Comparing Trumbull And Pacheco's A Sense Of Belonging

A Sense of Belonging

Culture itself can be described as a detailed, lifestyle a person lives by, generally coming from family traditions. “What Is Cultural Identity” once stated “The system of understanding culture includes values, beliefs, notions about acceptable and unacceptable behavior, and other socially constructed ideas that members of the society are taught “‘true’” (Trumbull and Pacheco 9). To understand one’s identity, one should attest to getting to know all of their cultural backgrounds that make up who they are. According to Trumbull and Pacheco, “Cultural identity is a broader term: people from multiple ethnic backgrounds may identify as belonging to the same culture” (9). Various aspects of a person’s life that may determine

Beliefs show your values and morals you possess and can ultimately coincide with the lifestyle you are living. In the text “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker, she comments “I never had an education myself. After second grade the school closed down. Don’t ask me why in 1927 colored asked fewer questions than they do now” (78). Back in the 1920’s the treatment of African Americans were beyond cruel and malign stereotypes were made about them, and mama was not able to finish school because of it. This contributed to her working hard labor to make ends meet. Along with the beliefs toward another race, religion a conventional custom, can also play a huge part in someone’s lifestyle. Alice Walker refers to the Islamic religion in “Everyday Use.” “Asalamalakim, my brother and sister” (79). This term was used as a greeting from Muslims as a way of respect. This contributes to the culture Dee was introduced to in the story that had her to change her name, appearance and the overall way she treated mama. As of way of her new culture she wanted the tangible things that mama had to offer that would make her seem to fit in. Walker also addresses how beliefs can also make a person feel self conscious about their culture. “I couldn't bear it any longer, being named after the people who oppressed me” (79). She refers to Dee telling her mother that the name given to her has a horrific history behind it and that keeping it

Regardless of the similarities people may have, individuality is the biggest part of someone's identity. When you work with people and build relationships it helps to have some perspectives and understanding of their culture. Being a part of things and expressing our culture helps us to have a sense of belonging.

Works Cited

Herrera, Hayden. “From Frida, a Biography of Frida Kahlo.” Springboard: English Language Arts, Grade 10, edited by Colleen Anerille, et al., College Board, 2018, 33-34.

Rau, Santha. “By Any Other Name.” Springboard: English Language Arts, Grade 10, edited by Colleen Anerille, et al., College Board, 2018, 43-48.

Trumbull, Elise and Pacheco, Maria. “What Is Cultural Identity.” Springboard: English Language Arts, Grade 10, edited by Colleen Anerille, et al., College Board, 2018, 9-10.

Walker, Alice. “Everyday Use.” Springboard: English Language Arts, Grade 10, edited by Colleen Anerille, et al., College Board, 2018,. 18-28.

Williams, Patricia. “Ethnic Hash.” Springboard: English Language Arts, Grade 10, edited by Colleen Anerille, et al., College Board, 2018,