COM 2000 Unit 1 Assignment 1 Cultural Background
I was born and raised in the city of Saginaw, in the state of Michigan, in the United States of America. My cultural background encompasses a rich German, Dutch, Canadian, and Scottish heritage. However, despite this diverse heritage, my parents should have celebrated or placed more emphasis on our cultural backgrounds.
My parents had limited information about our ancestors, so my connection to our heritage was distant. During my upbringing, I knew that my maternal grandfather had Scottish roots and that my maternal grandmother was of German descent.
COM 2000 Unit 1 Assignment 1 Cultural Background
My grandfather had Dutch and Canadian ancestry on my father’s side, while my grandmother had English and Native American heritage. Despite this knowledge, cultural celebrations and traditions were not a significant part of our family life.
My interest in my heritage has grown as I have grown older, prompting me to conduct more research. It started when my son had a school assignment to explore his heritage, going back at least three generations. Unfortunately, my parents were unable to provide much assistance. Therefore, we turned to the internet for research and uncovered valuable information about our ancestors dating back to the 1800s.
Armed with this newfound knowledge, we have taken steps to explore and embrace our Scottish, Dutch, and German heritage. We have even attempted to recreate traditional dishes from these cultures in our kitchen (with varying degrees of success!).
Learning about our heritage has been a fascinating journey, and I wish my family had recognized and celebrated our cultural background more during my formative years. My children will have a deeper understanding of their heritage and share a similar desire to learn more as they grow up.
COM 2000 Unit 1 Assignment 1 Cultural Background
In my professional life, I have worked with colleagues from diverse cultures and heritages. Many of my co-workers are from India, Pakistan, and various African countries. Interacting with them has been an enriching experience, as I have had the opportunity to learn about their lives before coming to the United States and gain insight into their unique cultures.
A remarkable aspect of our workplace dynamic is sharing different foods from our respective cultures. It fosters a sense of camaraderie and allows us to appreciate the richness of our diverse backgrounds.
Having such a diverse work environment, most of my co-workers hold a deep respect for one another regardless of their heritage. However, it is essential to acknowledge that working in a multicultural setting can present challenges. Differences in cultural norms and practices can sometimes lead to miscommunications.
For example, one culture may consider direct eye contact disrespectful, while another may not. Hand gestures and pointing can also carry different meanings across cultures. We must be aware of these cultural differences and approach them respectfully and sensitively, ensuring effective communication and fostering a harmonious work environment. COM 2000 Unit 1 Assignment 1 Cultural Background
