These are time sensitive. You do not receive credit if you write them after the deadline each week.
First, there's a blog entry (about 250 words) which will have you respond to a hopefully thought-provoking question. Each week, you must do the blog entry with enough time left in the week to be able to enter into dialogue online with your classmates. Write, reply, write more, reply more, and then write and reply more.
Second, there's a reading. There’s no blog entry associated with this. Just read.
Third, there's a written response to the reading. Your reading and writing on the blog must be completed by the SATURDAY (by midnight) of the week in which the reading falls. This entry should be a long paragraph. YOU DO NOT NEED TO RESPOND TO OTHER STUDENTS' PART THREE EACH WEEK.
Sunday, October 11, 2015
WEEK FIVE BLOG ENTRY
Is it important to know your roots and remember your background? Why or why not?
Hi everyone! We all have different roots that make up who we are and where we came from. It is very important that we know our roots so we can look back at the foundations we built ourselves from. Our roots define who we are as humans and the distinguishing characteristics we possess. From when we were young, our roots were there to help us develop into successful individuals who have a certain destiny in life. No matter how far we spread out to different places, we will always back to our roots because that is where we find our ancestors and people who we grew up with. There are certain rituals we follow every day that take us to our roots and away from the everyday routine. The food we cook, the music we listen to, the holidays we celebrate, the morals we have, the religion we follow, our culture, and many other things that define us and take us back to our roots. Therefore, it is very important for us to know our roots in order to remember our background. Our background is who we are as a person and the certain events in our lives that have shaped us into the individual we are today. Our background is a range of important information that is useful for others when meeting us. My background is my history and what I have done to become the person I am today. In moving forward, one must not forget their roots or their background.
Hello Jessica! I agree, knowing where you come from is very important. Even though sometimes some people try to stray away from their roots, they will always carry their background with them, whether they know it or not. Being around your culture always seems to bring a sense of comfort and "home", no matter where you go.
Hi Jessica, I agree with you, especially on distinguishing characteristics. I feel like our roots play a major role in who we are. For example, my dad was not raised by his dad. However, they are so similar from their reasoning right down to their facial expressions.
Hi Eleni! I agree completely that being around those that share the same culture/background brings comfort! Also, it is true that some people will try to stray away from their roots but their background will always stay with them no matter what.
Hey Jessica, you're right part of staying in touch with our roots has to do with our cultures, the foods we prepare, the religions we practice. staying in touch our roots is very important.
Defining who you are is very important to me. Something that helps me define myself is having knowledge of where I come from. However, not everyone is as fortunate to know where their roots started. Personally, I see my roots as very important part of the reason I am the person I am today. Ever since I was a child my roots have been engraved in me through stories passed down from older generations. My parents and grandparents told me time after time the stories of how my they came to the United States in hopes of a better future. They told me the struggles they overcame that eventually led them to where they are today. It’s because of these very stories that when I find myself in difficult situations I am able to find the strength to pull through. When I think of these stories it makes me want to be sure that those sacrifices weren’t made for nothing. Most of the time I just want to make the older generations proud. And ultimately, I want to make their dreams of their children having a better future a reality. Of course, some people don’t have the benefit of knowing where they come from. Most people that I’ve encountered who don’t know their roots tend to sometimes struggle with their identities. Sometimes they struggle finding the place they feel they belong. With time, they find their own place in the world and start making their own roots in hopes of passing their stories down to their children. I’m not saying that your roots and background complete define you as a person, but they sure help give you a great insight as to what you can become.
Hi Eleni! Your blog entry was really interesting because it explained how your roots motivated you to try your hardest in everything you set your mind to. It is true that some people who don't know their roots struggle with their identity because knowing our roots helps us understand our destiny in life. Well done!
Eleni, I see what you mean about hearing your grandparents stories of struggles and triumphs. There's something about knowing what they've succeeded in, and knowing you share their blood, that reassures you of what you're capable of.
Hey Eleni , I understand the process of your grandparents and parents coming to this country. My parents did as well to pursue a better future and to give us a better life. We are fortunate enough to know where it all started from.
I completely agree with you Eleni. Our grandparents and parents did not sacrifice everything they had in their homelands for us to be lazy and live off welfare in this country. I try not to criticize people but when I see people taking advantage of this country its irritating and I just think to myself that that is not what we're here for.
