Cultural Autobiography
I recall vividly last year when I interrogated myself who I was. Figuring out who I am is a critical aspect in shaping my future opinions, views, and decision. My culture, experience, and childhood memories are influential in answering this skepticism. Family played a part in who I am and influenced my life and future choices. My definition would, therefore, be the values, beliefs, communication, and cultural heritage. I consider myself a daughter, a sister, a great friend; I believe the influence of the culture and family have a hand in what I am today and what I will be in the future. Personal lifestyle does not have to be linked to the place of origin, but it can be the simple personal core values. According to Sir Frances Bacon,” if a man is gracious to strangers, it shows that he is a citizen to the world, and his heart is no island cut off from other islands but a continent that joins them(Hachad& Naïma 120).” This quote affirms all the core values I adhere to and cherish. This paper outline the various aspects that are key to forming a life cultural autobiography.
Family background
I was born and brought up in a rural area in Morocco Berber culture, where survival was for the fittest. I had to befriend many people to have tighter bonds and learn survival statics, but I later migrated to the USA. My parents were peasant farmers who practiced subsistence farming; therefore, we lived. My father worked as a casual laborer in established farms and was paid peanuts that could barely sustain the family. I assisted my parents in the farm to at least make the end meet. I remember my small sister succumbed to pneumonia because my parent could not afford money for her treatment. My family has been my strong pillar and always cherish them for being there for me. My parents accorded me tough love, which has kept me in line and taught me strong moral values. Despite migrating to the USA, I have maintained close contact with my family and extended family. According to the Moroccan Berber culture, extended family is significant, so I had to keep in touch with them because it is the source of wealth and family status and reputation.
I grew up in this extended family setting, where upholding personal dignity and honor was the norm. Misbehaving of one member of the family would bring shame to the entire family. Therefore, there is enormous pressure to protect the reputation of all members of the family. My childhood memories are still fresh in my mind. Socializing with my friends from the neighborhood was during a unique cultural festive such as Yemayer and Boujloud. We engaged in picking fruits and vegetables as a sign of initiation to rural life. Myths were part of my culture, and there was a festive known as Boujloud, where the purpose was to show the battle of good versus evil. Such cultural, joyful, and myths made me strive to succeed in life to avoid them since they had no fond purpose.
Recollection on cultural belief on Education
Culturally girls were not taken to school; instead, they were expected to remain at home and help raise their young ones and other domestic chores ( Elboubekri&Abdellah 532). My quest for Education made me break all odds and enroll in a school. Schooling in my rural area was difficult because I had to travel long distances daily to domestic duties. My parents could afford the additional costs associated with schools, such as books, uniforms, transportation, and food, since the primary school was free. My resilience kept me going despite the hardship I endured of lack. I did not attend Preschool; instead, I continued with the primary school where I studied Arabic, French, Islamic law, math, and science. The period was followed by three years of preparatory in middle school, where I studied the same topics. History and geography were added at a more advanced level. After the struggle in primary school, I joined High school, where my quest for Education and bright future kept me going until I sat for my public exam. Parental involvement in my studies was minimal. Currently, the girl child is empowered by a Non-Governmental Organisation that advocates for her Education.
Religion
I am a Sufi Muslim, which I practiced since my childhood .although I migrated to the US, converting to another faith is not allowed from my origin. I still practice the popular Religion mixes aspects of various folk beliefs with traditional Islamic practices. During my childhood, hood Mosques were full on Fridays and during Ramadan. Currently, I still believe in my Muslim Religion in a monotheistic God (Allah). Through accepting most biblical prophets but consider Muhammad to be the last and greatest prophet. I believe that Allah’s received revelations through the angel Gabriel and recorded them in the Qurʾan. Practicing my Religion is part of life despite being far from home. I strive to observe and follow the Five Pillars of Islam that Muslims. That is, professed Allah as God and Muhammad as his prophet, pray five times daily, give their income to help the poor, fast each day during the month of Ramadan, and make at least one pilgrimage to Makkah, Saudi Arabia
Values and beliefs
The culture has strong values of etiquette in clothing. As a Muslim, my dress code should be modest as many people are offended by clothes that do not cover legs and shoulders, especially in rural areas. In general, I removed my shoes before entering a room. If you are invited to share a family meal, wait until the host had said ‘Bismillah,’ which means ‘in the name of God’ before eating. I still uphold the belief of Ramadhan and practice.
