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Cultural Conversation Assignment
Michael Simmons
School of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University
There are many factors that shape our cultural identity, including family, faith, societal
norms, and personal experiences. These affiliations are not easily dismissed and often inform
our worldview and interactions with others. As we navigate different cultural contexts, we may
unconsciously develop biases that affect our perceptions and behaviors. Recognizing these
biases is a critical step toward fostering inclusivity and empathy in both personal and
professional settings. Through cultural humility, we can grow and addresses internal biases in a
positive way. Hook et. al (2017) describes cultural humility as “getting in touch with your
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strengths and areas for growth, as well as being open to cultural difference” (Hook et al., 2017,
p.75).
This paper will examine a cultural conversation through an interview with an individual
from a different cultural background, focusing on cultural identities, value differences, and the
role of therapeutic relationships in multicultural contexts. The objective is to gain insight into
cultural variations, explore differing beliefs, and analyze potential biases between participants.
This process aims to increase understanding of diverse belief systems and identities, thereby
promoting greater cultural awareness and empathy.
Cultural Identity Conversation
For this assignment, I selected an individual, a friend of mine, who was eager to
participate, as he felt the conversation might offer insight into his own perspectives and
potential biases regarding our interactions. The interviewee, referred to here as Jimmy (alias), is
a 41-yearold male from Iraq. The interview was conducted on July 24th, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00
p.m. Eastern Time, in Jimmy’s office, which is located a few doors down from mine. The session
lasted approximately one hour. We began with introductory remarks and casual conversation,
during which I outlined the objectives of the assignment. Our discussion covered topics such as
work, family, and the housing market, as both of us are involved in real estate. But soon, the
conversation shifted to religious beliefs. With mutual awareness of my Christian faith and
Jimmy’s Muslim background, the conversation offered an opportunity for open and respectful
dialogue.
Following the 1991 Gulf War, many Iraqis were granted asylum in the United States. This
group included individuals who had worked with American forces during the conflict and its
aftermath, as well as those who were granted refugee status. Among them was Jimmy and his
family, who arrived in the U.S. as refugees. At the time, Jimmy was just a young boy. Today, both
he and his sister remain in the United States. Their parents have since passed away, but Jimmy
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and his sister have become U.S. citizens. They are now married, raising families of their own,
and have grown into productive, contributing members of American society.
Jimmy’s early years in Iraq were shaped by rich cultural traditions and strong family
bonds. Raised in a society that deeply values hospitality, respect for elders, and religious
devotion, he was immersed in a way of life centered on community and belonging. These values
were instilled in him from a young age and continue to guide his beliefs and behavior today.
Although he left Iraq as a child, the memories of his homeland and the customs he practiced
with his family remain a vital part of his identity.
Jimmy, his wife, and their children are devout Muslims. He was raised in the Islamic faith,
which remains central to his life. While his wife and children also identify as Muslim, Jimmy
notes that his two sons are more “Americanized” and do not follow religious teachings as closely
as he does. This generational difference reflects the blending of cultural heritage with life in the
United States.
As a follower of Christ, my own faith is rooted in the Bible, and I personally do not accept
the teachings of the Quran as truth. I believe the apostle Paul warned us about deceptive
teachings in 2 Timothy 3:5, and I see those words as a reminder to stay grounded in the gospel.
Jesus’ words in John 14:6 resonate deeply with me: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No
one comes to the Father except through me” (NIV). That verse is a cornerstone of my faith and a
constant reminder that salvation comes through Christ alone.
Although I completely disagree with Jimmy’s religious beliefs as a Christian, I make it a
point to treat him with respect and without judgment. My faith teaches me to love others, even
when we see the world differently. Jimmy’s life is a powerful example of how cultural identity is
shaped by both heritage and personal experience. His Iraqi roots and his journey as a refugee
have given him a unique perspective. One that blends deep tradition with the resilience of
adaptation. Through resilience and reflection, he has built a life that honors his past while
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embracing his present. I have to respect that. Jimmy’s story serves as a powerful reminder of
the richness that diverse cultural experiences bring to our shared human narrative.
During the interview, I posed a series of questions to Jimmy. The initial question was,
“Can you share a tradition or custom from your culture that holds special meaning for you?”
Jimmy explained that in Iraqi culture, hospitality is not merely a practice but a highly valued
tradition. Guests are shown significant respect and kindness, often being treated as “kings”
throughout their visit. This value extends beyond personal relationships, influencing interactions
in business settings and with strangers. As he recounted this, Jimmy’s demeanor became
notably animated, reflecting his deep connection to this cultural norm. It was evident that this
tradition continues to be meaningful in his life.
The next question I asked was, “Being from Iraq, how has your cultural background
influenced your values or the way you see the world?” Jimmy responded thoughtfully, saying
that growing up in America with Iraqi roots opened his eyes to the biases that exist between the
two cultures. This awareness deeply shaped how he chose to raise his children. Rather than
passing on resentment or division, he emphasized the importance of love and understanding.
Teaching his kids not to hate, but to care for others, became a core value in his home.
Then I asked him, “Are there any experiences from your upbringing that you feel shaped
your identity the most?” Jimmy didn’t hesitate. He said that one of the most defining influences
in his life was the deep appreciation for the United States that his father instilled in him. It’s a
value he now passes on to his own children. He reminds them of the devastation they left
behind in Iraq and how that experience forever changed the course of his future. For Jimmy,
gratitude and perspective are not just lessons, they are part of his identity.
