To think about the role of culture in your own life using the ADRESSING Framework.

Before we begin

There will be some sensitive topics in this class and I want to acknowledge that. If you do not want to share something, that is completely fine, please just note that in the assignment. Sometimes we will be talking about things that are uncomfortable, but many times it is necessary to have the uncomfortable/hard conversation to grow and understand people from other cultures. I encourage you to be brave in this safe space. This reflection will not be seen by any of your classmate, only me (the instructor). I will ask you to reference this assignment throughout the course as we learn about different cultural concepts. Again, you can refuse to answer any of these questions, please just note that in your response. I know this is the beginning of the class, my goal is to get you thinking about the various social and cultural aspects that shape your own identify early on in the course.

Instructions:

Please think about your own lived experiences and culture to create your own “Culture Sketch”

1. A: Age and generational influence: When you were born, what were the social expectations for a person of your identity? Do you identify with a particular generation (Gen Z, Millenial, etc)? How have generational influences shaped your values and worldviews?
2. D: Developmental or other disability: Do you identify as someone living with a visible or non-visible disability or live with someone who does? How does ability status affect individual opportunities, if at all?
3. R: Religion and spirituality: Were you brought up in a religious or spiritual household? Do you have a religious or spiritual practice now? How were your values and goals shaped by your religious or non-religious upbringing?
4. Ethnic and racial identity: What do you consider your race or ethnic identity? How do other people identify you? How have your experiences with your own race/ethic identity shapes your world views?
5. Socioeconomic status: What social class did you grow up in and what do you consider your social class now?
6. Sexual orientation: How has your upbringing shaped your views of sexual orientation?
7. Indigenous heritage: Do you belong to a Native tribe or nation? If so, do you seek to connect or reconnect with your Native community?
8. National origin: How has your nationality affected your life and opportunities?
9. Gender: What were/are the gender-related roles and expectations for you in your family of origin? What are the gender role expectations in your current family, in your work, and in relation to your other cultural identities?
10. Now think about the video you watched on the “Danger of a Single Story.” Reflect on your Cultural Sketch and explain what is the danger of a single story? What might viewing someone based solely on their membership in a specific group lead to?
    

    The danger of a single story | Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie this the video