A subculture refers to a certain way of life exhibited by a particular group of people. Usually it manifests through their dressing, beliefs, values, norms among other things. It also involves the use of certain symbols mainly used to communicate between members of a subculture. Symbols used by members of a particular subculture may not be understood by outsiders who may be using the same to convey a different message.
In my case, I use many gestures to communicate with my son who has autism. This involves the use facial expressions, performing some actions using my hands, pictures and other non-verbal symbols to pass messages to him. Furthermore, being a member of the larger Caucasian community also means that I have to constantly communicate using symbols and hand signs with other people. This may include waving at departing visitors to wish them goodbye. In addition, the every day gestures we use at places of work in our busy offices when handling clients and co-workers concurrently.
When it comes to social norms, these have become second nature to me, as I have to follow that which is considered right and just in the society I live in which is part of the larger western civilization. This involves both the formal and informal ones. Referring to formal norms, they include the laws and regulations set up by the government and other organs, which I have to ascribe to, failure to which a citizen is likely to face punishment. The informal norms guide my everyday life and serve to make my life more complete and orderly. Otherwise, it would be difficult to survive in the society while being defiant to what it teaches and expects from me.
Being a roman catholic plays a very vital role in my life as it teaches me about the existence of GOD our creator. It also serves as my source of spiritual nourishment and allows me to attain spiritual growth. This forms one of my strongest beliefs as it is upon this base that my faith in Christianity remains strong. Apart from being religious, I am also keen on observing quite a number of rituals and traditional holidays. I also value family life so much. My family is my source of happiness, as well as being life itself to me.
In addition, I also believe in education and having a career and this explains why I went back to school even after being out of the education system for a long time. My value for human health in general and my family’s health in particular is one of the main reasons that inspired me to make the decision of going back to college even at an advanced age. This is despite the apprehension I had at first about being in school at such age given that most college students are generally young.
Lastly, as part of my social life, I normally wear a crucifix as well as a Virgin Mary pendant around my neck at all times. This marks a very important aspect of my faith, as I feel more protected by having these two artifacts around me all the time. I strongly belief that all these elements of my subculture are well enshrined in my life and it is through them that my life gains its meaning.
