Personal Culture
My Personal Cultural Background
Kim Stringfield-Davis
University of Phoenix
Soc/315
November 20, 2008
My Personal Cultural Background Within this paper this student will discuss how the aspects of ones cultural background can shape and define the structure of their being. By analyzing each source of ones cultural programming, one can define the how and why of different behaviors, beliefs, and morals. Individuals draw from multiple sources that form their personality and character and this paper will discuss those factors that defined this student. While reflecting on the different cultural elements that have influenced my life, it is hard to determine which would be classified as the most significant or the most influential because at different stages of my life, that priority has changed. For simplicities sake, the first influence I will discuss will be that of my parents. I was born to a middle class husband and wife, named Carl and Jane Stringfield, in July of 1965. Due to being “middle class” I was taught the values of hard work, responsibility, honesty, and accountability. With two parents who felt one does not deserve what one hasn’t worked for, it was instilled in me that laziness was truly one of the worst characteristics one could possible hold. This programming has led me to be hyper-vigilant in my quest to prove my lack of “laziness.” This can be established by the fact that I currently work one full-time job, manage 14 properties for my family, work part time as a Loreal representative in the mall, sell real estate for a land developer, and attend the University of Phoenix. In addition to my parents influence, the fact that I had 3 siblings also played a significant role in my cultural programming. Having 2 older sisters and 1 younger brother taught me the art of negotiations, accusation, and participation. Being the middle child of this family, or any family, one must learn that the youngest has the highest level of
Kim Stringfield-Davis
University of Phoenix
Soc/315
November 20, 2008
My Personal Cultural Background Within this paper this student will discuss how the aspects of ones cultural background can shape and define the structure of their being. By analyzing each source of ones cultural programming, one can define the how and why of different behaviors, beliefs, and morals. Individuals draw from multiple sources that form their personality and character and this paper will discuss those factors that defined this student. While reflecting on the different cultural elements that have influenced my life, it is hard to determine which would be classified as the most significant or the most influential because at different stages of my life, that priority has changed. For simplicities sake, the first influence I will discuss will be that of my parents. I was born to a middle class husband and wife, named Carl and Jane Stringfield, in July of 1965. Due to being “middle class” I was taught the values of hard work, responsibility, honesty, and accountability. With two parents who felt one does not deserve what one hasn’t worked for, it was instilled in me that laziness was truly one of the worst characteristics one could possible hold. This programming has led me to be hyper-vigilant in my quest to prove my lack of “laziness.” This can be established by the fact that I currently work one full-time job, manage 14 properties for my family, work part time as a Loreal representative in the mall, sell real estate for a land developer, and attend the University of Phoenix. In addition to my parents influence, the fact that I had 3 siblings also played a significant role in my cultural programming. Having 2 older sisters and 1 younger brother taught me the art of negotiations, accusation, and participation. Being the middle child of this family, or any family, one must learn that the youngest has the highest level of