We all come from different backgrounds, we have all experienced different realities, thus we all have different worldviews – our conceptions of the world and our lives shaped by how we are socialized and our daily lived experiences. The readings under unit 6 drive use to question the systems from which we know from and make meaning from understanding the world we exist in. These scholarly texts further propel us to be aware of our prejudices, preconceptions, and assumptions.  

Two 'teachings'/beliefs that have shaped my worldview:

1. The importance of community and collective responsibility in my [ethnic group] culture. Growing up, I was taught that individual success and achievement is secondary to the wellbeing of the greater community. This has instilled in me a strong sense of social responsibility and a desire to contribute to the common good, rather than solely pursuing personal gain.

2. The cyclical and interconnected nature of life in my [ethnic group] spiritual tradition. I was raised to see the world not as a linear progression, but as a complex web of relationships and interdependencies. This has made me more attuned to patterns, cycles, and the long-term consequences of my actions, rather than focusing solely on short-term goals.

Discussing these with my classmate, I realized that the emphasis on community and the cyclical view of life may seem strange or unfamiliar to those from more individualistic or linear cultural backgrounds. At the same time, I was struck by how some of their own cultural beliefs and practices, which were taken for granted, also seemed quite foreign to me. This exercise has helped me become more aware of my own biases and has encouraged me to approach different worldviews with greater curiosity and openness.