Finally, I inquired of Jimmy how he balances preserving his cultural heritage while
adapting to new environments or communities. After thoughtful consideration, he
acknowledged that this process has been challenging. Adapting to a new language, becoming
accustomed to different customs, and managing initial culture shock have all posed difficulties.
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With maturity, Jimmy recognized the importance of tolerance, particularly when faced with
individuals who may not understand his background. He recalled his parents’ frequent advice:
“We are guests in America. Conduct yourself respectfully; do not be rude and remain
accepting.” Gradually, Jimmy established meaningful relationships and no longer experienced
feelings of alienation. His experiences illustrate resilience and underscore the value of
integrating both heritage and change.
Value Differences Discussion
Growing up in South Louisiana, my upbringing instilled in me a set of values that, while
distinct from Jimmy’s, still align with his in many meaningful ways. Though we differ in some of
the smaller cultural details, we share a deep appreciation for the values that truly matter. We
both hold family unity in high regard and cherish the deep connections that come from sharing
life’s journey with our loved ones. Family has always been a source of strength and comfort for
us and a place for us to turn in both joyful and difficult times. Additionally, we both deeply
respect the opportunities and freedoms that come with being an American, recognizing how
those freedoms have shaped our lives and the lives of those around us.
One significant difference in our value systems lies in our religious beliefs. I completely
disagree with Jimmy’s views about God. He has no belief that Jesus is the Messiah and is
unwilling to even consider the possibility. I chose not to argue with him about this, knowing that
no amount of discussion would likely change his mind. I know there are so many things I could
have said, but it would have only caused an argument. Instead, I quietly pray for him from time
to time, trusting that God will guide his path in His own time.
Another area where Jimmy and I disagreed was on certain cultural practices within
Islamic traditions, particularly those that I view as unfair to women. While Jimmy personally did
not enforce practices like restricting women from driving, attending school, or entering
arranged marriages, he expressed agreement with them and didn’t see them as problematic.
His wife, for example, always appeared in public wearing traditional garments, most commonly
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the hijab; a headscarf that covers the hair and neck but leaves the face visible. I’ve seen her
several times, yet I couldn’t describe what she looks like, as she’s always been fully covered. This
difference in perspective was striking, and while I don’t share his views, I continue to respect
him as a person.
Therapeutic Relationship
In speaking with Jimmy, it became clear that his experience of care and support is deeply
tied to respect, listening, and cultural understanding. He shared that growing up as a refugee
from Iraq, he often felt misunderstood or overlooked. What made a difference for him were the
people who took the time to listen without judgment and those who didn’t just tolerate his
background but showed genuine curiosity and care. For Jimmy, empathy is felt most when
someone acknowledges his story and treats him with dignity, even when they don’t share his
beliefs or experiences.
One example he gave was how his father taught him to always be respectful and humble
in America, reminding him, “We are guests here.” That mindset shaped how Jimmy interacts
with others and how he raises his children. He said he feels supported when people recognize
the sacrifices his family made and the trauma they left behind. He also mentioned that when
someone asks about his culture, with genuine curiosity, it makes him feel special.
In a therapeutic setting, my conversation with Jimmy highlighted the importance of
creating an environment that is both culturally responsive and emotionally safe. A strong
therapeutic relationship with someone like Jimmy would require active listening, cultural
humility, and a willingness to learn. All were qualities that I came to appreciate more deeply
through our dialogue. I learned that we do not know everything about all people, and that
assumptions can easily become barriers to understanding. As Chatraw (2019) wisely notes, “God
has granted humanity resources to overcome our limitations, one of which is the people of God
who can help us to identify our areas of blindness” (p. 166). This quote resonates with me as a
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Christian, reminding me that humility and openness are essential in building bridges across
cultural divides.
Jimmy’s story reinforced this truth. For example, when he spoke about his wife wearing
traditional garments like the hijab, he expressed appreciation for those who respected her
choice rather than staring or questioning it. That simple act of respect made him feel
understood. It reminded me that empathy often begins with small gestures such as
acknowledging someone’s dignity, honoring their traditions, and listening without judgment.
These are the foundations of a therapeutic relationship that not only supports healing but also
fosters meaningful cultural conversations.
To build a positive working alliance, a therapist would need to be mindful of how cultural
values shape communication, trust, and vulnerability. Jimmy’s openness came through when he
felt respected, not challenged. This reinforces the idea that empathy, patience, and cultural
awareness are essential qualities in any therapeutic relationship especially when navigating
conversations across cultural lines.
Conclusion
Meeting with Jimmy provided a valuable opportunity to engage in thoughtful reflection
on cultural identity, empathy, and the significance of respectful dialogue. Despite differences in
beliefs, particularly regarding religion and certain cultural practices, listening to his experiences
enhanced my understanding and humility. His openness about his refugee background, core
values, and approach to parenting offered meaningful insight into how culture influences an
individual's worldview. This interaction underscored that building effective therapeutic
relationships involves not only providing support but also embracing learning opportunities
from diverse perspectives. The conversation reinforced the importance of empathy in bridging
cultural gaps and fostering mutual respect.
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References
Chatraw, J. D., & Prior, K. S. (Eds.). (2019). Cultural engagement: A crash course in contemporary
issues. Zondervan Academic.
Hook, J. N., Davis, D., Owen, J., & DeBlaere, C. (2017). Cultural Humility. American
Psychological Association. https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9781433827792
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