Running head: PERSONAL CULTURAL ANALYSIS & IDENTITY

Personal Cultural Analysis and Identity Development Paper

Mary Catherine Nasca (Collins)
Wake Forest University

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Abstract
This personal cultural analysis and identity development paper discusses and explores
many different experiences throughout my life that have shaped my own personal identity and
view of my cultural heritage. Personally, I have been exposed to many different individuals and
cultures throughout my life. In addition, I have often indulged in learning about my own unique
heritage through genealogy research and personal interviews with family members.
Throughout this process I have been able to reflect upon how I interact with others from
diverse populations, when racism/discrimination became apparent to me and what kind of
upbringing was advocated to me about individuals from different minority groups, etc. Lastly,
this paper explores different topics and stories about how I have developed personally with my
racial identity and how that has shaped me into the person I am today. I hope to continue on this
journey of cultural and racial identity to be the most effective counselor I can be to my clients in
the future.

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Introduction
Throughout my life I have been really blessed to be fortunate enough to travel to different
countries and many regions of the United States. My family has always encouraged learning
about new places, cultures, lifestyles, heritages, etc. In addition, my family (on both sides) has
always encouraged us to find out more about our heritage as we grow older. My dad and I
recently listened to some old recordings of interviews done with some of my deceased relatives
that I never got the chance to meet. It was so fascinating to learn about them and hear their
stories; it prompted me to start my own genealogy research online and see what else I could learn
from my Italian heritage on my fathers side. I found out quite a bit of information and located
more relatives (still living) in the small town that my family originated from. I one day hope to
travel there, meet all of them and share stories with them.
I have always had a passion for getting to know more about the people around me, what
are their stories and what are they like in their homethese questions always plagued me as a
child and I often made friends with children from different racial/ethnicity groups. My first
friend that I can recall was Pilipino and I was invited to her house for a birthday party one year.
It was so different from a typical American birthday party; the foods were different, it was more
family focused and the activities were different too. The food was so elaborate and everyone
pitched in from the games, to the food, to the clean-up. It was kind of like a party or everyone
and not just the kids, which was pretty interesting and unique.
I strongly believe that a lot of my experiences growing up were influenced by my family
and my travels across the world; however, I also feel like I have always been drawn in naturally

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to people who are different than me. I find differences in individuals fascinating and I love
immersing myself in cultures/experiences that are different from my own. I hope that this
curiosity and interest in others continues as I progress through the lifespan and I hope to travel
all over the world and learn as much as I can about as many different cultural groups as possible.
In addition, I feel as if these experiences have helped shape my own personal development with
regards to racial identity; however, it has also helped me learn how to appreciate others who have
a different background.
Personal Interaction with Members of Diverse Groups
Throughout my life I have always had friends from different ethnicity groups; I have
been very close friends with all different kinds of people and have learned so much about their
background and family life. I had one friend who was Chinese and our families became very
closer over the years, we even considered traveling to China with them to visit their grandparents
one year, but unfortunately it did not work out. In addition, I was very close and volunteered
with two sisters who were from India. They were the only people in their family who spoke
English and were really immersing themselves into American culture. The still had a lot of
passion for their own culture, but they were very determined young women who wanted the best
opportunity and education available to them.
As I aged into adolescence I noticed my friend-group become more predominately White/
Caucasian American. I was friends with boys and girls, but I did notice that shift as I started high
school. I did start becoming friends with a girl my age who was Mexican; I am still very good
friends with her today and I really felt a part of their family when I lived at home in Chicago. I

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knew all her relatives and extended family members and I would often go over to their house for
family events/parties and they treated me like I was one of their own. I even began taking
Spanish in high school and started speaking Spanish around them as best as I could.
I really loved learning more and more about her family and their heritage and I became
really enthralled in how different our lives were even though we lived in the same zip code. I
think that is what I love the most about America is that there are so many differences right next
door to us and we can go and explore that at any time if we/they are willing to; we truly are a
melting pot.
I feel as if most of my interactions with members from other diverse groups were purely
social; I was looking for friendship and social connections with these individuals. I was lucky
enough that my school district was trying to broaden the scope of diversity within our school
systems. I noticed more and more diverse groups over time matriculate through the school
system which was great! I have not had that many professional or religious encounters with
diverse groups of people quite yet in my lifetime. I am hoping with the next journal assignment I
will have more to say about that when I visit the Moravian Church in Winston Salem.
Racism, Discrimination and Sexism
When I was about six years of age we were living in Aurora, OH right outside of
Cleveland. My family was finishing out the basement of our house and we often had construction
workers at the house for that time. When I was looking at the progress I noticed a word scribbled
on the wall in spray paint. I did not know what the word said so I went and asked my dad to
explain to me what that meant. The word on the wall was the N word; my dad quickly covered it

