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My Cultural Influences - Coggle Diagram
My Cultural Influences
Religion
We Christians and believe that Jesus died on the cross so that we could be forgiven of all our sins.
My parents are divorced and never made us feel like we had to stay in relationships we were not happy in, which is different than what the Bible states. It is interesting because we believe in God/Jesus but are not fundamentalists. My mother's parents were never married and my father's parents separated.
I have been on my own spiritual journey. I attend church every Sunday, pray, and practice my faith regularly. This was not forced upon me, and I will not force it upon my children. They believe in God and attend Bible study because they choose to.
Work Ethic
My dad worked as a lieutenant for the fire department from 21 until he retired. He taught us never to quit a job before we had another one, to work hard, and to do something you're passionate about.
I am getting my degree so that I can retire leaving the same type of legacy my father is going to leave.
Holidays
I have always celebrated Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, birthdays, and many of the Americanized holidays. Once my parents got divorced, we would alternate holidays and split birthdays every other year because we lived in a different city from our dad.
Our religion did not keep us from celebrating the holidays that were recognized in schools or for work.
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Sexuality
There are many people in my family who are against homosexuality. I am a lesbian, and it has caused some major hardships in my life over the years.
Church and our religious views had a lot to do with my family's belief system and the culture of African American Christians in general has as well.
I was still very open about my sexuality away from my family until I got older and found my voice. I am not close with those who disagree with who I am, but I no longer feel the need to hide it. I had to accept myself because I refused to hate myself when I believe that God still loves me for exactly who I am, despite what I may do.
Family
My parents got divorced when I was 8, so I felt a great divide as far as family was concerned. I care very much about family dynamics because I grew up in a broken home.
I believe in marriage even though I have seen a lot of divorce. I have not seen many marriages where both parties are still happy after an extended period of time. Leaving a marriage because due to infidelity and abuse are valid- socially and religiously (sexual misconduct); but leaving because you are unhappy is not frowned upon in my family either.
Language
I was born in Columbus, OH and have spoken English as my primary language all my life.
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Etiquette
We were taught never to be in "grown folks'" business. You were not allowed to engage in conversations that were not meant for you as a child.
My family didn't address a lot of personal issues. Black culture says that you don't talk about things that happen inside the home with anyone that doesn't live there.
Therapy was really hard to get into initially because it went against my value system at home and against our religious beliefs that you take everything to God. There was no room for therapy.