When describing relationships and how they are seen in my culture, first you have you to look at who is involved in my culture. My culture looks at people who are related by blood, dating for over two years, close friends for a few years, as well as married or engaged all to be considered “family.” Each member of my family is unique however some have similar qualities; those close friends are there and have been there for me just as I have been for them. Those related by blood are loved although not always gotten along with, as for the others they are also there for each other and for me. While growing up we are encouraged to live in the same house till we are old enough to continue our education then we move out to take up a job and live on our own while still keeping in contact and occasional visits or get-togethers.
The norms have changed greatly since I was young. Once meeting someone online would have been completely taboo however in this current point of time it’s not uncommon. Also it seems more common that people often become more romantically involved after knowing each other for only a short period of time, while this is not always the situation but does happen. The most recent proposal in my family was my oldest brother who had been dating his now wife for over three years, although this was longer then most people in my culture tend to date for. In my opinion after about a year to two years of dating and getting to know each other I think by that time it would be known whether or not the relationship would have the possibility of moving to a proposal and marriage level. After all this time if the couple is close to their families, it is also traditionally accepted for the male to ask the female’s parents for permission to propose. It’s difficult for me to explain the typical wedding since I have not been to or been a part of too many. However, those few that I have been to usually take place outside if the weather permits, with close family and friends at the wedding itself, while many more are invited to the reception after the wedding ceremony.
In my culture divorce is not an uncommon thing, although neither is remarriage. Divorce is not what someone goes into a relationship planning to do except it seems in the current culture people view it as an easy escape when things go wrong. If divorce does occur, often times the couples stop talking to each other, if prenuptial is not signed then money and other valuable items are split up. As for the children if there are any, usually there is a custody hearing or if the kids are old enough they are allowed to decide. Then in some situations if kids are present, then occasionally the parents will have communication after a period of time and space.
Generally the opinions of my culture towards homosexuality are very open just as the views are with most personal lifestyles. While there are still people who feel that marriage should remain between male and female they are not necessarily against same sex couples. Personally I do not have any problems with gender roles regarding the differences between cultures. I feel that if two people love each other that gender should not matter and it is up to the couple to determine their roles in a relationship.
Who do you believe was your biggest influences in regards to your own culture? Do you feel that most people in your culture tried to be a positive influence on you?
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I think most people I've encountered in my culture have tried to have a positive influence on me. People often times means their best even when they don't do it. The biggest influence on me from my culture would possibly be my independence. The US culture is not collectivist, and because of this we are encouraged to achieve our personal goals, etc.
ReplyDeleteI think that the biggest influence on me in regards to my culture was my family and my neighbors. I think that the people that surround you has a huge influence on what you do and how you act. People often influence you without meaning to - for instance if there are people with whom you have worked with for a while, they will probably have some influence on you. I think that most of the people in my culture have tried to be a positive influence on me. I think that no matter where I am within my culture, people are positive.
ReplyDeleteI think that my dad was my biggest influence, as he taught me to think for myself and be my own person no matter what others told me. His influence was less oppressive and more empowering, but was nonetheless influential in how I turned out. I think that most of the people in my culture try to be positive influences on me; however, many people's definition of positive influence involves systems of power and hierarchy that subjugate others and other beliefs, and that is definitely not something I stand for.
ReplyDeleteMy biggest influence was probably my family and my education. My parents obviously influenced me because they are who taught me my values and morals and taught me what was proper and what was not. My education was also important because they taught me all about culture and what my culture means to me. I think they both influences me pretty positively. My education showed a pretty non-biased view, but they also did discuss how our culture is important and we should respect it.
ReplyDeleteI think my biggest influence is my family and society. My family has taught me my values and if I were to have been brought up by another family then I would think diffently, even if it were the same culture. Also, media because even if it was still from the same culture and there was one aspect of it that I never experienced then I would be able to watch on TV how things are done.
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