Cultural Differences Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Cultural Differences - Research Paper Example   According to Royce (1982), there exist differences among all cultures of the world; these differences emanate from the fact that each group has its own norms, belief system, and values. The cultural differences prevalent in most parts of the world mean that people behave in accordance with their culture. Moreover, people tend to hold dear their values, morals, and ways of life. As a result, the traditions of any group of people are held sacred and should be adhered to by the members of the ethnic group. Those who violate the laid down norms may face punishment from the entire society. Therefore, a society may apply some sanctions for undesirable behavior; for example, wrongdoers may be ostracized or alienated from the other members of the society. However, the amount of punishment differs from society to society due to the varying cultural beliefs. Ethnic Identity Ethnic identity is a diverse term which has no universally accepted meaning. However, scholars have advanced the defi nition of ethnic identity to mean the relationship of a person as he or she relates to his or her society. Specifically, ethnic identity refers to a construct that affiliates the individual to the rest of the group. Ethnic identity refers to the view of a person by themselves and others as belonging to a certain group. A person chooses to identify with a group that tends to be available for him or her whenever he or she needs the group or a group, which acknowledges him. For example, a person can choose to affiliate with a group that has the same ethnic heritage (Banks, 1996). According to Banks (1996), in ethnic identity, the affiliation with a group can be in terms of cultural, natal, racial, and symbolic factors. Natal factors can be regarded as the ancestral attributes of a person; for example, the homeland of a person, origin of parents, and the origin of kin. Racial factors entail the use of physical characteristics as well as physiognomic attributes. On the other hand, symbol ic factors refer to the characteristics that tend to be typical of a certain ethnic group. Examples of symbolic factors include clothing, foods, holidays, artifacts, among other attributes shared by a group of persons. Cultural factors involve the behavior patterns exemplified by the group; it may also include the shared values and customs of a group. For most people in the world, ethnic identity forms the basis of national identity; as such, people tend to identify themselves with their ethnic groups. People belonging to the same ethnic group tend to share some attributes which are distinct from other ethnic groups. Moreover, ethnicity signals some form of physical traits, cultural similarities, an enduring descent, and a blood relationship. Apart from these similarities, people belonging to the same ethnic group tend to have some commonalities which include a common language, similar traditions, common religion, and a history that they can share (Royce, 1982). To a large extent, e thnic identity forms the basis for understanding the diverse differences among cultures. People tend to strongly identify with their respective ethnic groups. By belonging to an ethnic group, a person declares a certain ethnic identity and continues to demonstrate acceptable behavior which is characteristic of that group.  Ã‚  

"story of an hour "response Assignment

"story of an hour "response - Assignment Example Mallard who is free of her. The story ends with her death in a shock, seeing her living husband standing in the doorway (Chopin, Kate and Chopin 10). In the story, the writer employs specific structural techniques to heighten the drama. As the title suggests, the story is short. The structure used fits the subject matter quite well. The short story is made up of short paragraphs, consisting of two to three sentences. The story only covers an hour in the life of the protagonist, Mrs. Mallard. The time coverage runs from when she learns of her husband’s death and the time the husband unexpectedly returns home. The story makes a great impact, and one can quickly read it. The message is direct. The short story gives Louise an intense hour that she spends contemplating her independence. We immerse ourselves in her wild thoughts. The ‘heart disease’ echoed at the end of the story refers to the ‘heart trouble’ introduced at the beginning of the story. The structure intensifies the twist ending of the story (Chopin, Kate, and Chopin 9). The writer brings out the theme of the forbidden joy of independence. After Richards and Josephine shared the news of Bentleys death, Mrs. Mallard frequently grieves, although her reaction is more violent than other women. She realizes that she is an independent woman now that the husband had left her alone. The realization excites and enlivens her. Though, these are her private thoughts; she tries to squelch the feeling of joy she had. The word â€Å"free† escaped her lips. She sees her new independence as the center of her being. She even turns to prayers in hoping for a longer life to enjoy the freedom. The return of Bentley unwillingly yanks her independence to a level of killing her (Chopin, Kate, and Chopin 15). Another theme we find in the story is the inherent oppressiveness of marriage. The writer identifies that all marriages are