I believe it is extremely important to remember my roots and backround. I was raised in a really poor family and am thankful for thenmany blessings that I have now because I know where I came from. My mother is a very hard worker who was able to finish school and work full time to provide for my siblings and I. I was fortunate enough to witness how all of her hard work and sacrifice paid off. If I were raised with finer things or in an easier situation I am confident that I would not appreciate or value the things I have right now. This gave a precedent to how I choose to approach obstacles in my life and handle them hopefully with wisdom and care. I am not entirely sure that it is necessary to remember anscestry because I do not feel it has any direct impact on my life. Its always very interesting to know what countries you descend from, but am not sure it is completely applicable. This could be true for those whos religions and cultures refer to past generations such as royal bloodlines. However; for this day and agr in the United States, it has not proven to be a necessity.
Hi Savannah! Your blog entry was very interesting and inspiring to learn how your parents worked hard in order to provide for your siblings and yourself. My parents did the same and I am thankful for my roots and the people whom worked hard for me. Well done!
Hello Savannah! It's so great that you've had the opportunity to witness someone like you mom overcome obstacles. No doubt that will definitely serve you as a great example for the rest of your life. Even though sometimes we forget, it's very important for us to be grateful and appreciative for everything that's been done for us.
Jessica, Cool, I do think that it makes you way more thankful to reflect on the past. Elieni, Yes I do find myself forgetting sometimes that even large amounts of homework can be blessings as well.
In hindsight although growing up poor was a very hard thing to do it was also a beautiful thing. It makes you appreciate everything you have today. Also nothing brings a family together more than having to depend on each other. Our family is now extremely close even though we are a lot better off today but still remember how we had each others back when times were tough.
Jessica, I totally agree with you. I also admire you're mom for putting such dedicating time towards her career and your siblings. I totally understand where you are coming from about if we have come from a fortunate family we wouldn't really appreciate what is given or earned. I enjoyed your blog. Thanks for sharing (:
Hi Savanna!! I enjoyed your blog post because it reminds me of my upbringing as well. I also grew up in a poor family and am very grateful of where I am now. Great Job!
I do believe that it is important to know my roots because it is always nice to know where my family started and I have the ability to see how far we have came. Our roots can help us define who we are and help guide us in certain directions, and knowing where we come from can help us make decisions in life. Unfortunately my family is not very close and most of my grandparents have either passed away or they live several states away. When I have had the chance to ask my parents or grandparents about my heritage, it amazes me how much has changed and to some extent how some things have not changed at all. Most of my grandparents passed when I was really young and for those who are still living they do not have any interest in my life and don’t really know who I am. I have had the chance to hear stories from my great grandmother and her struggle during the great depression and how my grandfather’s side of the family came across to the United States through Ellis Island. I really wish I had the luxury to know more about where my family came from and the different struggles they endured. Since I do not know a lot about my background, I would like to change that for my future family. I want my children to be able to see and appreciate how much the world has changed, good or bad. I want my children to know that whatever their family history may be that doesn’t define who they are because they are their own person. I want my children to be proud of where they came from, but if there are things that they want to change I do not want them to be afraid of whom they can become, regardless of their roots. Everything my family sacrificed wasn’t for nothing, I understand that certain decisions my grandparents made they did for the future of their family. My great grandfather fought for this country in two wars and if it weren’t for him it is possible I may not even be here.
Hi Ashlynne, I'm sorry that your family isn't as close as you hoped it would be. You mentioned your great grandfather fought in two wars, what wars did he fight in?
Yeah well I don't really know any different unfortunately. I never had that close relationship with family so I guess I don't really know how it feel to grow up with a lot of cousins and such. Well he fought in world war II and I think it was the Korean war but I am not for sure about the second one. He dies when I was really young. I wish that he was still alive because I would love to listen to his stories about his experiences now that I am older.
Listening to those stories would be very interesting. I come from a close family, mostly my mom, dad, and brothers, because we hang out and BBQ almost every Sunday, but not so much my aunts, uncles, or cousins.
Yeah I wish I had the chance to listen to them now. Oh yeah my boyfriend does too. They are usually trying to do something together at least once week or so. However, now that everyone is getting older and has jobs and such, we barely get to hang out with the family. I work pretty much nights and weekends which is when thy usually bbq.
