Personal Narrative: My African American Cultural Background
Running head: MY AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL FAMILY BACKGROUND
My African American Cultural Background
A Conceptualization and Treatment Plan
Dinah C. Taylor
Liberty University
Abstract
To understand one’s culture is one of the most important life-changing journeys an individual may embark upon. This paper will tell the cultural background of my family. I am an African American woman who was born in the South and have enjoyed some of the aspects associated with being African American, a woman, and a Collins, as well as had some disappointments in relation to all the above characteristics.
Keywords: culture
My African American Cultural Family Background
History of How Africans became American When a person begins their search …show more content…
As I think of a lot of the challenges my culture faces: neighborhood crime, high rate of fatal diseases, racism, poverty, and the absence of fathers.
My Family’s Cultural Background
The challenges I named above, I fortunately have not direct contact with any of them personally, but I have family members and close friends who have suffered from all of them. I grew up with both my parents. My mom was a nurse and my dad was an electrician. My father was also a pastor, who followed my grandmother’s footsteps. After talking to my father, mother, and only grandparent, there was a lot of information that was gained and there were sources to validate my family’s story.
Drug and Substance Abuse
According to Sharma & Atri (2006), even though Whites are more likely to use drugs, alcohol, or smoke, however Blacks are often more affected by its use. My grandmother and grandfather were both alcoholics. My mother was addicted to pain medication which led her to attempting suicide and then enrolling in a drug rehabilitation center. My aunt died of a lethal mix of prescription medication. My mother’s brother was also an alcoholic who died from walking while drunk. Even though it was not his fault, he died an alcoholic. Sadly, I don’t remember any good things about him. I have another aunt and uncle who at one point were either addicted to crack cocaine, alcohol, or pain medication. So it’s obvious the misuse of drugs and alcohol have had …show more content…
There are still much needed support for the African American culture. Because of over 300 years of slavery that started amongst ourselves, it still continues to have detrimental effects on Black families. Even though my family has struggled and continue to struggle with poverty, violence, and substance abuse, we still enjoy each other’s company and laughter. It is understood that when together, we will have tons of laughs, stories told, and some very good cooking. It is believed that when our families become more aware of the cultural differences that separate us from other races, rather good and bad, we will make strides to make our African American families
My African American Cultural Background
A Conceptualization and Treatment Plan
Dinah C. Taylor
Liberty University
Abstract
To understand one’s culture is one of the most important life-changing journeys an individual may embark upon. This paper will tell the cultural background of my family. I am an African American woman who was born in the South and have enjoyed some of the aspects associated with being African American, a woman, and a Collins, as well as had some disappointments in relation to all the above characteristics.
Keywords: culture
My African American Cultural Family Background
History of How Africans became American When a person begins their search …show more content…
As I think of a lot of the challenges my culture faces: neighborhood crime, high rate of fatal diseases, racism, poverty, and the absence of fathers.
My Family’s Cultural Background
The challenges I named above, I fortunately have not direct contact with any of them personally, but I have family members and close friends who have suffered from all of them. I grew up with both my parents. My mom was a nurse and my dad was an electrician. My father was also a pastor, who followed my grandmother’s footsteps. After talking to my father, mother, and only grandparent, there was a lot of information that was gained and there were sources to validate my family’s story.
Drug and Substance Abuse
According to Sharma & Atri (2006), even though Whites are more likely to use drugs, alcohol, or smoke, however Blacks are often more affected by its use. My grandmother and grandfather were both alcoholics. My mother was addicted to pain medication which led her to attempting suicide and then enrolling in a drug rehabilitation center. My aunt died of a lethal mix of prescription medication. My mother’s brother was also an alcoholic who died from walking while drunk. Even though it was not his fault, he died an alcoholic. Sadly, I don’t remember any good things about him. I have another aunt and uncle who at one point were either addicted to crack cocaine, alcohol, or pain medication. So it’s obvious the misuse of drugs and alcohol have had …show more content…
There are still much needed support for the African American culture. Because of over 300 years of slavery that started amongst ourselves, it still continues to have detrimental effects on Black families. Even though my family has struggled and continue to struggle with poverty, violence, and substance abuse, we still enjoy each other’s company and laughter. It is understood that when together, we will have tons of laughs, stories told, and some very good cooking. It is believed that when our families become more aware of the cultural differences that separate us from other races, rather good and bad, we will make strides to make our African American families