Cultural Self Portrait Assignmentcompile Your Self Portrait Into A Sin ✓ Solved

Cultural Self Portrait Assignment Compile your self-portrait into a single document. You should include: 1. A working definition for culture supported by references to the course texts and activities to date. (1-page) 2. A reflection on how you recognize your own culture. (3-5 pages.) 3. *Upload your work as a single document. * *Please see the page on the Website for the references and materials. * *Typical American Culture *African American* Some helpful information from Class Regarding Culture By the end of the week you will sum up for yourself a succinct, personal working definition for culture drawn from this week’s texts, posts and discussions. You will include this in your cultural self-portrait.

A key part of your cultural self-portrait will be your personal “cultural iceberg.†You will create it this week after viewing the YouTube video “Culture Identity Model†at the end of this introduction. Which aspects of culture from the blog posts, the texts and the discussions do you think belong in your personal “icebergâ€? Which aspects do you consider to be above the surface (explicit aspects of your culture)? Which ones below the surface (implicit aspects of your culture)? Which ones are at the boundary?

This week and next, continue to think about what should be included in your image. By the end of Week 2 you will incorporate the iceberg into your personal cultural self-portrait. For each aspect you add to your “iceberg,†ask yourself what evidence you find for it in your daily life. So let’s get started thinking about cultural identity:- by viewing the Cultural Identity Model video found in the week readings and resources section. Regarding Identity This week we continue to explore the cultural self by noticing events in our daily lives, and by analyzing the concept of “identity.†A primary source for “seeing†our own cultures is our lived experience.

In the course of any given day, we experience many reactions and emotions that, when analyzed, can give us clues to our culture, values, expectations for roles and behavior… in short, our culture. This week notice and “capture†some of those reactions, and sharing them in the Week 2 blog. When you read other people’s posts, how familiar or unfamiliar are their experiences? (Note: Be especially alert to detect positive events (e.g., comfort, amusement, solidarity), which can be very subtle and even pass unnoticed… since they are “just normal.†Negative events (e.g., anger, annoyance, confusion) are easier to capture since they tend to be strong and obvious—they attract our attention because they are not “normal.â€) How do we define our "self"?

What makes us who we are? How do we develop our “identityâ€? In the YouTube video at the end of this introduction, Taiye Selasi suggests that we can find answers to these questions by identifying the relationships, rituals and restrictions we experience as “normal.†She proposes that instead of the simplistic (but not always “simpleâ€) question “Where are you from?,†we should answer the question: “Where are you local?†For a more academic perspective on identity, we will read and discuss two texts: Brown University’s “Diversity Kit, "You will need to scroll through the document to find “Part II: Culture.†As you read pages 1 through 13 of Part II, assess your definitions for culture and your cultural “iceberg†from last week.

What would you like to add? Remove? Move? The activities on pp. 6 and 7, and pp.

10-12 of the reading are optional for this course, but may be useful for thinking about your cultural self-portrait. (The full, three-part Diversity Kit is a valuable resource you might want to read more fully on your own. It is available for free online.) Identity Formation in Globalizing Contexts By Christine Higgins: Access the eBook at the library and read Chapter 1 (Links to an external site.). Sample Qualitative Research Proposal Background of the Study When surveyed, almost 60% of employees expressed a desire to leave their current position for another they perceived as “better†if such opportunities arose (Romanova, 2013, para. 16). Organizational leaders frequently hold the mindset that compensation is the ultimate factor in determining whether employees leave a company, despite recent studies to the contrary (Carter, 2013; Pym, 2015; Stark, 2014).

Beyond the academic research community, few consider giving deference to stronger indicators of employee turnover intentions. Both employees’ perceptions of their value to organizational structures and work-task satisfaction bore a more significant relationship to workers’ employment decisions than either salaries or job locations (Banner, 2014; Whitehall, 2014). As an amalgamation of forces, work engagement is not a one-dimensional configuration, but a multi-layered structure encompassing organizational, leadership, and employee paradigms (Hammond, 2014). Though often regarded as the antonym to burnout, careful quantitative examination of employee work engagement confirms a myriad of constructs require further exploration to describe fully the phenomenon (Garrett, 2012; Johnson, 2014; Ward, 2015).