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up and fired the crew member responsible for such graffiti. Apparently, there was an African
American man working on with the crew who did not get along very well with another crew
member.
Anyways, my dad explained to me that it was a very bad word and to never, ever say it;
he also explained to me a bit about racism/discrimination and bigotry. After that event I felt like I
saw more and more racist behavior everywhere I would look; on television, at the grocery store,
at school, etc. This concept really upset me as a child and I never understood why people are so
cruel to the differences in others. We are all the same, human beings that were put here equally
on this planetfor some people I guess that concept is just too hard to even fathom.
A little bit after this event I started to learn about sexism; I think I started learning about
this in school when we were learning about history and the Womens Rights Movement. I was so
enraged by this concept yet again; Women were not allowed to vote?? Be in charge of their
rights?? Be a head of a household??Work and receive equal pay as their male colleagues??
Ridiculous I thought!! I was so upset by this and was so relieved to know it was all in the past.
However, as I grew older I unfortunately learned that sexism still exists quite strongly today.
I was a tomboy for quite some time during my early adolescence. I remember boys telling
me I should be wearing makeup/dresses/etc. and that I should be playing inside with dolls. This
would upset me so much because I didnt understand why they didnt want to play with meI
was just as strong as them and I liked to play in the dirt like they didwhy was I different and
excluded?? This continued to happen when I played for an intramural hockey team in late

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elementary school. The boys would purposefully exclude me (despite my talent) and would tease
me saying I should go be with the girly cheerleaders.
Although these events were saddening at times I learned a lot from these experiences and
I think it has made me a stronger woman today who stands up for what I believe regardless of
societies stereotypes. I wanted to connect this thought to the model of human development
discussed by Berger (2008) and interpreted by Thomas & Schqarzbaum (2011), Human
development is plastic and fluid, and holistic; occurs within multiple contexts and is often
bidirectional because skills gained during one time period by be lost in another (Thomas &
Schwarzbaum, 2011). I think that this passage connects great with how we physically develop
over time and how we emotionally connect with our self and heritage. This also prompts how we
begin to connect with others from different cultures, backgrounds, ethnicities, etc.
If I had to place myself on the continuum I would say I am crossing over from the
Introspective Stage to the Integrative Awareness Stage (Sue & Sue, 2008). I think I have
always had an awareness and overall acceptance of individuals from other backgrounds.
However, I have been recently traveling more through the introspective side of things and then
relating back to the integrativeits as always, a work in progress.
Parental and Family Advocacy of Different Cultural Acceptance
My parents were always very open about exposing me to other cultures, foods, areas in
the United States, areas outside of the United States, etc. They never showed any difference to
my friends who were not the same ethnicity as us and often encouraged me to be friends with as
many different people as I wanted to. My family in their entirety are not as accepting and

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encouraging as my parents were; on my mothers side my family (the older generations) do not
really seem interested in accepting other people from other ethnicities. Unfortunately, I do see
some undertones of racism that still exists on that side of the family. I am so glad that my mother
and father never treated me or my friends with any undertone or hint of disapproval.
I love that I have had many friendships with many different types of individuals. I
honestly believe that those friendships and experiences have shaped part of my cultural and
racial identity today. In addition, I think it sparked my interest in becoming a counselor so that I
could always continue to learn more about others and help them through their journey or
difficulties regardless of our differences.
I remember a certain experience that my grandfather told me about when I was a bit older
and visiting him in Lawton, OK. When he and my grandma had maids that worked in the house
they were often African American; one visit one of the maids stole some of my grandmothers
fine jewelry. It was an unfortunate even for everyone involved and I think that it shaped my
grandfathers opinion of all African American people. It is really unfortunate that he is still not
able to let that memory go even though he has had positive experiences in the present with
African American individuals. I reflect back on that and thank my parents immensely that they
let me venture out on my own in the world and explore different people/cultures without and
preconceived notions or judgments.
Although my parents were very encouraging when it came to learning and becoming
friends with people from different cultures this was not the case when it came to sexuality. When
I was in high school I became friends with a girl who was openly gay, we became very close and

