Analysis of a Community

Analysis of a Community and Cultural Identity

Introduction

Most people would agree that culture can have a large effect on our daily lives; influencing what we may wear, say, or find important. Various cultural identities shape not only us, but our basic values and beliefs, as well as behavior, and our communication. Culture refers to the cumulative growth of knowledge, experience, religion, and roles acquired by a group of people in the course of generations through individual and group efforts. Each individual has entirely different histories, ethnic and culture heritages. Despite their differences, several ethnicities such as, Italian, French, and Japanese have acquired many traditions and languages, and portray what it means to be a culture. Within these multiple cultures, subcultures, and social groups, both opportunities and limitations have been present. Our ancestors have passed down different views and religious practices that have led to the unique upraising’s that molded us into the individuals we are today. My cultural journey involves many different and distinct ethnicities. I was raised through a traditional family of diverse culture; French and Italian.

Origin of my French Culture

Through gathering and researching information about my family roots, I discovered most of my culture identity through my grandmother, who I refer to as “Memere”. Memere is one of the many French terms used for grandmother. I also call my grandfather “Pepere”. The origin of my culture journey begins with my father’s parents. I remember many of my grandmother’s stories from when I was younger, these stories would always revolve around how they met in New Brunswick Canada. My father’s side of the family dates back to Canada in the early years of 1930. My grandfather was born during January 1932 and began his life in New Brunswick Canada. He was raised by his loving parents, and was one of five siblings. On the other hand, my grandmother was born in Maine on March 1931 and was raised by her parents in a small town. Once my grandmother became a teenager her family moved to New Brunswick, Canada to be with the rest of their family. While interviewing my Memere she discussed when and how she met my Pepere. My grandfather was in the Air force during the 1950’s when he met my grandmother. During this time Canada could be described as a period of growth and progress. “For ten years the phenomenal growth rate surged and its effects were felt into the 21st century. The average Canadian living wage skyrocketed and the labor market tightened. It was an age building with mega-projects like the St. Lawrence Seaway and Trans-Continental Pipeline. It was also a time of war as Canada joined its allies in Korea. (AVDiscovery).” On top of all of this, Canada promised new social and technological developments. Economic growth made automobiles more affordable and this became the “Baby Boom Era”.

Impact of my French Culture

Besides discussing my French ancestry with my grandmother, I also used Ancestry.com to discover more in depth details. For example, many families’ ancestors came from several different homes and have reasons for their journey to a new country. Although my father’s parents were satisfied in New Brunswick, Canada they decided to move to Beacon Falls, Connecticut where my Father was born. Historical and social aspects during this time were a major factor in my grandparents reasoning for moving to Connecticut. My ancestors chose their journey to America for two main reasons; friends and work. After the marriage of my Pepere and Memere, many of their close friends moved to Connecticut. My grandparents became available to new job opportunities in Connecticut after their marriage. These new factors sparked the idea of leaving their homeland and beginning the journey to Connecticut. According to my research, no limitations were placed on my father’s parents or my father because of ethnicity, culture, or religious practices. During this time in America, the Women’s Movement took action. My grandmother now had the opportunity to work and entered the labor force.

My father’s side of the family began to assimilate to the American culture and evolve to a different lifestyle. With this new lifestyle my father and his parents were capable of joining a generation that would become successful. Although my father had the opportunity of attending High school, he did not go to College. Unlike my father, I have had both the privilege and opportunity of attending college, as will my children. My father’s side of the family passed along many cultural values, traditions, and beliefs. Catholicism is the predominant religion of the French culture. I was raised as a Catholic and attended church almost every Sunday with my grandparents and parents. I also gained French traditions and cultures such as, traditional Christian holidays of Christmas and Easter. My grandparents spoke French as well as English, but my father only knew a few French words. I never learned the French language, but I would like to one day. My French culture impacts me greatly. I identify my French culture today as appreciating and cherishing French food, valuing family over work, and teaching traditional politeness to children.

