Personal Reflection: An Examination of Cultural Identity
Maggie Arnold
The College of Humanity and Social Sciences: Grand Canyon
University BHS-330-Cultural and Social Diversity in Behavioral Health
Professor Babcock
February 2, 2025
, Personal Reflection: An Examination of Cultural Identity
Examining their origins can give us a clearer insight into contemporary cultural
identities. By studying history, we can understand how cultural identities that appear to have
always existed were constructed for various social and political reasons and how they have
evolved.
Communication is essential in this process of construction. As previously mentioned, our
identities are both relational and communicative; they are also constructed. Social
constructionism concludes that the self develops through interactions with others and in various
social, cultural, and political environments (Weinland, 2023). As a Chinese individual, my path
of self-exploration has been deeply intertwined with the rich goods of my cultural heritage.
Growing up in a diverse setting as a child, I often found myself balancing tradition and change
where the lively customs of my ancestors intersected with new influences. This reflection
explores my cultural identity and examines how family traditions, social norms, and personal
experiences have shaped it. This paper aims to elaborate on the elements of language, food,
celebrations, and values that characterize my cultural identity while addressing some challenges
of managing dual identities. This personal reflection aims to illuminate the flowing nature of
cultural identity and how it continues transforming within oneself as one honors one's roots and
embraces the broader world.
cultural identity, as well as biases or discrimination
As someone born in China, my cultural identity is profoundly intertwined with the rich
goods of my heritage, which include language, cuisine, celebrations, and values. With its
complex characters and melodious tones, the Chinese language serves as a mode of
communication and a carrier of tradition and cultural pride. Speaking Mandarin links me to my
ancestors, enabling me to embrace the stories and wisdom handed down through the ages. The
Maggie Arnold
The College of Humanity and Social Sciences: Grand Canyon
University BHS-330-Cultural and Social Diversity in Behavioral Health
Professor Babcock
February 2, 2025
, Personal Reflection: An Examination of Cultural Identity
Examining their origins can give us a clearer insight into contemporary cultural
identities. By studying history, we can understand how cultural identities that appear to have
always existed were constructed for various social and political reasons and how they have
evolved.
Communication is essential in this process of construction. As previously mentioned, our
identities are both relational and communicative; they are also constructed. Social
constructionism concludes that the self develops through interactions with others and in various
social, cultural, and political environments (Weinland, 2023). As a Chinese individual, my path
of self-exploration has been deeply intertwined with the rich goods of my cultural heritage.
Growing up in a diverse setting as a child, I often found myself balancing tradition and change
where the lively customs of my ancestors intersected with new influences. This reflection
explores my cultural identity and examines how family traditions, social norms, and personal
experiences have shaped it. This paper aims to elaborate on the elements of language, food,
celebrations, and values that characterize my cultural identity while addressing some challenges
of managing dual identities. This personal reflection aims to illuminate the flowing nature of
cultural identity and how it continues transforming within oneself as one honors one's roots and
embraces the broader world.
cultural identity, as well as biases or discrimination
As someone born in China, my cultural identity is profoundly intertwined with the rich
goods of my heritage, which include language, cuisine, celebrations, and values. With its
complex characters and melodious tones, the Chinese language serves as a mode of
communication and a carrier of tradition and cultural pride. Speaking Mandarin links me to my
ancestors, enabling me to embrace the stories and wisdom handed down through the ages. The
