What does cultural identity mean to you?
Arguably, globalization has converted the world into a global village. Many scholars argue that globalization is a source of destruction of cultural identity; in fact cultural identity has been harmonized, and westernized making it complex to understand. In the 21st century, lifestyles and cultures of individuals vary tremendously. Cultural identity is very important for an individual as it gives one a sense of belonging, and association. According to me cultural diversity refers to distinctiveness of a culture, group, or individuals in terms of culture, religion, language, race, as well as ethnicity. It entails more on a description one can give to a person, as well as personal background. In most cases, people’s culture can be emphasized on where an individual comes from, the language one speaks, as well as the religious affiliation (Friedman 20).
Undoubtedly, socialization process plays an important role in development of culture and cultural identity. Hence, cultural identity can be referred as the influence one gains and enjoys by belonging to a particular group or culture. In world today, individuals feel proud to be associated into a certain culture; this is because it develops some sense of security, and a sigh of being wanted. Generally, if an individual is placed in a culture that he does not understand, the individual will not identify himself/herself with that culture. Furthermore, cultural identity can be the stereotype identification given to an individual by the society. For example, if one comes from a bad family the society will have a bad perspective of that person, and the individual will always be identified negatively.
Certainly, it is important for one to have an identity in life, or else one could be excluded socially, economically, and politically. Cultural identity is directly related to the number of multi-ethnic groups in society. Therefore, cultural identity refers to the association of a certain ethnic group (Friedman 27). In the world, Africa is believed to be full of multi-cultural identities; this is because there are various and diverse ethnic societies. Cultural identity is seen to be a treasure, source of cultural power as well as an institutional modernity.
How do you identify yourself?
There are various questions that come up in relation to cultural identification. In the recent years, various ways in which an individual could be identified have emerged. As an individual, I would identify myself basing on various aspects including gender, place, socialization environment, sex, sexual orientation, ethnicity, language, educational affiliation, as well as religion. It is wiser to identify yourself on your various forms of accomplishment (Friedman 41).
Self-identification process is an evaluation tool especially in checking reality, and comparing it with ideal picture of oneself. In most scenarios, people have failed to identify themselves because of various reasons, such as inferiority complex, as well as identity theft. Hence, it is important to reclaim your identity back, and be proud to be who you are. Furthermore, some of the cultural elements that I would help me identify myself include norms, values, language, ideologies, beliefs, status, roles, social collectiveness, as well as cultural integration.
Conclusively, cultural identity is very important is the world today. This is because in our schools, workplace, churches, as well as country include people from different backgrounds. Cultural identity develops a sense of belonging, as well as eliminating identity crisis especially among teenagers. Every culture is superior in its own definitions and understanding, hence, everyone should be proud to be identified in a certain group in society.
Work cited
Friedman, J. Cultural Diversity and Global Process. London: Springer, 2004.