Origin of my Italian Culture

My mother’s side of my family is similar to my fathers, but has a few differences. While interviewing my mother about her parents and great grandmother I learned more about the Italian ethnicity I acquire. The origin of my Italian culture journey begins with my mother’s great grandparents. My mother’s side of the family dates back to 1918 when my great grandmother Josephine, was born. She was born in Italy, along with her two other siblings. My great grandmother used to tell me all about her favorite Italian desserts such as, Biscottis and Tiramisu. Italian food has always played a large role in my upbringing and my mother continues to cook dinner almost every night for our family. This is a role I hope to continue when I have my own family. As my great grandmother grew older her mother taught her how to cook traditional family meals and learn the ways of a true Italian women.

During this time Italy had emerged from World War I in a poor and weakened condition. By 1920 Italy’s economy was in a massive convulsion; mass unemployment, food shortages, and strikes. “Women were seen as having a specific role in Fascist Italy. The task of young girls was to get married and have children – lots of them. (Historylearningsite).” With the many limitations and few job opportunities my great grandmother and her family began their journey to America. In the year 1938, my great grandmother met my great grandfather and had two children. My grandmother, Katherine was born on October 1943 and moved to Illinois in her late 20’s where she met my grandfather, Jim. My grandmother and grandfather got married on July 1966 in Illinois. My grandmother, who I call “Nana” worked at a restaurant while my grandfather worked many jobs. My grandparents lived during the time where change was occurring. “The 1960s was a decade when hundreds of thousands of ordinary Americans gave new life to the nation's democratic ideals.” (Digital History).”

Impact of my Italian Culture

In addition to interviewing my mother about my Italian culture and ethnicity, I branched out and did research using ancestry.com. With this website I discovered many important details that gave me examples of how I grew to be the unique individual that I am today. For example, Italian culture is steeped in the arts, family, architecture, music and food. Also, it made me come to an understanding that communication patterns exist among and within cultures; such as Italian and French. With this research I learned how the opportunities I have been blessed with are much different than my ancestors. My great grandmother and grandfather joined a generation that would become successful, but it took them lots of hard work to reach that goal. With the help of my great grandparents, I have had many chances and opportunities to become a successful individual. My mother’s side of the family passed along many cultural values, traditions, and beliefs. Some of these traditions included attending church. Visiting friends and relatives is also a significant value among Italians. I also gained Italian traditions and cultures such as a strong passion for music. Many Italians love music and it is a big part of their lives. My mother’s family enjoy music at holidays, family celebrations, and special occasions. Ever since I was a child, my home has been filled with upbeat, exciting music, which may be what has lead me towards becoming a dancer. My Italian culture is an important factor in who I am today. I identify my Italian culture today as a love for music and family gatherings.

Conclusion

Our cultures not only identify us, but create who we are as individuals in many ways. Throughout researching my ancestors and discovering my past generations, I have begun to understand how and why I am the person I am today. Without my grandparents and parents values, beliefs, and religion I would be a much different individual. The values, beliefs and religion that have been passed down to me include being family oriented, Catholic, and acquiring a passion for music. I am a member of multiple cultures, with different languages and traditions. I was raised through both a French and Italian culture, where my identity comes from life experiences through my family. My identity also is derived from my French and Italian traits that I was born with. By examining my ethnic and cultural heritage, I have discovered that through my parents nurture and guide I have gained many of their traits and characteristics; such as being strong willed, determined and enjoying the art of food. Culture diversity is more than common in America and represents how every individual is unique and shows how different cultures respect each other's differences. I am proud of my cultural identity and how it has molded me in to the unique individual I am today.

Work Cited

"Canada In The 1950′s – Building The Future." AV Discovery Ltd RSS. Web. 13 Feb. 2015. <http://www.avdiscovery.com/canada-1950s-building-future>.

Department of State." Decades of Change. 5 Apr. 2008. Web. 13 Feb. 2015. <http://iipdigital.usembassy.gov/st/english/publication/2008/04/20080407123655eaifas0.7868769.html#axzz3RZHyH7n8.>.

"Digital History." Digital History. Web. 13 Feb. 2015. <http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/era.cfm?eraID=17&smtid=1>.

"Life in Fascist Italy." Life in Fascist Italy. Web. 13 Feb. 2015. <http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/life_in_fascist_italy.htm>.

"Millions of Stories. Find Yours." Genealogy, Family Trees & Family History Records at Ancestry.com. Web. 13 Feb. 2015. <http://www.ancestry.com>. "IIP Digital | U.S.