Analyzing Self Reflection Paper

¶ … culture' as the set of interconnected values that govern and form conduct, opinions, judgment, and communication. Everybody uses a unique lens to view the world. However, usually, worldviews of individuals hailing from similar backgrounds or undergoing similar social experiences will be similar and this 'similarity' generates a shared view of society. Individuals' participation in distinct social groups may be deemed as their respective cultural identities. Understanding a certain worldview facilitates understanding of its corresponding culture (Stacks, 2004).

In Stacks' (2004) opinion, cultural competence recognizes and is responsive to the distinct worldviews of diverse societies and individuals. How a person perceives the world is governed by his/her life experiences, of which several may be common to other members belonging to the same cultural group. For comprehending a person, it is necessary to first develop a grasp of these experiences. Aside from identifying and acknowledging cultural behavioral patterns, culturally competent individuals should recognize societal inequities encountered by others as well.

My Experiences

For me and other individuals brought up in the continent of Africa, the society had, and still has, a major role to play in everyday life. A majority of us abide by the society's notions of wrong and right (in other words, societal norms). Values like love, compassion, respect, hard work, hospitality, a 'community' feeling, living harmoniously with fellow human beings, and regard for elders and authority are valued by a large number of African communities. Meanwhile, we do not put up with tyranny and bias. We live by the famous maxim that: 'It takes a village to raise a child'. That is, this dictum succinctly explains that, in the nurturing of children, their family does not constitute the sole unit involved -- society plays a part as well. Therefore, whatever children do, whether bad or good, may be rewarded or punished by their parents as well as their community in general.

In my opinion, success will only be enjoyed by individuals who dedicate their all to whatever they aspire to attain. Anything I aspire for and attain at present or in the future will result from hard work as well as my interactions with fellow human beings -- I wish to be viewed this way by others. I cannot avoid interacting with people at the workplace, and here, I ensure I show regard for my coworkers and superiors.

In life, we come across and communicate with familiar faces as well as strangers. Man is a social animal and one can't simply evade interaction. As mentioned above, the culture of Africa stresses living harmoniously with fellow human beings, irrespective of whether we share common beliefs. We all hail from diverse backgrounds having their own unique cultures, values, and beliefs; thus, we must avoid judging others on the basis of our personal mindset and ideas. Nevertheless, a few African nations experience troublesome relationships among their communities, partially because of diverse ethnicities. While our broad, shared principles state that we must have regard for others, some selfish people generate hostility to serve their own ends. From my culture, I have learned the virtues of patience, receptiveness and tolerance towards others, particularly in my dealings with them. In my view, one must not treat others differently, as we're different to them too. Oppression represents the worst manner of conduct towards anybody perceived as 'different', and my culture regards this as a negative trait.