Have you ever tried to describe the culture that you come from?  The things that we value, or cherish, the events that are special to us or help to define who we are might be part of our culture.  The dictionary defines culture as “the way of life, especially the general customs and beliefs, of a particular group of people at a particular time” 

Last week I attended the National Association of Extension Family and Consumer Sciences (NEAFCS) in Tucson, Arizona.  The weather was hot, the landscape picturesque for a desert and the opportunity to learn from almost 800 colleagues all over the nation, was incredible. 

If you’ve never traveled to Arizona, allow me to share just a quick glimpse of the culture, as I observed it.  The architecture is very different, mostly adobe structures with clay tile roofs.  Many homes are the open-concept style, with no yards to speak of. Those homes with yards consisted mostly of rock gardens.

The food was wonderful, but as you might guess, very different from our Midwest fare.  The quesadillas, flavorful meats over tortilla chips with cheese and salsa were delightful on the terrace of a warm summer night.  The flakey pineapple empanadas topped the meal off as we listened to a Mariachi band and watched a demonstration of hoop dancing from the tribes of the Navajo Nation.   We also watched a beautiful rug weaver, silversmith, and gems and jewelry maker share their artistry with us on the first night.  Now that you have a snapshot of my experience, how might you look at our culture differently? 

I was very intrigued by the way the Native Americans introduced themselves. After they gave their names, they shared their maternal and paternal families, a definite sign of pride from which they come.  Several of the guests talked about how strong the family connections were in a city of about 540,000 people.   Several groups shared their native dress and dances with us while others displayed their handiwork.  

Culture gives sense of belonging

Have you ever thought about how we teach our younger generations the things that are important to us?  Most often, our children and grandchildren, will learn from what we do and say.  They will listen to our words and watch our actions as they learn of our priorities.  If possible, they will learn through those hands-on experiences such as working in the garden with us or working alongside us in the barn, field or kitchen.  They learn life skills, responsibility, accountability, time management and so many more values from what they experience. 

Research indicates that culture is something that we need to value as it gives a sense of belonging to not only individuals but to families as they draw together to enhance life for one another.  Whether we are thinking about our neighborhoods, workplaces or organizations we belong to, the culture that is created will affect the overall atmosphere, productivity, recruitment of others and how long others may stay.  Culture can impact our mental health and overall satisfaction, our hopes, dreams, creativity and achievements.

As you reflect on these words, I hope that you might ponder the culture that you are a part of.  One is the culture you create outside your home, the other is within your home and family.  Every day we have choices and consequences for those choices.  May we all choose wisely every day.

Melinda Hill is an OSU Extension Family & Consumer Sciences Educator and may be reached at 330-264-8722 or hill.14@osu.edu
CFAES provides research and related educational programs to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis. For more information, visit cfaesdiversity.osu.edu
This areticle was previously published in The Daily Record.