Definition of Culture
Many people see me
as “laid back,” some may even say that I am a little too laid back. Personally,
I see myself as very calm and observant. Growing up in a culture that is extremely
strict on rules that had to be followed precisely and trying to balance the
changing fads of America, life has had its challenges. Observing others in my
short lifespan has come to me as a great help in solving real life problems,
understanding others and finding myself to be truly happy while in the midst of
helping someone in need.
In my Tongan
tradition we make food, lots of it. We come together on special occasions such
as weddings, birthdays, family gatherings and as well as funerals. Yes, I said
funerals. You may think that it’s strange that we cook at funerals, but it is
simply part of the tradition. The family that is mourning the loss are the ones
that usually cook. They cook food for the families that come to share their
condolences with them. It is like a “Thank You” to them for taking the time out
of their day to spend time with them. It shows that they care. We enjoy one
another’s company in these gatherings. It is very important to make sure that
each of us are taken care of.
Many times in my
life I have experienced little miracles here and there. Tremendous amount of
small acts of kindness from my people and my family. I can remember back to a
time when my father was laid off from his job and my mother was struggling to
even put food on our table. One day, my dad’s younger brother and his wife
brought groceries for us. Even though, many people that may seem so simple, but
to us it was a miracle to see our uncle bring us food to eat. We weren’t super
poor at the time, but we were still struggling to keep up with that. How
grateful my family was to my uncle and our relationship with that uncle and his
small family did strengthen from that experience and continues to grow today.
In my church we
have different groups for each age group. One of the groups is for the women
that are in the church that are 18 years+. It was organized for the purpose of
women of “sisters” helping “sisters” reach their potential in life. The also
help other families in our ward. They are known as the “Relief Society.” One
example I would like to share is when my mother went to New Zealand to visit
her mother’s family, a couple years ago. When she left, the Relief Society in
my ward had cooked meals for us every day my mother was gone. Even though we
didn’t necessarily need the meals they brought, it was still awesome to know
that we have the support from our ward’s Relief Society. Seeing and feeling of
other people’s love as they help you through the hardest times, can soften even
the hardest hearts.
Lately, I have
been very observant to the things that have triggered my thoughts considering
this essay. What really make me who I am? What is my internal culture? How does
it define me? I narrowed it down to three things. My religion, my ethnicity,
and my country. How proud I am to be an American. I know that if I didn’t live
here I wouldn’t have this pride and confidence in myself. I know as I say this
you may think that I’m boasting, but I want to show you pride and confidence in
a different way. Pride in a sense is very egocentric when people talk about it,
but that is not the case. I’m putting it in a way where because of America I
have pride in all things that I am and do.
Everything that I
represent, people are constantly pulling it down. Nevertheless, I am proud.
Bring proud of everything that I have become show how much I’ve grown in my
personal culture. The way I live my daily life. It has made me more confident
in what I do. It has made me more confident in what I do. And that to me, is
what the definition of culture is. When a person is comfortable in all they do,
is what the definition of internal culture is.
