Finding a Universal Definition of Culture
Finding a universal definition of culture that fits every academic or social frame can be an overwhelming task (Kidd and Alison 59). However, it is true to suggest that every individual around the world has a certain culture with whom he/she identifies with. Generally, there is a wide range of cultures inhabiting each country across the globe. For instance, current trends in the demographics of United States reveal the possibility of different cultures intermingling (Kidd and Alison 61), a clear indication that numerous cultures coexist within America. Persons belonging to specific cultures have their individual cultural affiliations whereas the groups of people belonging to society have their own collective affiliations.
Richard Rodriguez and the Aspect of Public and Private Culture
Richard Rodriguez in some of his works brings an aspect of public and private culture. Since he was Mexican-American, his parents at home insisted he should speak native language (Spanish) while at school he was taught a different language (English). Preservation of language according to Rodriguez is private culture. He had to undergo painful separation from his culture, family, and past to become a fully assimilated American (Rodriguez 111). Although Rodriguez treats private and public culture as separate entities, in my own perspective there is no distinct separation between the two.
Existence of Private Culture
Existence of a culture that is naturally isolated and different from others is the main assumption of private culture. Actually, private culture is exclusive implying that it cannot be assimilated by an external entity. However, it is imperative to note that cultures interact with one another. For example, it is practical to witness one culture sharing fundamental values and beliefs with other cultures. Nevertheless, some people tend to assimilate cultures from other societies. Another reason why I feel there is no innate distinction between private and public culture is the fact that the belief of culture is simply a state of mind. Culture is imparted and passed-on from one generation to the other with mental intention to distinguish the self in the crowd from other crowds (Kidd and Alison 71). People use that state of mind as a justification for prejudice when in reality there is no reason to propagate hatred on grounds of cultural differences.
Exploring Home and Society for Personal Progress
The foundation provided by family is just a stepping stone for our progress and therefore should not be heavily relied upon. Likewise, what peers and society expect of us is incomplete. Consequently, both areas require to be explored for better outcomes.
Expand Horizon Beyond Home
Home is not the sole or unlimited source of information and therefore college students should find more knowledge than what the home offers. The world offers a lot of amazing and interesting things for everyone to learn. To enjoy the wonders of the world, people including students should stretch beyond the obstacles imposed by family as a social institution. As a matter of fact, outside homes is the culture of humanity which needs to be explored. The responsibility of comprehending the world calls for each individual to get out of the comfort zone and face different people.
Collection of More Detailed Information
Collection of more detailed information from different sources including social groups and learning institutions is a prerequisite for developing into complete people (Rodriguez 120). At certain periods, people need to break away from their families to realize their potential. For instance, Rodriguez had to break away from his family in order to realize his full potential. However, this does not imply in such circumstances one should abandon or forget his/her family completely. It is good to maintain ties with the family for purposes of living a complete life. Significantly, people should learn how to get rid of restrictions imposed on them by their families as they struggle to understand humanity and society as a whole. In doing so, they should not fail to remember their foundation but capitalize on it whenever necessary.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, there is no distinct difference between private and public culture. Culture is simply a notion planted in people's minds (Kidd and Alison 71) and should not be used as an excuse for upheavals such as intolerance. The world offers a lot to learn and this is only realistic if people are able to identify the barriers imposed on them by their family institutions and respond accordingly.
Works Cited
Kidd, Warren, and Alison Teagle. Culture and identity. Palgrave Macmillan, 2012.
Rodriguez, Richard. Hunger of memory: The education of Richard Rodriguez: An autobiography. Bantam, 1983.
