I think culture often puts people in categories.

To define my culture would put me in a category.

At first I did not like the thought of this because categories allow people to be subjected to discrimination and oppression.

Especially since, I also think culture is always in constant flux. 

 I also found it rather difficult to define my culture because it comes from many different social locations, experiences and relationships. 

My parents are from a country called Guyana. My father is Indian. My mother is Chinese/Portuguese. However, I was born in Canada.

You can just imagine how this has diversified my life in relation to culture 

A few examples.

Strong family values. 

Family always come first and we are always looking out for each other.  Weekly family gatherings with aunts, uncles and cousins are quite common.

In regards to disciplining, I am happy to say my parents never really believed in grounding. A talking to about bad behaviour growing up as a child would occur and sometimes yelling.

A hard work ethic

Canada is a very individualistic society. It seems we are always competing against each other and working hard. Sometimes my parents do not comprehend why I pull all nighters to finish off homework or why I am doing homework for such long periods of time. This is not to say they do not value education but just that in Canada, we work harder.

Special Occasssions

Birthday's and Christmas are always big.

Christmas is my favorite time of year because of all the FOOD! During Christmas we prepare and eat many things that is part of Guyanese culture such as pepperpot (stew), garlic pork, making drinks called sorrel, mauby and gingerbeer, baking cakes (fruitcake, rum cake aka black cake, sponge cake).

Due to my ethnic background, I have also been able to witness an Indian wedding on my Dad's side who is a distant relative.

This is also pretty random, but Gardening is also BIG in my family. We appreciate nature.

These are just some of the things that influence my culture, which are values and practices that I cherish to be part of my identity.

It will be interesting to see how my culture transpires in the new journey I am about to take ;)

Alana