Title: Examining Internal Beliefs: Exposing the Cultural Perspective

When we explore the complex web of our cultural identities, we frequently come upon ideas or teachings that form the basis of our worldview. These values, which have been passed down through the centuries, influence how we view and engage with the world. Being firmly ingrained in my ethnic group, I've learned to appreciate the significant influence of two particular beliefs that have shaped the way I view the world.
Group Unity Against Individualism:

There is a strong emphasis on community harmony rather than individual goals in my ethnic group. I've been taught the importance of community cohesion and the connectivity of all its members since I was a little child. This belief fosters a collective mindset where success and happiness are assessed by the well-being of the group as a whole rather than only by personal achievements, hence instilling a sense of responsibility towards one's community. This teaching promotes the idea that our actions affect not only ourselves but also those around us by means of rituals, stories, and everyday practices. It firmly establishes shared responsibility and interconnection as a foundational principle of my worldview and fosters empathy, collaboration, and a strong sense of belonging.
The respect that my ethnic group has for elders and ancestors' wisdom is another core value. Our forefathers have successfully handled life's challenges throughout history, amassing wisdom, customs, and cultural practices that serve as the foundation of who we are. From the oral traditions transmitted through storytelling to the conventions observed in day-to-day existence, the wisdom of our ancestors provides direction and illumination for our future. This idea promotes a great deal of respect for the elderly by acknowledging their priceless contributions to society and the wisdom they possess. It highlights how crucial it is to uphold and respect tradition while simultaneously realising that change and development are necessary. Through appreciating the knowledge of our predecessors, this instruction fosters a feeling of our ancestors' wisdom and cultural legacy.

I'm reminded of the complex interactions between culture, identity, and worldview as I think back on these lessons. They work as filters through which I understand the world, influencing my attitudes, beliefs, and behaviour. Through accepting the variety of cultural viewpoints and critically examining our own ideas, we set out on a path of self-exploration and comprehension that improves our lives and creates a more accepting and compassionate world community. May we always remember the wisdom of the past as we forge new routes towards a better future, all the while navigating the complexity of our ever-changing environment.
 

This morning I woke up, very tired and not feeling very ecstatic about the day. I stood up with a sigh and started cleaning my room, whilst waiting for my early morning online class. The dust made my nose itch and caused me to sneeze. I opened my windows, but second guessed my decision, because I had a feeling that there was going to be monkeys. Although I was hesitant, I still opened it, for some fresh air. A few minutes into my online class, I heard the rustling of the leaves . I quickly made my way to the window, with a racing heart. I got a big fright, feeling my stomach making awful turns! I was scared that they would come in and wreck my room. I saw two monkeys coming towards my windows. I held my breath and fear rushed through my body, making me feel weak. I struggled to close the windows, because my hands were very clammy and shaky. I closed it just in time, gave a huge sigh of relief and fell back into my chair. I completely forgot about my class. I zoned out everything around me. After class I got ready in a rush and quickly made my way to the next class. This class was far! I felt the warmth of the sun burning on my skin and I was panting, because of my fast pace. Tiny sweat drops prickled down my back and I felt hot and a bit irritated, because of the heat. I arrived at class and the cool breeze of the aircon welcomed me, feeling like a breathe of fresh air. The class was extremely tiring and when we got to leave, I hastily made my way to the next class. Wednesdays are not my best days! After a long day, I was overly excited to go to bed. I made myself a steamy cup of camomile tea and got in bed.

As I read Miner's essay on Body Ritual Among the Nacirema, it left me sitting with an open mouth. Their rituals were very eccentric. One ritual that stood out to me, was that they had a mouth-rite and this ritual consisted of inserting a small bundle of hog hairs into the mouth, along with certain magical powders, and then moving the bundle in a highly formalized series of gestures. I immediately judged these people and their rituals because this is not normal for me, but after giving it some thought I came to think that I do the same thing. I also brush my teeth with a toothbrush that has bristles and I add toothpaste on it. They just did it in their own way. It got me thinking about what I classify as normal and strange, because what I do in my modern way of living is strange to them and what they do, is their way of modern, and I think that is strange. Through Miner's piece, I learned that I am wrong for assuming that my way of doing things is superior, based on cultural differences. This piece showed me that although my culture and beliefs do influence my perception, that I rather should approach other cultures and other people's beliefs and rituals with an open mind and willingness to learn about their ways and not judge them straight away. Everyone has a different way of making sense of their world, just like I have my own way. Miner’s essay reminds me that assumptions keep stereotypes alive and strengthen the concept of othering.