Stability of Culture

On completion of the academic program in France, I decided to join Fitchburg State College (FSC) to advance my knowledge of what I genuinely enjoyed without any grandiose plans of the material rewards that were, or were not possible. The academic culture did not change much, and I even enjoyed my time at FSC. The social setting on Fitchburg MA, and the USA presented new challenges that would change my perception of the new culture. Some of these new ideas met my expectations and were parallel to my individual culture, but others did not. The aspects that reinforced my pre-existing beliefs gave me a sense of comfort, while those that were not consistent challenged my beliefs and attitudes caused me to wonder if I would truly find my place in the general American cultural setting. Until this period in time, I thought that I had based my culture and beliefs on universally regarded values. Nevertheless, the American definition of family, marriage, role of government, justice seemed to contrast will all that I knew and had comfort in.

As explained in The Voice of another master1 what I thought would be an observer experience of American culture turned out to be more than that. What I though I would understand and tolerate was not easy to understand and accept in experience. The values that were in contradiction are very close to my ego, and my ego involvement was now greater than the times when I read about the issues in question. With time, most of these issues have fallen in my latitude of rejection2 and my rejection of them has increased as a result (boomerang effect3).

Conclusion

It must not be forgotten that the assimilation or rejection of an idea, unlike indifference always has an effect on the parties involved. Rejection has the obvious effect of distancing the individual from the idea. Assimilation also has the obvious effect of drawing the individual closer to the idea. Regardless of whether the reaction is positive or negative, ideas or elements of a culture that generate a strong reaction are often given more thought and importance than those that are regarded with indifference. As a result, even when one thinks that he/she has a good idea of his/her personal culture, interaction and other forms of communication serves the direct purpose of constantly shaping and reshaping the individual’s culture, as well as that of the other cultures in which the individual in question participates.

Cited Texts

1. The Voice of Another Master (Donisius Omosa, Fall 2002 Term Paper)

2. Wiley, Norbert. The Semiotic Self. University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 1994

3. LittleJohn, Stephen W. Theories of Human Communication. Wadsworth, 2002

4. Zimbardo-ebbesen, Influencing Attitudes and Changing Behavior. Addison-Wesley, Reading MA, 1970