My Family Culture
As an immigrant there were many items I would have liked to take with ME on my journey to a foreign land but, due to certain circumstances beyond my control the possibilities were slim. This blog brings back so many memories and thus it is an emotional one.
A Description of The Three Items I would Choose
How would you explain waht each of thes items means to you?
The passport would remind me of being a true Grenadian; reminding me that I am still part of something beautiful and cherished. The three colors of flag on the passport hold deep significance for the country and its citizens: green represents our vegetation, red stands for the burning aspiration of our people to be free from slavery and the friendliness of the people and yellow brings to mind the sunshine giving the island the local name “Island in the sun.” The flag would remind to continue to pay homage and my belongingness to my island. I want to be able to still pay homage/respect to my island.
My family portrait would keep my memory intact of those who are so dear to my heart. It would be an amazing testament of my family history that would be treasured; The thigs we did, the way we behaved, our beliefs and values (Louise Derman-Sparks, 2011). The joys, the sorrows, the limitations and the boundaries. All in all, the love and respect we shared with and for each other with the notion that each one of us is unique and special.
My family portrait would keep my memory intact of those who are so dear to my heart. It would be an amazing testament of my family history that would be treasured; The thigs we did, the way we behaved, our beliefs and values (Louise Derman-Sparks, 2011). The joys, the sorrows, the limitations and the boundaries. All in all, the love and respect we shared with and for each other with the notion that each one of us is unique and special.
The music would be in remembrance of my cultural heritage; where we came from and the freedom of our ancestors. Listening to it would change my mood from being sad to a little bit happier. I would have something to bring back the ‘home’ feelings.
Your feelings if, upon arrival, you were told that you could only keep one personal item and have to give up the other two items you brought with you
Wow! This is difficult for me even though it is only for blog reasons. I would be devastated. Having to give up my family photo would bring tears of sadness, however I still would be able to hold those memories in my heart. Giving up the passport is only saying well you belong here now. Nevertheless, I don’t really need a passport to go back home because it’s HOME. Finally, giving up the music that is, Steel Pan, Calypso or Soca is saying dance to our music or don’t dance at all. WOW! If I really have to hold on to only one it would be my FAMILY PORTRAIT. This is the most significance because nothing matters more to me than having a family. Individuals who share common bonding, cultural background, and who operate in the context of FAMILY. I would have to go back to the moments.
Any insights you gained about yourself, your family culture, diversity, and/or cultural differences in general, as a result of this exercise
In different cultures differeny groups hold on to differnt things because of their cultural background. This exercise has taught me greater awareness and respect of other cultures. We may have our different likes and dislikes, traditions, values, beliefs, norms and dispositions However, when it comes to who we are and how we perceive and make sense of each other is fundamental to all social interactions and to the construction of society and our culture (Terry, 2003).
Resources
Laureate Education (2011), “Family Cultures: Dynamic Interactions”
Terry, D. J. (2003). Social identity and diversity. Retrieved from http://apj.sagepub.com/content/41/1/25.abstract
Theresa,
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting you had a first hand experience with the immigration, and I liked this blog assignment because I was able to learn about different cultures and how they felt different things were important.
Thank you for sharing personal experiences.
Theresa,
ReplyDeleteThis assingment gave us who are recent immigrants an opportunity think back on the day that we left our native land. On the other hand it gave the opportunity to think about the people who had to leave only with the cloths on their backs. It happened long time ago and it still takes place. We had an opportunity to choose what we would like to bring with us. And we have the opportunity go back,visit and bring items to our collections but what about the people who could not go home for more than 20 years due to the war.They have grown children who are never being to the place where their parents call home. I believe this assingment reiterate what we learnt about understanding, respecting and appreciating all the cultures of the world.
Thank You for sharing.
Hello Theresa,
ReplyDeleteWow, I want to thank you for such an emotional and inspirational blog. I learned a lot about your family culture living in Grenada. Family pictures are special and important to keep family memories alive. After reading your blog, I never thought much about getting my passport because I never had to travel outside the United States. I see how important it is to have a passport handy because I never know when I might need to use one. I want to thank you for opening my eyes and learning something about your home country Grenada.