My cultural beliefs are deeply rooted in Islam, where people attribute suffering and misfortune to Allah and the phrase of In Sha Allah that is (If God wills). The belief is strong in rural areas but not among the educated youths who do not adhere to it much. I grew up valuing family, honor, dignity, generosity, hospitality, and self-control (particularly of one’s temper). A calm, always attitude to gained respect.upto date, I still uphold these values and plan to teach my future kids the need to adhere to these virtues as they are fundamental in life. Traditionally women were restricted to domestic roles, but things have changed since they receive Education and may work outside the home. The society has gradually become more materialistic than it used to be as rural people tend to be closer to each other. Educated people are acquainted with other communities and cultures, but most still have limited views of those outside their country. My pictures of different nations usually trace back to my Religion. For example, if I dislike another culture because of its excessive alcohol consumption, it is due to Morocco’s Islamic background prohibiting alcohol.
My appearance has changed due to western influence on clothing. Culturally I should dress in a garment known as djellaba, a hooded, ankle-length article of clothing with long sleeves (Giuliani, Cristina, Maria, &Sara 142). The modest Western-style fashion has not influenced the dressing code back in Morrocco, as many people still wear on djellabas every day. Personal appearance is a crucial aspect, especially during occasions. For example, a woman should wear a long, hoodless robe known as a kaftan in her wedding. The belief in appearance is still practiced in modern Morocco because it is believed to be treated with respect based on her neatness. Most women cover their heads with scarves, but some do not. When entering a mosque, Moroccans wear clothing that covers the entire body (except the head and hands), and they remove the shoes. Religion prohibits people from wearing shorts or other recreational attires; shorts are reserved for the beach. The influence of Modern Western clothing is noticeable in modern youths who have changed their clothing and hairstyles.
Greetings are also prominent culturally, and I still practice in the US, especially on Muslims from my origin. Reception involves the shaking of hands and touching the heart to express the pleasure of personal warmth. In my rural setting, we kissed the right hand or forehead of our parents or elders as a sign of respect. An example of greeting was Assalam Oualaikoum (Peace be upon you), commonly used as “Hello.” People also use Sabah al Kheir (Good morning) and Msa al Kheir (Good evening). More formally, one might say Ahlan Wasahlan (Pleased to see you). Friends exchanged the phrase Labess, which means both “How are you?” and “Fine.” (Machin& Matthew 267) Greetings between friends also include inquiries about each other’s well-being and that of their families. Hosts often extend repeated, enthusiastic phrases of welcome.
Culturally less fervent greetings might be considered rude. It is polite to greet an acquaintance when passing on an urban street, but people do not welcome strangers. In rural areas, most people know one another, so men greet men and women greet women when passing on the street. Titles are used in formal situations to address acquaintances. Elders’ title was and still is haj. Although I am in the US, I always observe this greeting, especially when addressing my friends. I use my first name. The culture of greeting people in the street was common in my root, but I am unable to practice it now due to the cultural differences.
Frequenting visiting friends and relatives is part of me, as it was considered necessary in maintaining healthy relationships. Visiting is most popular on holidays but may occur at any time. A visit between family members is acceptable to visit unannounced, but friends should make arrangements in advance. i learned how to welcome guests warmly and gracious by offering refreshments. Social visits can last several hours. Guests invited for dinner in urban areas are not expected to take gifts. However, a donation of candy or a small toy for the hosts’ children is appreciated. If urban residents visit relatives or friends in a rural area, they are expected to take a gift (staple foods, clothing, and household items).
Guests generally are offered refreshments. Refusing them is impolite, although guests sometimes give a token refusal before accepting the delivered item. Milk and dates were traditionally served as a sign of hospitality, but now cookies, bread, coffee, juice, or tea are common. Mint tea is often offered to guests, business associates, or anyone with whom one might spend a few minutes during the day. It is considered a friendly, informal gesture that is affordable and easily prepared. Guests please their hosts by complimenting them on their home. Men and women do not always socialize together. Rural couples more often socialize separately, while urban couples will socialize in mixed company. Men often associate in public coffeehouses, especially on weekends, holidays, or Ramadan evenings. At the end of Ramadan, heads of households give gifts of money or goods to the poor.
