Unit 2: Exploration of Cultural Identity

LESSON THREE- POETRY & SHORT STORIES

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Read the Following excerpt about Cultural Identity to help you with the assignment portion of this lesson.

Definition of Cultural Identity

The definition of cultural identity, in its most basic form, is a sense of belonging. A shared sense of companionship that involves the same beliefs, interests and basic principles of living. When a person identifies with their culture, they often embrace traditions that have been passed down for years. The cultural identity that relates to a person’s heritage helps them to identify with others who have the same traditions and basic belief system.

Some people claim that a person’s cultural identity is the foundation or groundwork on which every other aspect of their being is built. It is the cornerstone of what makes them who they are. Embracing one’s culture often means practicing a specific religion and wearing a certain type of clothing. It creates an outward, visible means of identifying you as part of a particular culture or nationality.

The Aboriginal tribes of Australia and New Zealand are excellent examples of this. Many tribes still live and behave as they did when they first encountered white civilization. They hunt, dress, celebrate and live their lives as if no one has ever attempted to influence them. They follow a tribal form of government and also adhere to a strict code of ethics both in tribal and family life. Traditions are often passed down from generation to generation and have been in existence for hundreds of years.

Define Subculture

A subculture is a smaller sect or group that belongs to a larger, cultural entity. While they belong to a larger group, their beliefs, mannerisms and basic behavioral patterns may vary slightly from the larger group. For example, the Aborigine culture known throughout New Zealand and Australia as the original inhabitants of the land. The different tribes and families that make up the entire group of indigenous peoples would be considered individually as a part of the subculture of the region.

Subcultures that can be found in within larger cultural groups, are similar to the larger group but have key differences that make them unique in some way. Their dress may be slightly different or their belief system may be somewhat different from that of the larger group. While they still retain the main cultural identity, the subculture is used to define them at a much deeper level.

Subcultures add depth and diversity to the larger cultural group. One way of viewing the culture/subculture concept is to think of Christianity and its generalized belief system. If Christianity is the culture, the religions who fall under its generalized definition would be the subcultures. Baptist, Lutheran, Anglican, Presbyterian and Methodist would all be considered subcultures. As off shoots of the main culture, each subculture still believes in the main concepts of the large group. While each group has slightly different beliefs than the others, the main concept and belief structure remain intact.

Cultural Identity Examples

There are several examples that are used to identify a person as part of a culture. They include:

  • Belief structure or religion – While the white people who live in Australia are commonly more Christian, the aborigines of the area practicing their own religion that they have adhered to for centuries..
  • Dress – Every culture has a particular style of dress, some prefer head dresses, while others choose to wear nothing over their head.
  • Hair – How a person wears their hair can also be an indictor of their cultural identity.
  • Type of foods eaten – Tribes that are gatherers mainly look for natural food sources. Hunters bring meat to the table. Ethnic groups that live along the coast may gain the majority of their nutrients from seafood or shellfish.

Examples of cultural identity can include anything that offers testament or validation that a person is associated with a particular group, religion or race. Many times, the way a person dresses and behaves in public are distinct examples of cultural identity and belief patterns.


The following poem and short story present identity from a very personal experience.
Read the following literary selections from your Rocky View Schools anthology or linked to RESOURCES section of this lesson.

"The Amazing Sense of Shake"
"Footprints in the Snow?"

From the list of literary selections, complete and submit ONE of the corresponding assignments. (complete only ONE).
Label this assignment E102U2L3surname and submit it to the Assignment Folder labeled U2L3 Poetry and Short Stories 

1. “The Amazing Sense of Shake" short story, by Cherie Dimaline

Before reading:
What insight does the title give you into the content of the story?

Exploration - As you read through this story, identify two or three similes that the author uses in this story. Do you think these similes are effective? Explain why or why not.

 

2. "Footprints in the Snow" Poem, by Nichola Batzel

Before reading:
Make a mental list of anything you know Inuit life and culture.

Exploration - While you read this poem, visualize what the poet is describing. What words and phrases help create images in your mind?