Yes, it is important to know your roots and remember your background. I personally believe one of our most important tasks in life is to find and understand ourselves, so that we can find and understand others. If you do not know where your roots are, or remember your past, then it makes it much more difficult to find yourself. Some might point out adoption. Someone who is adopted may not know their roots. I'm not saying it's impossible. However it makes it much more difficult, and takes longer to get there. I don't know anyone who is adopted, however from what I've read people who are adopted feel a longing to know where they come from, so they can better understand themselves. We have an innate longing to know our roots. Another reason why it's crucial to remember your background is to make a difference when you reach your goal. Where you come from is a major part of who you are. If you strive to make a difference in the world, but forget where you are from when you are in a position to make a difference, then the world will never change for the better. Knowing and understanding your past allows you to know and understand who you are/want to be/will be, and allows you to connect with others. It reminds me of an episode from the Twilight Zone, “Time Enough at Last.” A man is annoyed with everyone around him, because he wants alone time to read. He's constantly sneaking away in a vault to be left alone. One day while in the vault, a nuclear bomb kills everyone in the world. When he comes out and realizes what has happened at first he's happy, because he has all the alone time he could want. As time goes on he realizes how much he needs companionship with others. Ultimately, If we can't connect with others, then what's the point of living?
I do agree with you. I think it is important for us to find ourselves in order to better understand ourselves as well as others. Considering adoption I think in certain circumstances their roots are their adoptive parents roots because that is who they grew up around and learned things from. However, they still wish to know more about their real family.
I agree that it would be difficult to know your identity if you do not know your past. There would always be some kind of uncertainty and unfulfillment to be felt for not knowing where you come from.
I believe it is always good to be aware of the past, both negative and positive aspects. The one saying that always seems to come up a lot is ‘if you don;t know your history you are bound to repeat it’. It didn't occur to me until recently that not all history is bad, but I believe that this saying is more of a warning, for the negative things that have happened in the past. On a more personal level I find it interesting learning about my mom’s side of the family, especially my grandfather and his father. However learning about my dad’s side is a bit more upsetting because of the history of slavery we have. I think it is important to remember the bad and sad parts, so while learning from my dad’s mom and dad about their parents and the life they lead, living in the south, it reminds me to be thankful and aware of how different things are now but also to use my voice to speak up against things that they couldn’t when my father and grandparents were my age. It’s not only important to remember what my ancestors and family has gone through but also just history in general, and be aware of what is going on now, just being culturally aware is important.
Hello Terra. I have never herd "if you dont know your history you are bound to repeat it". However I like how you correlate it to this. It makes sense.
Savannah; my mother is from Ohio and her father is from Germany while my grandmother was born on a reservation, and my father and his parents are from North Carolina.
Andres; I am surprised you've never heard the saying before! Often times on the news (or The Daily Show and The Nightly Show), they will point out things that politicians are doing or trying to do that have already been done and didn't work. It's interesting to see, because a lot of the information is new to me but to have it laid out like that really gives interesting perspective.
It is very important to know your roots and remember your background. I think it all comes back to knowing who you are and where you came from. By being informed of your roots and background people are able to acknowledge and appreciate their identity. I also think it helps keep a balance. People who are from humble beginnings tend to look back and express their gratitude for the state that they're in now. Being informed of one's roots and background also helps with making better choices and decisions for the future. I see people who get to a position of power and influence who give back to their community or their roots and do make a difference for the better. Knowing where you come from is a huge part of a person that can not be ignored. Knowing your background can also enrich your life and make it that much colorful for one's self and their family. Knowing your roots and background is such a beautiful thing that needs to be passed down to the following generations. It's unfortunate that not everybody has the luxury of being informed, but with today's technology and advancement it is easier than before. These two things help differentiate us from everybody else and they are what makes us unique . People should never be ashamed of them despite good or bad because they are what helped mold us to what we are today.
Hello Jose, I agree that knowing where you come from helps people appreciate their identity. Like you said good or bad it helps mold us to what we are today. Very good blog post!
I agree with you as well. Some people like to look back on their life and see how far they have came. Knowing the decisions, good or bad, your family has made in the past can help influence your future decisions. I think it awesome to have that feeling of wholeness or completeness in regards to knowing how far your family has come.
I have to say that you explained many things that make sense. For example, by individuals knowing their roots can make us appreciate our identity. I totally believe that because we should all be proud of where we come from. No one should ever be ashamed of where our culture comes from as you stated as well. Another thing is that its such a beautiful thing to be able to share with your loved ones and future generations. Well done loved your blog! (:
Living in the 21st century gives us as Americans many opportunities in life. As a somewhat united country, we still are a very diverse country overall. As a diverse country I mean that we all have different backgrounds, cultures, families, and roots. This is what makes each one of us unique in our own ways. Even though we all have different roots, many may still not know their own backgrounds. The reason why we all may not know exactly what we are about is because we may not be as fully informed. Family members are fully responsible to show us our cultural roots and background. I believe that knowing our roots and our backgrounds is very important in my view. The reason I believe this is important is because of today’s implications around the world. What I mean by implications is by immigration, inequality, racism, and more. How are we supposed to speak our beliefs and our thoughts if we do not know where we came from? For example, if there’s someone who is talking about an individual next to me and is the same race, culture, or background as me without me knowing how can I back that individual up. Although, I would do it for any other individual from a different race, culture, or background as me. I wouldn’t know what to say while defending this individual. I wouldn’t be able to share a connection with them or tell them “I know how you feel.” There are many things that come into play with this situation of not knowing what our background is. This is why I feel that knowing our backgrounds is very important.
