Table of contentsIntroduction: When have you experienced cultural differences?My understanding of cultureMy culture and American cultureConclusionReferencesIntroduction: When have you experienced cultural differences?Introduction: Our culture shapes us, shapes the our behavior and our sense of self. Our way of life is defined by shared language, ideas, values, conventions, behaviors, and material objects that are passed down from generation to generation. We are modified by others and have modified others based on our respective culture, based on our mannerism, based on what we show or based on what we represent while living. Learning about different cultures allows us to gain a better understanding of the world we live in. It helps to dismantle negative preconceptions and personal prejudices towards other communities. It is important to be aware that not all of us are the same, we have differences especially when it comes to culture. We possess different from others and others possess different from us. This is the primary concept of cultural diversity, defined as “a system of beliefs and behaviors that recognizes and respects the presence of all diverse groups in an organization or society, recognizes and values ​​their socio-cultural differences, and encourages and enables their ongoing contribution within an inclusive cultural context that empowers everyone within the organization or society.” Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay For me, an adequate definition of my culture should include several domains. Some of which would include the religious beliefs of Islam, family tradition, and food preparation. Culture is very important for societies, especially for those who travel outside their own country, like me. I hold on to certain traditions because they allow me to come home in cognitive ways. The kind of culture I would like to talk about is my culture at home and how I cultivate it while still in the United States. My Understanding of Culture Background: I remember the first time I thought about culture. It all started with my trip to the United States; What a long process it has been. I remember finally getting off the plane and landing in New York City. Everyone was pacing back and forth frantically and had confused and stressed looks on their faces. This environment also made me feel tired. As I walked down the stairs and many hallways, I saw a family praying next to a bathroom. This gave me a wonderful memory of my family back home. I remembered that we prayed together during Ramadan; the sacred month. Thesis Statement: The organization and placement of this family made me feel at home and in my culture which incorporates both the principles of family and religion. These two aspects are significantly important in my culture. Topic sentence: The appearance of this family was a memory that will forever be etched in my memory. Evidence and Quotes: They have a look of pure happiness and joy. Commentary: This was a family that stuck together, that truly cared so deeply for each other. Evidence and Quotations: We have a saying back home that “a family that prays together, stays together.” When I first noticed them, a warm sensation came in and out of my entire body. Many things came to me during this period. I realized that I would be in the United States for quite some time, not knowing when I would return home. Social media and communication applicationsthey would become the basis of my relationship with my family for quite a while. I was quite surprised that the family didn't notice me looking at them. Because I must have watched them for about 20 minutes. I felt like time stopped and I came home engaged in these same activities. Topic Sentence: Culture never occurred to me until this moment. Evidence and quotes: I never realized how similar or different cultures can be. Comment: I mean, I never imagined that my first thoughts about culture in America would be so close to home. Which wouldn't come from some crazy culture shock situation. I thought that this experience would arise when I realized that I should practice English more. Or perhaps planned better for each given situation. This family and their prayers were probably the last thing I would find my first cultural thoughts from. Throughout my years here in the United States, I remember this day. This culture defined it for me. I think that culture separates people, that each is specialized and includes independent components. But now I realized that cultures are much closer than we think. In the United States, there are definitely more differences than similarities when compared to my country, Saudi Arabia. However, I have noticed many components that also unite our cultures. My Culture and American Culture Topic Sentence: Religion is one of these similar, but abstract, concepts in culture. You see, in the United States there is a separation between government and religion, but in Saudi Arabia it is the opposite. However, Christian and Islamic practices are quite similar. Evidence and Quotes: Both religions pray, meet in temples or churches, and have religious leaders. Not to mention that many books of the Bible are also found in the Koran. Religion directly directs my mind to the thoughts of culture. This is because he is so immersed in my society. Although it is not as integrated here in the United