As I reflect on my ethnic background and upbringing, I realize that two teachings have greatly influenced my worldview. These beliefs, , may be unfamiliar or even challenging to others. Through this exercise, I aim to acknowledge and critically examine my biases, creating a deeper understanding of the complexities that shape our perspectives.

Teaching 1: Respect for Elders

In my culture, elderly individuals are acknowledged  for their wisdom, life experience, and contribution to our community. We are taught to prioritize their needs, seek their counsel, and show deference in our interactions as compared to agemates.  This teaching has instilled in me a deep respect for those who have come before me, recognizing the value of their insights and the importance of inter generational knowledge transfer.

Teaching 2: Community Over Individuality

My ethnic group places a strong emphasis on collective well-being, encouraging individuals to prioritize the needs of the community over many personal desires. This teaching has played a role in shaping my understanding of success, happiness, and fulfillment, recognizing that our individual achievements are intertwined with the prosperity of those around us.

Class Discussion:

Sharing my text with a classmate, I was struck by the familiarity of my first teaching, as my peer also came from a culture that really  values respect for elders. However, our second teachings differed as their culture places a greater emphasis on individual achievement and autonomy. This exchange highlighted our biases and prejudices, as we both acknowledged a tendency to think our own cultural norms are same as others .

Critical Reflection:

Through this discussion, I recognized my bias toward assuming that respect for elders is a universal value, and my prejudice against individualistic cultures as being selfish or possibly uncaring. I also acknowledged my assumption that community-centric cultures are  more harmonious and equitable. These reflections have allowed me to approach different  worldviews with a more open understanding, recognizing the complexities and richness that different  perspectives bring.

In conclusion, this exercise has taught me the importance of examining my own beliefs and biases, and the value of engaging with others to challenge and learn more about my worldview. By doing so, I hope to continue making the strange familiar and the familiar strange, creating  a deeper empathy and understanding in our shared human experience.