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I did not have a boyfriend at the time so everyone in my family started assuming that we were
dating and that I was now a lesbian. Little did they know that was not the case and it really
bothered me that they would just assume something like that without even asking me first. I have
always been a supporter of gay rights and equal rights for everyone and unfortunately my parents
think that because I do hold those beliefs I must be gay/bisexual as well?? It may be because of
my parents strong religious background, but it really felt hypocritical to me that they are so
accepting of other cultures, but not of other sexual preferences?? I do not see where they draw
that line in the sand, but that is another argument for another time.
I think that all of these experiences and stories I learned about growing up helped show
me that I can be my own person and make my own choices about who I want to associate with
and trust. It also showed me that I have my own heritage and background that can be shared with
others and they may or may not be accepting of that. I am rally grateful for all the eclectic
experiences I have had and that I have been mostly supported along the way by my family and
friends throughout this journey.
Benefit of Theory and Practice
I think the benefit of theory and practice that is grounded in the literature is very
important to consider and reflect upon when we are experiencing the real world. I think
sometimes it is hard to relate to the literature until we actually experience what they are
discussing. However, I always try to make that conscious effort to really relate back to my own
life and see if I can understand how these concepts and theories could be put into practice in the
real world. I think that this approach has helped me in my relationship between my own current

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racial/cultural identity development and I also think that if I continue this practice of reflection
and introspection it will help me become more integrative with my clients in the future.
I wanted to reflect upon the article written by Denevi (2004); I thought the concept of
"white space" addressed in the article by Denevi (2004), was very interesting. I often think about
this concept myself in my own life because I have been in many different countries, states,
cultures, etc. and have noticed privilege among some areas that were predominately white
space. I have also seen areas that were not considered white space and that were very
upsettingly poverty stricken. I was very fortunate growing up that my parents were very
supportive of my education and expansion of learning about cultures as much as possible. I was
able to learn at a young age that some try just as hard as an equal individual, but because of their
race or background they do not get as far in life. It makes me feel very blessed that I was
fortunate enough to achieve what I have thus far in addition to being exposed to other levels of
SES, cultures, living conditions, etc.
I think this concept and article helped me realize that, but it also helped me recognize that
white space does still exist and that it is an injustice to other groups of individuals. In
reflecting back I think that this literature has helped me learn more about myself, but has also led
me to think more about why others act a certain way or how I can work with clients who may
have a different background from me. I hope that I can continue to indulge myself in literature
pertaining to this concept so I can always be learning new ways to connect with people despite
our differences.
Relationship with Current Racial/Cultural Identity Development

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I think that my current relationship with my racial/cultural identity is strong; I feel as if I

have learned a lot about my heritage and background these last couple of years and I have been
able to actively reflect on my past experiences. I truly believe that all of my exposure,
experiences, parental guidance, friendships, etc. have made me who I am today when it comes to
cultural connectedness. In addition, the more I read about cultural identity, development,
differences among traditions, etc. I love the passion in drives in me to keep learning more and to
seek out as many opportunities as possible to learn about others. I think this will really help me
open up to my clients regardless of our differences in background. I want to eventually work at
the V.A. in Asheville, NC with Veterans who have symptoms of PTSD/Trauma and Anxiety
Disorders. They will have experienced so much and so many different cultures overseas; I think
that my personal identity development thus far will help me continue to strive for integrative
experiences with clients who may be different from me.
Conclusion
Throughout this process I have been able to reflect upon how I interact with others from
diverse populations, the experiences when racism/discrimination became apparent to me and
what kind of upbringing was advocated to me about individuals from different cultural groups,
ethnicities, sexual orientations, etc. I was so glad that I was able to reflect upon of these
experiences because I feel as if it has really helped me explore some of my childhood memories
in a way I never would have. I was able to reflect on how I reacted to people from different
cultural groups than my own and how that has now shaped me as a young adult. In addition, I am
so glad I was able to see all the exposure I have been able to experience in my young adult life

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with travel, friendships, etc. Now if I could only travel some more and experience vastly
different terrain and cultures.
This personal cultural and identity development paper has truly helped me explore
different topics and stories about how I have developed personally with my racial identity and
how that has shaped me into the person I am today. I think that in order to be an effective
counselor you have to be able to connect with individuals and your clients on a level that is so
personal to you. What is more personal than your own cultural and racial identityeach and
every person has that and I am so glad this course has shown me how to look introspectively and
also share it with others. I cannot wait to continue to meet people from different cultures and
backgrounds and connect with them on that client-counselor level. I very much enjoying learning
about other cultures and getting to know peoples stories. I hope to continue on this journey of
cultural and racial identity to be the most effective counselor I can be to my clients in the future.
References
Denevi, E. (2004). White on White: Exploring white racial identity, privilege, and racism.
Independent School, 63 , 78-86.
Sue, D. & Sue, D. (2008). Counseling the Culturally Diverse. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley &
Sons.
Thomas, A. & Schwarzbaum, S. (2011). Culture & Identity: Life stories for counselors
and therapists . Thousand Oaks, CA.