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Who I am?

Aspects of My Identity I Might Not Present to Others

My identity

How do I introduce myself to others?

What aspects of my identity do I present to others?

Hopes and Fears

Labels and adjectives I’d like others to use for me

Regina Ramos...

MASK

What is culture?

How is the Iceberg a good analogy for how we see culture?

What are some of the irresponsible and hurtful ways of using elements of another culture?

What deeper cultural traits do you consider more difficult to identify?

How does my knowledge of culture influence my interpretation of cultural expressions and social phenomena?

Cultural Artifact

How cultural imperialism has impacted your day-to-day life?

Globalization and cultural expressions

What do you think has been the strongest influence of another culture in your life?

How is your interpretation, knowledge, and understanding of social phenomena enriched with diverse cultural perspectives and expressions, and allows you to empathize with others to build a better community?

What kind of feelings and thoughts come up for me when I hear the word HOME? Why?

How is art useful to appreciate other cultures at Home?

How should societies integrate newcomers?

How do newcomers develop a sense of belonging to the places where they have arrived?

My family tree

VIDEO

What is my relationship with the environment?

Do I feel I am part of nature or is it something outside me?

Where does that belief come from?

What is the relationship between my culture and nature?

Which cultural practice can I implement to create a more sustainable world?

FAVORITE MURAL

how can art be used to fight for justice, equality, peace, and social transformation?

This mural shows a strong message about pollution and the environment. It highlights the global issue of how factories and pollution harm nature and people.

answer

Part of my protest song about global warming

The earth is burning, can’t you see, the ice is melting into the sea, smoke and flames fill up the sky, but we just watch as nature dies.

How can art be used to transform society into a more aware one?

The Iceberg theory is a good analogy for culture because it shows that much of culture is hidden beneath the surface, like an iceberg. We can easily see behaviors and traditions, but deeper values, beliefs, and assumptions are harder to notice.

Societies should welcome newcomers with open arms, offering support, language classes, and cultural events to help them adjust.

Who I am?

By learning about different cultures I can see beyond my own experience. It makes me more empathetic towards people with different backgrounds because I can have more meaningfull conversations about race, class and inequality, making me want to contribute to a more inclusive society and share my own thoughts.

When I meet someone new, I usually start with the basics, my name, what I do, and maybe a little about my interests. I find that these things give people a sense of who I am on the surface. I might mention that I’m passionate about soccer, or that I’m currently studying highschool. This introduction helps me connect with others based on shared interests or experiences.

I can adopt sustainable habits like reducing waste and supporting eco-friendly practices. By continuing to value nature, I can contribute to a lifestyle that respects the environment, ensuring resources for future generations.

I feel that I am part of nature. My life depends on it and it shapes my experiences. We share a mutual connection, not a separation.

Some irresponsible and hurtful ways of using elements of another culture include cultural appropriation, where sacred or meaningful symbols are used disrespectfully or without understanding. Stereotyping or misrepresenting cultural practices can also be harmful, because it reduces complex traditions to clichés or mocks.

The word "home" makes me feel warmth, comfort, and belonging. It reminds me of family and safety, a place full of memories.

There are certain aspects of my identity that I’m proud to share with others. I like to talk about my achievements, like going through scoliosis surgery, because they represent the hard work I’ve put into my goals. I also like to share my love for my family and travel as it’s a big part of what makes me happy. These parts of my identity are important to me because they shape how I interact with the world and how others see me.

When people think of me, I hope they see me as kind, honest, compassionate and wise. These are qualities that I strive to embody in my life. Being kind means a lot to me because it shows that I care about other people and the treatment they should receive. I hope that these are the traits that people remember the most about me.

The strongest influence is definitely American culture. I think this is because of the proximity they have with Mexico and the fact that I was born there. It has influenced my life specially through Hollywood movies, social media, and global consumer trends. It's shaped how I think about success, relationships and even fashion.

There are parts of my identity that I keep to myself. For example, I don’t always talk about the constant pressure I put on me or the fact that I don’t know what I’m going to study because it feels too personal or because I’m still figuring it out myself. Sometimes, it’s easier to keep certain things private rather than risk being misunderstood or judged. These hidden parts of my identity are just as real, even if they aren’t visible to everyone.

Deeper cultural traits like values, beliefs, and attitudes are more difficult to identify. These include things like views on authority, time, and social relationships, which are not always openly expressed.

Art helps us understand other cultures by showing their stories, traditions, and emotions. It brings us closer to unfamiliar experiences.

In my culture, nature is often seen as something sacred, to be respected and preserved. There is an understanding that we must live in balance with nature rather than exploiting it.

Everyone has hopes and fears, and they are a big part of who I am. I hope to travel around the world, become successful and be happy, and this hope drives a lot of what I do every day. At the same time, I have fears, like failing myself or others, which sometimes hold me back but also push me to be stronger. I don’t always share these hopes and fears openly, but they are always with me, guiding my decisions and actions.

Newcomers feel belonging by learning the language, engaging in the community, and sharing their own cultural traditions.

I see the environment as something deeply connected to me. It's not just a backdrop to my life, but something I have a responsibility to care for. My actions directly impact it and in return, it affects my well-being.

My mom adquired this flower pot about a year ago in a trip to India.

BUDDHA

It is shaped like the peaceful head of Buddha, with that serene, meditative expression. What's really special is that the top of the head is where the plant goes, almost like it’s growing from a place of wisdom and calm. It has a minimalist, earthy feel, which really adds to its spiritual vibe. This design comes from Buddhist culture, where Buddha's image represents enlightenment and peace.

Culture is the shared beliefs, values, customs, and practices of a group of people. It shapes how they live, communicate, and interact with the world around them.

When I think about who I am, it’s a question that leads me to reflect on various aspects of my life, my experiences, my values and how I present myself to the world. My name is Regina Ramos and I'm an 18 year old woman. I come from New Jersey, USA but I’m Mexican too. This is often the first thing I share when I meet new people, but who I am goes far beyond just my name and origin.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod.

Cultural imperialism has influenced my lifestyle and entertainment choices. This is because (example) I watch a lot of american TV shows, listen to international music, and use products from global brands like Apple or Nike.

This belief comes from my values instilled by my family, who emphasized respecting nature. Also, my personal experiences and exposure to environmental education have reinforced this connection.

My knowledge of culture influences my interpretation by shaping how I understand and perceive cultural expressions and social phenomena. It helps me recognize the deeper meanings behind traditions, behaviors, and symbols, allowing me to avoid misunderstandings and really appreciate the context.

Art is a powerful tool because it connects with people on an emotional level, spreads important messages, and inspires action. By raising awareness about issues it can make problems feel real and urgent. It builds empathy, allowing people to connect with others' struggles, and could also give voices to marginalized communities. I also consider that art brings people together around a shared cause.

Art can transform society into a more aware one by bringing attention to important issues in a way that connects with people emotionally. I consider that art can communicate complex ideas about topics like climate change, making them easier to understand and reach out. Art could also challenge people’s assumptions and make them think so they can question norms and think about the world in new ways. Finally, art motivates people to reflect and maybe take action, creating a more informed and socially engaged society.

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