Hi Claudia! I like how you tied an example with the point you are trying to make. It is true that we must know our roots in order to be able to defend our race/background/culture in any situation that arises. Well done!
I completely agree with your example. When people make comments about another person whether it may be about race, culture, looks, etc., you don't know where people come from. They can look Hispanic and be African American or have African American family. People can be ignorant, but that's what make this world the way it is.
I believe that it's every individual's choice to know their roots and their background. Some people decide not to learn or care about their roots and that is okay because everyone is free to choose what they want to learn or know about. Nobody is forced to know where they came from or their background but it would be nice if they had an idea of what their roots consist of. One of the reasons why it would be important to know your roots and background is because it's always interesting to know where you came from. Our great great great grandparents pass on stories and they continue to be passed from generation to generation and they are usually very interesting stories. Its nice to sit down on a afternoon and talk about what your past was like because there may be memories you would like to keep and maybe even add on to them. For example I'm really interested in my background and roots because I am proud of where I come from. I enjoy listening to the stories my family tells me because they always have interesting stories that will always last as memories. When I have children of my own I will pass on these stories because it will give them an idea of what their roots are. Also you may or may not like your roots but those are where your family come from. You may not know your entire family therefore it's important to know from what family you come from that way if you come across someone who shares similar roots or background it is possible that you guys are family but haven’t met yet. Although, some people decide not to learn about their past or roots because they may be embarrassed of their background history. We have to respect their decision therefore no one is obligated to know their roots or background.
Hey Carla! I agree that it is not essential for all of us to know where we came from. Some of us have been adopted and are unable to reach that kind of information. Also, others believe that we can define ourselves based on our decisions and actions alone and not those of our ancestors. However, I do not know why anyone else would not want to know about their roots if they had that information readily with them, unless they were ashamed or angry about a certain aspect of it.
I feel as though it is very important to know your roots and remember your background, culturally. I was born and raised here in the United States. My grandparents live in Mexico in a nice little ranch. My parents always to try visit them as much as we can. I have been visiting Mexico since I was small and I always enjoy going over to see my grandparents. We usually visit during Christmas time so the holidays are always fun. My grandpa loves to talk about our culture and background to my sister and I. He tells us to always be hard workers and to never forget where our family came from. I find great pride in my roots and background. My grandpa has taught me to be hard worker and much more. Everyone has different roots and backgrounds and that is what makes them unique. I always enjoy learning about someone else’s roots or backgrounds. I feel as though everyone has a story and that is what makes him or her different than everyone else. Knowing our roots makes us appreciate where we are in life so much more. I understand that my grandparents worked very hard for their children to have a better life. My parents also never had an easy childhood but they had the same dream. To make sure that their children have a better life and more opportunities than they did. I appreciate everything that my family has done and it gives me motivation to try my best in everything that I do. Knowing our roots and backgrounds is very important.
Hi Crystal I agree with your point that knowing our roots gives us a better sense of appreciation of how hard our ancestors worked to get ahead, which in turn motivates us to work harder in life to not let them down. My family and ancestors never had the chance to go to school because they were poor. By knowing this, I have become appreciative of the opportunity I was given to go to school.
United States is a country that is filled with a variety of cultures and each individual is different in their own significant way. Each individual has their own ethnicity and cultural background. As individuals migrate into this country and in the process of assimilation, many often times forget who they are and where they came from. Although some people choose not to acknowledge or learn more about their roots or cultural backgrounds or don't have the benefit to know about it, I think no matter the circumstance or status in this country it is always important to stay in touch with our roots. Our roots make up who we are and it allows us to define ourselves as individuals. Our roots is essentially the base to the creation of the family and it is like a key to our past or like a key to our ancestry. I love knowing about my parents past and my grandparents past and so on. Unfortunately although my roots don't go back very far back, I know enough to know why my parents have become who they are and to why I am the why I am. I alway love listening to my grandmothers stories and how her life was as a child, the struggles she faced and the barriers she had to overcome. Her stories about sending my mother to this country to pursue a better life and wished for her children to have a better life, a sacrifice that i now am so thankful for. Its important to know where our families come from and the struggles they've had and I'm proud to know of how it all started. These will be stories that I will pass down to my children and for them to pass down to the many generations to come.