Taste of food is rooted in Religion, where a family eats lunch, as the main meal of the day, a snack, and a coffee at around 6 pm followed by a light dinner of the leftovers. Culturally before, and after eating, people wash their hands in a basin of water in the rural setting, but; urban residents use sink Halal Moroccan dishes the most delicious, tender, and mouthwatering(Machin& Matthew 267). The best Halal meal is Mrouzia; which is a sweet dish from North African culture. It is a combination of fresh lamb with raisins, almonds, honey, and a blend of spices to satisfy your taste buds. Traditionally dishes are full of spices and indigenous ingredients. It is taboo to eat pork or drink alcoholic beverages, and women are also not allowed to sit on the dining table with the rest of the family members. My taste for the traditional dishes makes me prepare the typical halal composed of the steamed couscous piled with stewed meat and served with vegetables daily. I vowed to teach my future daughters the recipe of traditional dishes to preserve my cultural heritage.
Influence of other culture on my Religion
Muslims around the world agree that Islam is the one true faith that leads to salvation. Muslims believe it is their religious duty to convert others to Islam because the Religion is the best, and they should not convert to other Religion. After migrating to the US, the influence on Christianity compromised my Religion. I put off some of the Muslim customs like my dressing code and observed some religious practices. I engaged in night parting, which made me with fiancée from the Christian Religion. He was willing to marry me, but on the condition, I do not force him to convert to Islam.
Amidst the high tension of Christian, Muslim conflict, there are many interfaith meetings and classes. The dispute is widespread, and tension highly built up that causes Islamic related terror groups. I was tone in between a hard rock and a nut in trying on choosing between my Religion which is my cultural heritage and love. Time will tell it all because, after the end of the day, I have to make the tough choice of adopting another culture and Religion. It is a taboo for a Muslim woman to get married to a non –Muslim man, regardless of his Religion.
The only verse that clearly states on this issue of marriage to non-muslim Qur’an 2:221.
Allah says: “Do not marry idolatresses (al mushrikāt) till they believe, and certainly a believing maid is better than an idolatress even though she would please you, and do not marry idolaters (al Mushrikīn) till they believe (hata yūminū), and certainly a believing slave is better than an idolater, even though he would please you. These invite to the Fire, and Allah invites the Garden and forgiveness by His grace and clarifies His revelations to humankind so that they may remember.”
The verse advocates for Muslim men and women marriage with believers (mu’minīn) and prohibited to marry polytheists (mushrikīn). It is worth mentioning that the Qur’anic verse stresses the egalitarian approach in favor of both men and women and which is not confusing at all. The Qur’anic order is addressed to both men and women on an equal footing (Sabbe, Alexia, &et al 1099). The love I have for my fiancée will make me go against the holy Quran and disobey my parent’s teaching on cultural values. The decision is hard to make, but since love conquerers all, I am willing to risk and venture into a new religion and culture. Education has enlightened me not to be enslaved in the cultural practices but rather to be open-minded to socialize with others so long as my morals are not compromised. Marriage is fundamental to me because it allows me to find companionship and build a family.
Modernism exploring more cultures will make me disobey my parents as, in my ethics, obedience to parent is a core concept of Islamic ethics. Traditionally obedience towards one’s parents is mentioned right alongside the worship of Allah. Indeed, disobedience to parents (‘uquq) is considered one of the major sins, and displeasing one’s parents without a just cause threatens one’s relationship with Allah. Convincing my parents about such kind of marriage is hectic. The God of Muslim and the Christian is the same only that name differs, getting married to a non-Muslim may appear culturally wrong, but before the Universal Creator, it is not illegal. Children must obey their parents in ethical conduct, which is beneficial and not sinful, harmful, or unreasonable. Parents have a mutual responsibility to allow their children to have the opportunity to grow and develop on their terms, as long as their path is lawful and reasonable. In ideal circumstances, parents and children should reach an agreement that satisfies everyone’s needs and desires.
