#5 Cultural Understanding 1

#5 Cultural Understanding

Tracey C. Brown Rice

George Mason University

#5 Cultural Understanding 2

Abstract

Culture is a universally misinterpreted term. As a working definition, Nieto

(1999) best describes culture as The ever-changing values, tradition, socials and political

relationships, and worldview created, shared and transformed by a group of people bound

together by a combination of factors (p. 48). When thinking about my cultural

identities and beliefs, it wasnt until my undergraduate years in college that I really

encountered (and paid attention to) the differing values of others. I guess it was because I

lived a sheltered life and my friends respected that and could often relate; however, in

college, this is where my cultural values were tested. In my house, I grew up going to

church and no matter what you did last night, you still have time to give God praise.

Since my father said no to having a car my first year, I distinctive remember feel shocked

and applauded that so many students could sleep in and not collectively give thanks, as I

made my way to the church van. As taught in my upbringing, especially within my

religion, I remembered to let the work I have done speak for me (John 10:25). In other

words, I was modeling the way and as a parallel to my educational values, I do, you do,

we do. Starting second semester of my first year, many friends would accompany me to

church on Sunday mornings.

Growing up in Woodbridge, Virginia, my family only spoke two languages:

English and body language. Granted, we all took Spanish in high school and would

attempt to speak it from time-to-time, but our dominant language was body language.

My parents were famous for giving my sisters and I the eye. This, especially in the

African-American culture, is when your parents look at you with wide-eyes, nod

downward and stare at you until the desired action is initiated, as if to say, You know
#5 Cultural Understanding 3

what to do. In the long run, this helped me become a better people person and stronger

facilitator, as body language is read along with stated words. When confusion is noticed, I

feel very comfortable pausing the current conversation to address shared action items and

needed points of clarity before moving on in efforts not to derail the meeting, but increase

its productivity. In terms of speaking English, this language was more secondary, but

dominant in my head start to masters level of schooling. When in school, I found much

love for the English language, especially learning new, verbose words, as I could better

describe and put a name to unspoken actions, as if balance was found for both language

extremes.

Considering the cultural influences, religion and family (Influence 1 and 2)

align, even to this day. When looking at the parallels, I smile. My family upbringing was

more of an encapsulated form of my religious values. My parents taught me to uphold the

family name and to remember that I am a reflection of them, many of Schns (1983) in

action, on action and even a later coined term, for action, values. Like charged in

Exodus 20:12 to honor our parents to length our days on Earth, I have learned to

constantly think about my actions in the moment, after the moment has passed and before

the moment occurs in efforts to be a trailblazer and uphold my Brown-Rice name, making

it more honorable and distinct. My parents also taught me the value of working 110% and

saving. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 highlights how if one doesnt work, they dont eat and over

time, wealth from hard work grows (Proverbs 13:11).

By exploring my cultural influences, religion, family and education, and

completing the Paseo activity, I was able to further explain who I am as an individual. I

speak with purpose and power because I grew up learning body language as a dominant
#5 Cultural Understanding 4

method of communication in the home. I an action oriented because a name has high

value that must be upheld, maintained and enhanced. With conversing with others,

wherever I go, I can build trust because Ive learned from my educational values to be

fair, firm and consistent in all settings. I all about being proactive because all three of my

influences taught me the value in keeping it moving; however, most importantly, I am

Tracey Cherie Brown Rice- one who stands on the backs of others and trail blazes the

way, carrying the torch for the next generations to come.

References:

Nieto, S. (1999). The light in their eyes: Creating multicultural learning communities.

New York, NY: Teachers College Press.

Schn, D. (1983). Professional knowledge and reflection-in-action. The reflective

practitioner (pp. 49-69). New York, NY: Basic Books.

 #5 Cultural Understanding 5

Cultural
Cultural Cultural
Influence 2
Influence 1 Influence 3
Family/Home
Religion Education in the
Life
south (VA) and
deep sound (AL)

Treat others how

you want to be
treated.
Keep a smile on
On the backs of
God is my your face- you
others, I stand
peace. never know
(AAMU).
whos looking
In all things, be and who youre
content influencing.
(Philippians
4:11).

I can do all
What life messages things though
does this culture send Christ who
to you? strengthens me
(Philippians
4:13).

Whatever
obstacle comes
my way, God
met it for my
good, for a
greater purpose
(Genesis 50:20).

1. What expectations or Esteem others Uphold the We are one big

family messages does higher than family name. family- bulldog
this culture send to yourself and pride! (AAMU)
you? remain humble I am a reflection
(Philippians 2:3). of my parents
and family.
Honor thy father
and mother, so
 #5 Cultural Understanding 6

my days will be
long (Exodus
20:12).

Be the salt and

Be honest and Be a leader and
light of the Earth
be true to sometimes,
(Matthew 5:13-
yourself. (You leaders are
16).
know what we follows. Be
1. What roles does this
taught you.) innovative, be
culture assign you? Spread the
creative and
gospel
stand out.
throughout all
nations- be a
disciple.
(Mark 16:15).
Study to show
thyself approved
I do, you do, we
unto God. Lean Education is
do. This is how
not to your own important!
we learn as
understanding Bottom line.
students-
and in all your
though explicit
ways,
modeling.
acknowledge
Him and he shall
Be fair, firm and
direct your path
consistent.
2. What messages about (2 Timothy
schooling/education 2:15).
does this culture send?
Work will all your
heart, as
working for the
Lord and not for
man
(Colossians
3:23).

3. What work values Hard work I should save my You can lead a
and/or work behaviors prospers money and horse to water,
does this culture (Proverbs 13:4). everything that but cant make
transmit to you? glitters isnt him drink (one
Wealth from gold. of my AAMU
 #5 Cultural Understanding 7

hard work grows

professors
over time
Give 110%! favorite idioms).
(Proverbs
13:11).

If you dont
work, you dont
eat. Dont be
lazy (2 Thess.
3:10).

Its not what you

Body language
say, its what
What, if any, language Let the work Ive is a dead
you do, as
messages does this done speak for giveaway.
actions speak
culture send to you? me (John 10:25).
louder than
words.

He will give you

the desires of
your heat (Psalm
37:4).
Other messages
He will never
leave or forsake
you
(Deuteronomy
31:16)!