Cultural Autobiography

Cultural Autobiography

The purpose of this assignment is to illustrate
recognition of your own cultural background and how your worldview has
been shaped by your family, role models and life experiences. This
autobiography will help you express an appreciation for your own
cultural identity and discover potential areas of development.

Begin by defining individuals that you consider family
members. This includes, for example, parents or guardians, siblings
and/or grandparents. Important information about these individuals
includes places of birth, travel (if any), age, spiritual/religious
beliefs, occupation, educational history, ethnicity, birth order, etc.
In this description include the cultural heritage each individual and
summarize the belief system of your family in general, including
specific family values, religious and cultural practices, ceremonies,
beliefs, and holiday celebrations. If possible, interview these
individuals in an effort to gain new insight into your cultural
heritage.

Next critically evaluate experiences in which you feel
have had significant relevance in your multicultural development.
Include both positive and negative experiences if applicable.

After taking a look at these influencing factors,
critically examine and discuss who you are as a cultural being,
including your racial identity. Think about your own development,
functioning, values, behaviors and worldview and how you feel your
family history, chosen role models, and experiences have shaped you.
Describe how your life would be different had these cultural influences
not been there. Be sure to include a description of interpersonal
expectations for yourself and lifestyle choices. Finally, having taken a
close look at your cultural autobiography, include potential biases
which may influence how you interact with others. This could include,
for example, favoring individuals of your own heritage or unconscious
biases towards a certain cultural group.

Be sure to address each topic listed above and, as
appropriate, cite the online course, the textbook, and other credible
sources to substantiate the points you are making. For example, when
discussing your racial identity please cite sources which you have
referenced to better understand what this term means or use the text or
lecture to substantiate points you are making about how gender has
influenced your cultural development.