, not genuine, and more self-centered. The racial tension is not as severe, however; it is still prevalent. My racial issues have been more intense in the north as opposed to the south.

There are limits to science and skepticism such as the inability of man to surpass every part of this universe. The science cannot answer each and every question with proven facts because of the limits of time and space. God is the only Being which is accepted without proof or evidence. This is because we cannot answer the fundamental questions of our existence without believing in the Unseen God. Yes, definitely there are certain universal values that transcend all cultural differences. These are moral values of honesty, truth, justice, righteousness, citizenship, respect, responsibility and care for humanity. Moreover, business ethics in all cultures revolve around fair dealings, honesty, truth and ethical code of conduct with no exploitation of rights of customers and employees.

II. Understanding Others: Commonalities among Groups Culturally Different from Mainstream Americans

I have had thorough experiences with diverse cultures, which has given me a positive outlook of life, in general. From my southern background to my northern exposures, I can identify with many diverse people, their interests, social classes, religion, culture, etc. I have learned a great deal and have an extensive appreciation for all types of ethnic groups. Being exposed to women, men, and children from various parts of the world, I have gained a better understanding and respect for cultural differences. I have had the pleasure of working with people from all walks of life and value their variations. As an adult, I was already well versed in diversity training and experiences from my previous work history and family values. Being the owner of a beauty salon, my customers span from African American, Caucasian, and other races and ethnical groups. I have encountered several diverse issues; from homosexuality, bi-racial relationships, religion, politics, health conditions, racism, financial disparities, etc. My peers have also influenced my perception about diverse groups and made me appreciate my ...