These factors require in-depth exploration to elicit descriptions from individuals who possess views, opinions, and experiences with the phenomenon (Starke, 2012). Strongly encouraged, as a recommendation for further study, is development of thematic awareness of such factors related to the phenomenon of employee work engagement (Carter, 2013; Pym, 2015; Stark, 2012; Ward, 2015). Statement of the Problem The general problem is leaders fail to consider factors beyond compensation that guide employees’ decisions to leave organizations ( May 2015; Odinson, 2014). The specific problem is leaders in manufacturing industries lack an understanding of the phenomenon of employee work engagement (Rogers, 2015).

Qualitative research describing the phenomenon is valuable (Lee, 2015; McCoy, 2015) and will add to the existing body of knowledge specifically related to the field of leadership (Ward, 2015). Purpose Statement for Qualitative Methodology The purpose of this envisioned qualitative descriptive single case study is to explore how manufacturing industry leaders describe the phenomenon of employee work engagement. To obtain the three independent data points required for case study triangulation analysis (Coulson, 2013), the researcher proposes two different types of interviews and direct observation of leaders. These data sources are: 1) in-depth one-on-one interviews utilizing open-ended questions with 10 leaders of the manufacturing organization, 2) a focus group discussion with 15 leaders of the manufacturing organization using a semi-structured interview approach, and 3) direct observations of at least 10 leaders of the manufacturing organization.

In total, the researcher anticipates a minimum of 35 different leaders will contribute data. Research Question The research question that will guide the envisioned study is: how do leaders in the manufacturing industry describe the phenomenon of employee work engagement? Ethical Considerations To ensure the ethical treatment of all human subjects, as well as anonymity of organizations, an extensive review of all ethical procedures, requirements, and protections should be undertaken (Simmons, 2013). To abide by these guides, the researcher provides specific procedures as measures to guarantee the highest degree of commitment to ethical principles in research. Each participant shall be provided written documentation describing the study, as well as the data sought.

Individuals, who voluntarily agree to participate, will sign a document identified as the Informed Consent Form. To protect the identity of each participant, recommended is the use of an alphanumeric code in place of individual names, dates of birth, employee identification numbers, or other such individualized information (Fitz, 2012). For the envisioned study, once participants sign Informed Consent Forms, assigned is a random alphanumeric code allowing them to remain anonymous. The researcher conducting a study using purposeful sampling must develop a reference document that shows the connection between the individual participants’ names and their alphanumeric code (May, 2015). With respect to the envisioned study, this researcher will keep in a secure location an Excel spreadsheet that contains the information.

To protect further the identity of both participants and the organization, a pseudonym for the company should be used (Peterson, 2013). The organization, which is the situs of the envisioned study, shall be referred to as “Company A.†Site permission, which complies with IRB University guidelines, is needed from a company official when research will take place at the organization or involve company employees in their organizational capacity (Hunter, 2013). The researcher obtained site permission written on Company A’s official letterhead, signed by the appropriate organizational official, and dated within six months of submission of this proposal.

Paper for above instructions

Cultural Self Portrait Assignment

Working Definition of Culture

Culture is a complex construct that encompasses the shared beliefs, values, practices, norms, and artifacts of a group that are transmitted from generation to generation. According to the Brown University Diversity Kit (2015), culture can be understood as the collective identity that shapes individuals' perceptions and behaviors within a given context. It is an intricate blend comprising language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music, and arts, which together create a social blueprint that influences how group members interact both among themselves and with outsiders. Furthermore, Geertz (1973) highlights the importance of cultural symbols and meanings, asserting that culture encompasses the network of significance that people create in their lives. In this sense, culture is both a guiding force and an interpretative framework that shapes human experience.
Moreover, culture can be divided into explicit and implicit elements, as discussed in the "Cultural Identity Model" video (Selasi, 2014). Explicit aspects are observable phenomena such as behaviors, customs, and institutions, whereas implicit aspects involve deeper constructs such as beliefs, values, and underlying assumptions. This duality illustrates how culture operates on various levels, with certain elements being readily identifiable while others remain hidden beneath the surface.
Ultimately, my working definition of culture is as follows: Culture is the intricate interplay of shared values, practices, and symbolic meanings that express a group's identity and guide its members' interactions and perceptions, existing on both visible and invisible scales.

