Imagine:
A major catastrophe has almost completely
devastated the infrastructure of your country. The emergency government has
decided that the surviving citizens will be best served if they are evacuated
to other countries willing to take refugees. You and your immediate family are
among the survivors of this catastrophic event. However, you have absolutely no
input into the final destination or in any other evacuation details. You are
told that your host country’s culture is completely different from your own,
and that you might have to stay there permanently. You are further told that,
in addition to one change of clothes, you can only take 3 small items with you.
You decide to take three items that you hold dear and that represent your
family culture.
In tow with me and my immediate family, I would take my Bible, a family-owned cast iron skillet and a photograph of my mother as a child sitting outside of our family business; all three items I hold dear and is representative my family culture.
Explaining each of the items to others would include a discussion on how my family culture is embedded in faith, tradition and opportunities created through proven leadership. The Bible not only represents my faith, but the solid foundation on which I stand. Many of my family traditions are generally centered around holiday and, celebratory get-togethers. As such, meals are typically involved which may include the use of a cast iron skillet that I inherited. It is seasoned (tempered) to perfection! The picture of my mother is so much more to me than photograph from her childhood. It is indicative of my grandfather's hard work, perseverance and entrepreneurial efforts at a time in our history when African Americans experienced tremendous opposition to succeed.
If upon arrival, I were told that I could only keep one personal item, and would have to give-up the other two items I brought with me, I would feel deep sadness. Although, my faith would surpass all, and I would maintain a death grip on my Bible.
Prior to this exercise I had not given careful consideration to my family culture. I discovered there are many facets, and I am extremely proud of who I am, and my family of origin. I am motivated by the full embodiment of our diversity and resilient nature.
Consider for a moment your responses to the questions. What is your family culture? Are you affecting the family culture of an early learner? n♥
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(NY, NY 1962)
Hi Nikiesha,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post! I love your three things that are dear to you in case of catastrophe. The Bible is one of the things I found to be a root of our history, which represents our faith. Second, I found it extremely hilarious the iron skillet, which all our family members have even have been given one as a wedding gift. And thirdly, a picture of your mom as a child this is wonderful to have to cherish forever. Also to owe their own store as an entrepreneur, back in those days represented something and your family still on that business is tremendous. You are so right I have never thought of my culture in this facet, this is a great assignment!