Yordanos Berhe

Mrs. Polito
Period 1
August 20th, 2015
Cultural Identity
Society is filled with people of different backgrounds and religious views. Because of the
differentiality in the world today, we all have the opportunity to know someone of a different
upbringing; but it is still important to not forget where you come from. Cultural identity is the
way one can define themselves. Although being surrounded by different cultures can create a
diverse person within you, youll always have a certain community or culture to call home. For
me, that is the Ethiopian community.
Being a person that was raised in America while still being taught Ethiopian views and
values, Ive learned how necessary it is to know your culture. Ive often reflected on how
different life would be if I were born and raised back home in Ethiopia. Would I still be the
person I am today, or would I be someone completely different? When I think of this, I often
compare it to the Twilight Zone, an episode dedicated to my rebirth.
Cultural identity is important to study in todays culture because theres so much more to
life than where we currently are. Many young people dont understand that theres a huge world
out there that we have yet to experience. Our current situation is not our only situation, and our
culture isnt the only culture. Once you begin to learn of other cultures, you can begin to
understand the entire world in a better light.
When you live in a world where you dont yet understand or have had the proper
acknowledgement of who you are, you tend to be confused about your surroundings and not even
know it. Because of this, obtaining your own cultural identity can have the greatest impact on
yourself; its as if a variety of doors are now open to you that you did not know existed.