Personal Narrative Assignment

Personal Narrative Assignment

Part One

Original Personal Narrative

I believe that culture is the idea of respecting morals and setting the pace for what is acceptable within the societal bounds. Ever since my childhood, I have learned to respect a culture as the guide leading the right way. My cultural belief has helped me to interpret the world around my society. The world accommodates different cultures, with some sharing commonalities while others being different. Despite the similarities in cultures of the world, many are distinct with unique features. My family provided a cultural learning point from a tender age. Interacting with the family members helped me to learn my cultural identity, something that has helped me to learn other people and appreciate them with time.

Cultural interactions shaped my upbringing, ethnicity, and religion, as I had an opportunity to meet people and share experiences while growing up. My cultural identity is deeply rooted in the cultural festivals I attended during Canadian Quebec Winter Festivals during my childhood. Growing up in Canada helped me understand the influence of the first people and their impact on mainstream society. I remember going on holiday to the rural ranch that belonged to my grandparents. The mosaic community around the ranch imparted the knowledge to understand my roots as being a member of the Aboriginal community. Despite my parents were originally from Canada, I had immigrant friends whose family were originally from China. Thus, I grew up to associate with the second generation Canadians within my school and neighbourhood.

Canada is home to many immigrant communities of the world that seek opportunities to their dream careers. I remember growing up with many immigrant friends that would come for celebrations whenever my family held occasional events. Even though I have visited different countries of the world, I believe that Canada has unique opportunities for people that travel to the country to further their studies. I remember my parents paying for admissions at prestigious schools.  In some cases, I remember attending clinic sessions with my mother during her prenatal conditions. The healthcare systems are of high class, and they provide quality services to the diverse patient population. Even as I pursue a political career, I feel reminded of my country, especially on the democratic freedoms enjoyed by every Canadian. For the past years, in political involvements, I find time to reflect on the incredible aspects of my country, making me be a proud citizen who enjoys the freedom of speech.

Canada’s essential values are freedom of speech, tolerance, and equality of opportunities to the diverse population. I believe that by protecting and preserving the Canadian value, I can serve and represent my country and the beautiful people that have respect for the rule of law. Each day, I reflect on great experiences with my friends and family and remain optimistic about following my dreams even for the future. It is my dream to always protect the different sets of cultural values taught by my parents and friends.

Part 2

Analysis of Personal Narrative

The Quebec Winter Festivals gave me insights to understanding the diverse nature of the local communities in my country. The events reminded me of the rich history of a community united by love and strong cultural heritage. The festivals always remind me of my people, my country, city, and family, all of who I share with special moments. The nigh parades attracted many visitors across the world that would come to skate in Canada, creating cherish-able moments, some that I would not forget my entire life.

In attending the Quebec Winter Festivals, two significant aspects of my culture appeared during the occasions. One, the aspect of diversity was very vivid as Canada is home to many tribes and communities. The festivals reflected the diversity of the country, evidenced by the cultural events. The festivals also supported extravaganzas represented by firework competitions. I remember attending the festivals only to enjoy the cultural dishes served at the food stalls and the Seawall Challenge. The Urban adventure race is part of the Canadian culture that helps visitors understand the city from the local perspective; these I can never forget.

Canadian culture has reshaped my views about the world, equipped with hope for a brighter future. Canada is home to a significant immigrant population, by interacting with these communities, I have learned to appreciate my identity, personality, and tradition as a Canadian. Looking at the struggles of some people, I feel privileged to live in Canada.  My country also has a good sense of hospitality displayed even to the visitor populations that give me the pride to strive for excellence even in future endeavors.

I fully agree with Stuart Hall that cultural identities undergo a constant transformation. Being Canadian gives one the opportunity to explore the most of life. I have engaged with immigrant friends and shared experiences back in their countries. Some of the friends would not want to move back to their mother countries. However, they cannot forget the experience before relocating to Canada. I believe that their experiences are worth recognizing and appreciating. Even though I am well-travelled, each travel experience has never been the same, as each time I am subjected to a new thought, tradition, and culture. I share some of these experiences with my friends, explaining to them how life changes with times. I remember explaining to one of the friends the history of the infamous Canadian icon, the beaver. Growing up in Canada made me understand the beauty and rich history of beavers as the currency of trade for the Indians and the French. Looking back at this time, I would not have thought that a point in time, the country would only value the penny, which has a cultural heritage. Thus, I believe in Stuart Hall’s sentiments that the cultural identities belong to both the future and the past.