The scenario is this: There has been a major catastrophe and I must leave my home and country to live far away within a different culture and I can only take three small but important items that represent my family culture with me. Thinking about this is stressful. I cannot even imagine such an ordeal. However, I am well aware that there are many who have gone through such affliction and only have memories of their culture.
My initial thought is to take my family genealogy book as a continued link to the past that supports my roots and where I came from. Secondly, my journal which has written details of my life thus far and will allow me to write about my journey to this new land. Thirdly, I would take my scriptures which are comprised of stories that teach and explain ideas, values, and beliefs that have guided my family, extended family, and me through the years.
I hold these items dear as they represent parts of my innermost feelings, beliefs, and values. They are my connection to meaningful relationships. They contain stories from ancestors that have helped to motivate and guide me in my life journey.
Mixed feelings of fear, anger, and sadness would fill my soul if I was asked to give up two of the three representations of myself. I hope they would give me a little time to ponder and offer a sincere prayer asking for guidance in this decision.
This assignment has helped me to understand how connected I am to my culture and how I define myself. It has opened the door to a deeper appreciation for those and especially children who have had to give up much in the face of adversity. Most of all it has given me knowledge that culture resides within my being and cannot really be gaged by material possessions. They can take away my genealogy book, my journal, and my scriptures, but they cannnot take away my beliefs, values, or my memories as they are imbeded in my heart and soul.
Culture goes deeper than a person’s hair, eyes, or skin color. It comprises their deepest feelings and intimate beliefs and values. My extended realization is the fact that my culture is imbeded within me and taking away material cultural items cannot take away my what is in my heart and in my soul.
Mahatma Gandhi said it this way, “A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people.
2 comments:
I am moved by your choice to take your family genealogy book. My family does not have any such reminders. As far as I know, we only have real knowledge of the generations of my family that have lived in America - going back to my grandparents generation - Issei, the immigrant generation of Japanese to America.
The generation before that - there were no male heirs - were adopted in Japan.
Hi Sally,
We all seem to have chosen some of the same items. Although I don't keep a journal, that's also a good choice. One man's trash is another mans treasure, I guess this can apply to all of us. Nice post.
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