Being An American Culture Essay

One thing I love and embrace about being an American is the melting pot culture a great majority of us strive for in this country. Influence and roots are important to each of us as individuals, all in our own different and unique ways. Whether it be during the intake, or in my case, if a student, parent, or co-worker, wanted to know about my background and culture, I would not hesitate to disclose that information to them, if they wanted it. I consider myself American even though my roots are French, Italian, and Irish. I do not think of myself as an expert on French, Italian, and Irish culture; rather, an expert on what it is like to be American while fostering and favoring some of those traditions that my ancestors may or may not have celebrated,

I agree with the prompt and do feel that a lot of people from various ethnic groups and backgrounds are pressured to give up certain beliefs in favor of the “dominant culture.” We see this quite often in America, people come over to experience what some may refer to as the “American Dream” and sometimes that “dream” is a bit over-hyped and not what people may have expected. Now, people feel forced to give up their past culture and heritage, and grill hot dogs, listen to Kenny Chesney, light off fireworks, and drink Budweiser on the fourth of July. I know it is easier said than done, but in a perfect world, people could have “both.” There really is no logical reason why people should not be able to move to a new country, embrace that country’s culture, and continue to embrace their country of origin’s

It is the people within the country. These cultural issues are not just happening in America. It is not a country problem, it is a “people” problem. People are too close-minded, stuck in their own ways, afraid of change, and afraid to take a little risk.. One of the great things about studying and learning how to be the most effective counselor possible, has a lot to do with keeping an open mind and not being afraid to learn and ask for help from clients or students. If I had a client or who was struggling with feeling the pressure of giving up their own culture to the dominant culture, I would want to know why the client was feeling this way and why potentially giving up and putting their original culture behind them, would be important to them. Perhaps, the student or client would feel excited or empowered to educate me, as the counselor, about their cultural heritage and background. On the other hand, maybe my student or client would not want to talk about their culture or heritage, right off the bat, and that topic would be something we would have to work towards. Or maybe the subject of heritage is completely off the table. What matters is keeping an open mind, being willing to learn, listen, and be aware of what is going on with a client regardless if they want to discuss cultural heritage or