Values and Differences Between My Cultures

The Role of Culture in Shaping Identity

Culture's a big deal when it comes to shaping who we are, what we believe, and what we value. Growing up with mixed heritage, I got the best (and sometimes most confusing) of both worlds. My mom's Japanese, and my dad's American, so I've been raised with two very different sets of cultural norms. Let's dig into how these values and differences have shaped the way I see things.

Values and Differences Between My Cultures

So, like I mentioned, my mom’s from Japan and my dad’s from the U.S. This mix gave me a front-row seat to both Japanese and American traditions and values. These cultures are pretty different in many ways, which made for some interesting challenges and insights that ultimately shaped who I am today.

A big difference? It’s all about collectivism versus individualism. In Japan, it's about the group—working together, keeping harmony in the community, showing respect for those in charge. Humility and fitting in are huge there. But in America? It's more about being your own person. Independence and freedom are key values, with a focus on self-expression and personal achievements.

Another interesting difference is how time is viewed. In Japan, they take punctuality super seriously—time’s precious, don't waste it by being late! In the U.S., folks tend to be more chill about schedules. Being flexible or spontaneous isn't a big deal here. So I’ve learned to respect time while also going with the flow when needed.

Hierarchy and authority are another area where these cultures don’t see eye-to-eye. In Japan, respecting elders and hierarchy is important—it shows in how people talk and act socially. Meanwhile, Americans lean towards equality and often challenge authority if need be.

Even with these differences, there are shared values too! Both cultures really care about education and hard work. Achieving academically or professionally is important whether you're in Japan or America. Plus, family ties, community bonds, and being hospitable are valued across both cultures.

Embracing Multiculturalism

Living between these two worlds has taught me to embrace diversity wholeheartedly. Navigating between these cultural norms has let me blend them into something uniquely mine—a mix of collective Japanese thinking with an American individualistic twist. It’s given me empathy for different viewpoints because I get where they're coming from.

Conclusion: A Fusion of Cultures

In wrapping up—yeah—the mix of Japanese and American influences really shaped my identity in cool ways. I appreciate both sides—the communal mindset from Japan alongside America's individualistic vibe—and that makes me cherish multicultural experiences even more deeply now.

References

• Matsumoto, D., & Juang, L. (2016). Culture and Psychology (6th ed.). Cengage Learning.
• Kincaid, J.W., & Whitehouse-Hartling M.R. (2020). Understanding Cultures: An Introduction to Intercultural Communication Studies.
• Nisbett R.E., (2003). The Geography of Thought: How Asians and Westerners Think Differently...and Why.