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Cultural Autobiography
Name
Course
Professor
Date
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Cultural Autobiography
I am an African American born and raised in Washington, DC. I stayed with both parents
and my four sisters in my early years. When I was five years old, my father was shot in the back
of his head. Raising all of us was not an easy task for my mother. At age six, I was taken away
into a foster due to reports from our neighbors and school to child protective service that our
mother was abusive. When I turned seven years old, my father’s mother died of breast cancer.
My twin sister was told after her death, and was not able to attend the funeral. We were the
middle children on my mother's side but the oldest on my dad's side. Washington DC has a
reputation for active politics and is a United States business hub, but there is more to enjoy and
exploit when residing in this assorted city (Jhally, 2022). I attended Maya Angelou Public
Charter School, ranked among the district's best schools. The district promoted diversity by
admitting children from different races with parents working and residing within the city.
Besides the government-associated staff, the enormous population is highly informed,
high-income personnel in technology, healthcare, hospitality, and tourism (Jhally, 2022). Still,
one should be ready to engage in politically dominated discussions, which makes it hard to avoid
what is happening in Congress or the White House. Due to the city culture, I was shaped to
reflect the larger community, especially in my conduct and professional life. I developed an early
passion to support other African American students, especially those who felt isolated due to
their color. I grew up a confident girl, feeling like the rest of the residents. I was taught at an
early age to value my worth and know that I was beautiful in my black skin.
Growing up in the city, I was fascinated by the city's culture, museums, arts, and outdoor
activities. From the Smithsonian museums to the Washington Monument to the White House,
there is a logic of discovery and history spread across the district. The city is filled with several
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National Park spaces where people can take their time and relax from the day's busy schedule.
Being a top-notch city, the dining scene is classic, with several five-star restaurants serving city
diplomats and celebrities. The city is also home to traditional cuisines from diverse cultures.
Being a sports enthusiast, I was fully covered in Washington, DC. Teams participated in six
major pro games, seven Division One NCAA basketball, and two university football programs.
Impact of Culture on Current Functioning
Washington, DC, is a home of power players, Congress staff, state employees, and
politicians; most residents engage professionally. It is about what you do and your participation
in politics. I grew up focused on becoming the best professional in whichever field I was to
pursue. I conducted myself with empathy, ready to listen and offer help to my peers. Washington,
being referred to as a chocolate city, I never had to shy away or be ashamed of my blackness. I
impede a radiance of black girl mag. The black women around me in professional positions
inspired me to go for whatever I wanted out of this life. I am a very confident girl with high life
goals like the rest of the professionals living in Washington, DC.
Behavior and Values
Growing up in Washington, DC, has enabled me to become a provisional communicator.
I have interacted with people from different cultures with different worldviews. Learning about
distinct worldviews results in our becoming provisional communicators. A provisional
communicator is an individual who can accept a diversity of beliefs and perceptions and relate
with others sensitive to their diversity (Sagiv & Schwartz, 2022). Interacting with people from
different cultures has enabled me to respect their views and not judge them based on my beliefs
and perceptions. However, I do not ignore my values and accept their incorrect viewpoints.
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Consequently, I adhere to the standard values accepted within the United States. For instance,
since childhood, I have believed that staring at people too much is rude, especially those who are
supposedly different from us.
Mental Health and Counseling
In the view of mental health, the culture of the community surrounding us impacts our
attitudes toward seeking assistance, the nature of the support we require, and whether we choose
to seek assistance at all (Rice & Harris, 2021). In Washington, DC, most individuals focus on
their careers and want to be in the best profession. I have also been raised desiring to be in the
best profession to be respected like other city residents. Each cultural sect presents its traditions
and practices around the mental health concept, making it critical to know the role of these
cultural aspects in the individuals’ inclusive approach to receiving therapy. Consequently,
diversity is regarded as the most significant strength in America, but also the country has
profound cultural and economic disparities that affect the mental health of its society.
Studies portray that minorities in America are less likely to acquire treatment for mental
ailments or will not try to find aid until they encounter severe symptoms (Yang et al., 2021).
“Unfortunately, only 67% of minority groups have regular caregivers, compared to 80% of white
adults” (Yang et al., 2021, p. 44). With proven facts, most of the African Americans living in
America acted violently toward most whites. Growing up in a diverse environment, I do not feel
less of myself and am not bitter towards people from other races. Offering practical and
accessible mental support to Americans of all cultures needs to know culture-associated aspects
that affect mental health, such as stigma and limited community support.
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Cultural Interaction
Intercultural communication happens when two or more people from separate cultures
interact. I grew up interacting with people from distinct cultures. As I learned to understand other
peoples' beliefs and perceptions, they also learned to understand my values and perceptions.
According to the European Council, intercultural competence and mutual understanding are
currently more significant than ever because the most lethal challenges are addressed in
contemporary society (Glowik et al., 2020). In Washington, DC, people are encouraged to learn
and respect the beliefs and perceptions of others. Psychologically, we are not supposed to judge
others based on our beliefs. We should put ourselves in their shoe before making any counsel.
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References
Chwialkowska, A., Bhatti, W. A., & Glowik, M. (2020). The influence of cultural values on pro-
environmental behavior.DJournal of Cleaner Production,D268, 122305.
Jhally, S. (2022). The political economy of culture. InDCultural politics in contemporary America
(pp. 44–71). Routledge.
Misra, S., Jackson, V. W., Chong, J., Choe, K., Tay, C., Wong, J., & Yang, L. H. (2021).
Systematic review of cultural aspects of stigma and mental illness among racial and
ethnic minority groups in the United States: Implications for interventions.DAmerican
journal of community psychology,D68(3-4), pp. 486–512.
Rice, A. N., & Harris, S. C. (2021). Issues of cultural competence in mental health care.DJournal
of the American Pharmacists Association,D61(1), e65-e68.
Sagiv, L., & Schwartz, S. H. (2022). Personal values across cultures.DAnnual review of
psychology,D73, 517-546.