States, the practices are still spiritually personal. Many people I have met say they pray and fast during the obligatory dates. These are traditions and parts of culture. Although many do not realize these aspects until specific times. Like that time I was at the airport. Topic Sentence: Another amazing aspect of culture is the food it produces. Evidence and quotes: I have always been a foodie. After realizing the cultural similarities at the airport (when I finally stopped haunting this family), I was extremely hungry. There were many foreign signs of food establishments, but deciding which one was a difficult task. I remember reading the "Chipotle" sign and having no idea what was served there. But this is what I decided. At this moment, I realized culture again. I was stuck deciding on a list of unfamiliar foods. I wasn't sure which one I wanted. After consuming my chicken bowl, I realized that this experience was pleasant. I haven't tried many foods outside of my cultural tastes. I've always been hesitant, because I generally don't like new things. I have selective taste, that's for sure. Who would have imagined that a simple experience like trying a new food could generate thoughts of cultures. Comment: I find it really beautiful that each culture brings different spices and flavors to the table. Since coming to the US I have been much more adventurous in my food choices. I have tried wonderful foods from all kinds of cultures such as Indian and Chinese. Each one is very unique and the atmospheres are also quite interesting and culturally influenced. Although food may taste different from culture toculture. The preparation can be quite consistent. Many of the foods I tasted had similar cooking mechanisms. Rice is one of these categories. Many cultures use rice as a staple food, the US not so much, but Indian and Chinese cultures do. Rice is also washed in these crops before being cooked. It's unimaginable how many similarities you see between random and unusual things. I never thought I would be discussing these accomplishments today. Nor did I think that I would practice my culture and tradition as much as I do now. Conclusion Closing paragraph: Here in the United States it can be quite difficult to express all aspects of my culture. Mainly because there are many different religions and cultures in the United States. So obviously some cultural practices cannot be conducted. But, fortunately, I have found common ground on these issues. Now I practice cultures of two, not just a single one. I integrate cultural practices such as visiting the mosque, eating traditional food, and praying five times in the United States. I also like to eat fast food, watch Sunday football games and American cars. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay I have learned to live in two cultures and that is an experience I wouldn't trade for anything in the world. I'm not saying it's easy, I'm not saying it's extremely difficult, but it's all about balance. Each person has their own culture but this does not define all aspects of life. Life has too many components to consider only some aspects. We as human beings must understand our true self and establish values ​​and behaviors. Some of my cultural components are unacceptable in the United States and I respect that. The theory of when in Rome to do as the Romans do is very applicable in most situations. During my experiences here in the United States, I have definitely learned a lot about myself and others as well. Culture is something different for many people but ultimately connects us all. Cultures bring others together to create new and exciting situations. References1. Spencer-Oatey, H., & Franklin, P. (2012). What is culture. A collection of quotes. GlobalPAD Fundamentals, 1, 22. (https://d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net/40397043/Spencer-Oatey_2012_What_is_Culture-libre.pdf?1448544489=&response-content-disposition=inline%3B+filename%3DSpencer_Oatey_2012_What_is_Culture .pdf &Deadline=1676384354&Signature = YFFRPAAVDXC7P2FPSNYAYAY1CEHVSQ8NGIUOJ03FHER4OORY7A Q9NGAQDBB7CEG3MISNGSXXEXECN5PIHLNYTBHLHF5RPMRUIWOMTL7LISKHA1G2MMQPN1BE WHOBM4WSEEU ZCAOLCM3VWNRDVITFLD2K7U-30PVUA9 ~ XHRWP1JJJJZNTJ5IVS3Q6G3HCFXRI5CWMLC0OEEHYBV4SMEVWMYSHEXMMMMMMMMM4ZDQUZZU3G7G7GSJLVQBMAFAY3AJQZTKOSBW P58QUUZXA RAP-DIVZIUEGXAARSM ~ W38ZIXJESO3 ~ 7LDGNCSU3W __ & KEY-PAIR-ID = APKAJLOHF5GSLRBV4za) Fowers, BJ and Richardson, FC (1996). Why is multiculturalism good?. American Psychologist, 51(6), 609. (https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2F0003-066X.51.6.609)Carriere, K. R. (2014). Culture that cultivates culture: the four products of the world created by meaning. Integrative Psychological and Behavioral Sciences, 48, 270-282. (https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12124-013-9252-0) Lawrence, J. A., Dodds, A. E., & Valsiner, J. (2004). The multiple faces of everyday life: some challenges to the psychology of cultural practice. Culture and Psychology, 10(4), 455-476. (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1354067X04045746)Oyserman, D. (2011). Culture as situated cognition: Cultural mindedness, cultural fluency, and meaning making. European Review of Social Psychology, 22(1), 164-214. (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10463283.2011.627187) Introduction It should follow a format.