I remember talking about marriage with my grandmother; she narrated the expectations of a woman in marriage the taboos associated with unfaithfulness and intermarrying from other Religion. Despite such narration, my mind is made up on settling down with a Christian man. Culturally in Muslim, a woman’s role in marriage was to take care of the house and obey the husband. Polygamy is allowed, but Religion does not support divorce unless the situation warrants. The narration makes me feel guilty of betraying my culture, which will always be my heritage. Following my conscience about feelings is the best gift I can have in my entire life. Although choices have consequences, I hope the move I will make of marring against my cultural ethics will positively impact my life.
Cultural values and norms that I have retained as part of the current value system
Culture can have both positive and negative values, which make the people have great pride. I have retained most of my ethical values on appearance, etiquette, Muslim festivals, among others. For example, the cultural significance of protocol has made me stand out in many fora in the US by gaining respect from many people.based on how I address them in greeting. My appearance of always been neat I will retain it for as long as I live. Currently, many youths are failing to secure employment and internship due to improper appearance during interviews.
Culture has facilitated my socializing with people from diverse cultures and all over the world. The taste for traditional food and drinks is a cultural practice that I embrace and practice. Even though I may get married to a different culture, my cultural heritage will remain unchanged. The virtues I learned from my parents and Religion are worth to be passed on to my next generation. .Although some of the cultural attributes and taboo are difficult to live with, prohibiting the use of alcoholic drinks and eating pork are just myths. The prohibition is broken by many Muslim youths who endure in drinking, illicit sex, and drug abuse.
Muslim culture of polygamy is a virtue worth to be rejected, especially in the rural setting. Many children are unable to access quality education and health.polgamous nature has resulted in a broken family; many young Muslims join violent terror groups. The groups have tarnished the name of my religions, as many people associate Muslim Religion with terrorism.
In conclusion, culture has formed the structure of the pillar of my family and society. It actsacts as a reminder that I am part of history that defines my past, shapes who I am today and who I am likely to be in the future. Ignoring my culture is posing the danger of damaging and underpinning my identity. My sense of comfort and belonging is attributed to culture despite having migrated to the US my origin remains my most vibrant heritage. Culture makes families and friends reconnect during cultural celebrations. Culture reinforces values such as freedom, faith, integrity, a good education, personal responsibility, a strong work ethic, and the importance of being selfless.
Through culture, I can showcase the founding fathers of my religions the principles they stood for.i celebrate and always honor those founding fathers for their resilience to unite the country and celebrate the diversity. My long lasting memories are attributed to culture. For example, I still remember how my grandmother used to treat us during festivals. She could bake a sweet cake and cook delicious halal as a symbol of love she had for us. The memories act as a reminder of how parental and family love is a critical aspect of succeeding. Most blessings are from my parents and Allah.
The value I learned from my culture to always thankful for the contributions people have accorded me. It has made me outstanding and friendly. I still acknowledge the effort the people make in my life.culture can not change, but I have the control to change. The success I have today can be attributed to the ethical values that I picked from my culture. Living far away from home has taught humility and the need to live well with people.
Work Cited
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Elboubekri, Abdellah. “The intercultural communicative competence and digital education: The case of Moroccan University students of English in Oujda.” Journal of Educational Technology Systems 45.4 (2017): 520-545
Giuliani, Cristina, Maria Giulia Olivari, and Sara Alfieri. “Being a “good” son and a “good” daughter: Voices of Muslim immigrant adolescents.” Social Sciences 6.4 (2017): 142.
Harshad, Naïma. Revisionary Narratives: Moroccan Women’s Auto/Biographical and Testimonial Acts. Vol. 64. Liverpool University Press, 2019
Machin-Autenrieth, Matthew. “Spanish musical responses to Moroccan immigration and the cultural memory of al-Andalus.” Twentieth-Century Music 16.2 (2019): 259-287.
Sabbe, Alexia, et al. “Marriage and migration: Moroccan women’s views on partner choice, arranged and forced marriage in Belgium.” Journal of international migration and integration 20.4 (2019): 1097-1120.