Blog Entry 4: Parts of My Cultures !

1. Culture:

My nationality is Dominican. I was born in the Dominican Republic but raised in the United States from a very young age. Although I have never spent more than vacation time in my home country I believe my culture is both American and Latin. As a Dominican I speak Spanish as well as English and share the same beliefs, values, knowledge, and norms as most Latin American people. I know about the history of the United States as well as the history of the Dominican Republic.

2. Language:

As a Hispanic American I enjoy the benefits of being able to communicate with my people in both Spanish and English. I can read and write in both languages which are an advantage in most cases.

   

3. Symbol:

The bald eagle is a symbolic representation of the United States. It represents freedom, and strength. The escudo (Coat of Arms) of the Dominican flag represents
the blue symbolizes Liberty, red is fire and blood of the independence struggle and the white cross is a symbol of sacrifice. The coat of arms says, "Dios, Patria, Libertad" (meaning "God, Fatherland, Liberty"). “A bible with a small golden cross above it, which is opened (according to popular belief) to Johns 8:32, which reads Y la verdad os hará libre (And the truth shall make you free).”

4. Material Object:

This painting was created by a maternal uncle of mine back in the Dominican Republic. It symbolizes material culture because such painting are created and sold by Dominicans through out the country. They can be found in many homes, and businesses there.

5. Society:

In light of the recent tragedy of the orthodox Jewish couple and their infant who lost their lives recently in my hometown of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, I decided to use this picture to represent their society and American culture. Our society meets thanks to the share territory we live in. Williamsburg has many ethnic groups which all includes Italians, Jews, Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, Blacks and Whites.

6. Values: 
This is a picture of my mother's side of the family this past summer while my parents and little brother vacation in D.R. In my culture, a very highly held value is that of family and its importance.I love that my family is so big and is always happy to come together.

7. Norms:

It’s expected in both my cultures to be properly dressed and to keep up the standards of personal hygiene. 

8. Culture Objects:

These dishes represent the physical objects created by my American and Dominican culture. I eat pizza, hot dogs, burgers, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches as well as arroz con carne (rice with meat) mangu con salami y queso frito ( smashed platanoes, salami and fried cheese.

9. Culture Shock:

People walk bared footed in the streets of in the poorer sections of the Dominican Republic

10. Behaviors:

It is a behavior of the American culture to pursuit formal education to be successful in life.