The definition of culture is vague; culture does not define an individual, yet directly influences the individual’s mindset. A community’s culture is connected to the ideals it views as “the way of life;” therefore, culture can include ethics, morality, standard of living, and beliefs. Living in such environment would sequentially influence an individual to live by these ideals and view them as the norm. Interestingly, my culture is the mixture of the American culture and South Korea’s. This juxtaposition of culture causes one to clash against the other.
I respect my elders, yet believe that respect must be earned. I act as a critic when viewing others, yet sees everyone as equal. I believe health should be the top priority when choosing a meal, yet I visit fast food restaurants regularly. It is difficult to comprehend one’s mindset when one’s culture says that education gives direction to the future at the same time says social power leads one’s success.
In these circumstances, I compromise and consider both ideals; I believe neither culture is perfect, yet neither culture is wrong.
My culture influences me greatly; however I do not let it define me, I just consider its advices. Considering culture as a community’s ideal lifestyle and an advice rather than a required life to live, knowing more cultures would mean having more perspective; ergo, being aware of other’s cultures is very beneficial when making decisions. I derive my actions based on two cultures, the American culture and South Korean culture; having two cultures to base my actions on gives me a more perspectives on what to do.