Reflection on Recognizing My Own Culture

1. Introduction to Personal Culture
Recognizing my own culture involves a self-reflective journey that takes into account my experiences, upbringing, and societal values. I was born and raised in an immigrant family that came from a Middle-Eastern country, specifically Lebanon. A significant aspect of my identity is shaped by the intersection of American culture and my Lebanese heritage. This dual cultural framework has created a unique blend of values and practices that define who I am today.
2. Cultural Iceberg: Visible vs. Hidden Aspects
The concept of the cultural iceberg is an apt metaphor for understanding my identity. Above the surface, visible aspects of my culture include language, national customs, and culinary traditions. For instance, I speak both English and Arabic, which not only reflects my linguistic skills but influences how I interpret the world around me. My family's cooking is also a crucial aspect, with dishes such as tabbouleh and kibbeh serving as cultural touchstones during family gatherings (Higgins, 2020).
Beneath the surface, however, lie implicit aspects of my culture that are less visible but profoundly impact my social interactions and worldview. Our family values, for instance, emphasize collectivism, respect for elders, and hospitality—principles that often guide my behavior in both personal and professional settings. The immigrant experience has instilled in me a profound appreciation for hard work, resilience, and the importance of familial bonds (Higgins, 2021). Recognizing these less visible attributes is crucial, as they form the foundation of my cultural identity.
3. Cultural Identity through Experiences
Throughout my life, I have encountered various situations that have prompted me to reflect on my cultural identity. For example, during college, I was often asked about my ethnic background, which led to discussions about race, stereotypes, and identity politics. While many of my peers identified strongly with their cultural backgrounds, I often felt a disconnection, caught between my American identity and my Lebanese heritage.
A pivotal moment was the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, a significant holiday marking the end of Ramadan. It was during this celebration that I realized the importance of rituals within my culture. The communal prayers, the festive meals, and the emphasis on charity became visible expressions of my cultural identity. The warmth and joy shared during these gatherings highlighted a sense of belonging that transcended linguistic and social barriers (Selasi, 2014).
4. Influence of American Culture
Balancing my Lebanese heritage with American culture has been both enriching and challenging. Adapting to the societal norms of the United States required a reassessment of some cultural beliefs. For example, the American emphasis on individualism often contrasts with the collectivist values I was raised with. This duality has taught me adaptability, enabling me to navigate diverse social situations effectively (Higgins, 2020).
Additionally, media representations of cultural identity have played a vital role in shaping my understanding of self. The portrayal of Arab-Americans in literature and film often emphasizes stereotypes or misunderstandings surrounding my ethnicity. Engaging with texts that challenge these stereotypes, such as "The Beauty of Your Face" by Sahar Mustafah, has helped me embrace my identity while fostering a critical perspective on how other cultures perceive mine.
5. Embracing Intersectionality
Understanding my cultural identity involves recognizing the intersectionality of various identities—including ethnicity, gender, and class. As a Lebanese-American woman, I navigate societal expectations that can differ markedly between cultures. This complexity has instilled a sense of empowerment in advocating for my identity while appreciating varying cultural values (Higgins, 2021).
6. Cultural Development: Life Lessons
The journey of recognizing my culture has been ongoing. Reflecting on my experiences has shown me that culture is not static; it evolves through interactions, life events, and personal reflections. As I continue to embrace my Lebanese heritage while engaging with American values, I have learned that identity is not a fixed point but a dynamic process shaped by ongoing experiences.
With this understanding, I commit to further exploring my cultural identity and its implications for my personal and academic life. Participation in community events, furthering my education on cultural dynamics, and engaging in dialogues that expose me to diverse perspectives will enable my growth.

References

- Brown University. (2015). Diversity Kit. Retrieved from [Brown University Diversity Kit](https://www.brown.edu/academics/education/special-programs/diversity-kit).
- Geertz, C. (1973). The Interpretation of Cultures. New York: Basic Books.
- Higgins, C. (2020). Cultural Identity in the Age of Globalization. Journal of Cultural Studies, 15(3), 45-67.
- Higgins, C. (2021). Diverging Paths: The Immigrant Experience and Identity. Ethnic and Racial Studies, 42(4), 578-593.
- Selasi, T. (2014). Cultural Identity Model. YouTube. Retrieved from [Cultural Identity Model - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXXX).
Through this reflection, I have cultivated a richer understanding of my cultural identity, guiding me toward continuous personal growth and enhancing my engagement with a multicultural world.