Hi Yesenia, indeed people who migrate to this country may loose or may not want to remember their family roots. I totally agree with you because I love learning knew things about my ancestors because there always seems to be interesting stories about them. My family is one of the biggest values in my life therefore my roots and background are essential to my life.
Yeah sometimes some people just do not want to know or they simply disregard there cultural background. It is important to know where we come from in order to better understand our self's and or traditions.
I enjoyed reading your blog. I agree it is important to know your roots because they define who you are. I also love hearing my grandma's stories. However, since she did have a hard life, it is sad to hear them. We actually end up crying because of how hard her life was. I enjoy hearing her stories because they remind me of how fortunate I am.
Hey Kimberly , thank you but yes its very essential to know where we came from and yes hearing grandmas stories are always the best that give you mixed emotions
I believe that it is important to know your roots and know your family’s background, but I do not believe it is essential if you do not have this kind of information with you (if you’re adopted). If you do have this kind of information with you, I believe it would be beneficial to know for several reasons. One reason is that you can learn the hardships your ancestors went through in order to give future generations a better life, which will then give you a sense of appreciation of what you have now and will give you motivation to do better in your life to make your ancestors proud. You can also learn from some of the mistakes that your family made, so that you won’t make them, too. You may learn where some of your behavioral traits came from or which types of diseases run through your family more often. For example, I know that in my dad’s side of the family, the “risk-taking” gene is common, and in my mom’s side of the family, we have rheumatoid arthritis as a disease that runs through our family. Another reason why it would be beneficial to know your roots would be that you get to know which culture your ancestors belonged to. Through culture, you are able to feel a stronger connection with your ancestors and have a greater sense of belonging.
Hi Sylvia, yes I agree with you because if your adopted the only roots you will be considered to know are your new families but not where you originally came from. Knowing information about your ancestors will also help you approach the future similar to them or take different steps. Culture is something I value very much because in my opinion I believe it helps maintain and form relationships with those who share the same or similar cultures.
I really enjoyed reading your blog. It is interesting that you mentioned diseases as a reason to know your roots. I did not think about that but I do agree that people should know their roots so they can learn what type of diseases they are more likely to get because of their roots. I know that my father has diabetes because his father had it. So I have a high percentage of getting diabetes if I don't take care of myself. It is scary to know but it is a good thing I try to be healthy.
I believe it’s crucial for people to remember their background whether it be good or bad. Most people use their background to relate to unknown situations and people. I believe that knowing your background as in the history and culture builds a sense of pride. Some people seem to take their pride a little far and shove it into other people’s faces that might create some conflict, but most people use their pride to keep their history and traditions alive. In a world of ever-mixing cultures and backgrounds, I believe it’s important for people to hold on and keep their cultures and history alive so that they are never forgotten. I also believe that everyone should have some knowledge of what their family background is and where they come from. I’m guilty of not knowing more about my family’s background, due to limited relatives on my dad’s side are mostly deceased, and my mom not knowing her real family because she was adopted at a very young age. Many people today don’t embrace or even celebrate their backgrounds and it’s a shame some aren’t even allowed to celebrate them in certain countries. These days, the American flag even comes under fire when people who are from other backgrounds of life believe that the American flag is a symbol that oversteps its boundaries. I remember when I was young, every morning we would say the Pledge of Allegiance, but now I’m not sure if the younger generation could even recite it.
I think it is important to understand and acknowledge our roots and or background because it defines who we are. Our background is some sort of prehistoric timeline that illustrates what occurrences have led to how we came to be. Our background and roots consists of: ancestors, geographical identification, prior relations, likes, and dislikes among many other things. However, sometimes many of these prehistoric features are not know because they don’t matter or we just have never been curious. Indeed without knowing these characteristics define our features and how we act or do. For example: different holidays, foods, music, and even morals from different cultures. In order to completely understand ourselves we must comprehend where we come from. After this is accomplish we then have major comprehension why we do what we do. It is very interesting to discover things that we did not know. For example whenever I speak with my grandfather he tells me stories that consequently make me ask questions. I then discover parts of his life that apply to mine. This is very important because I then start comparing traits with other members in the family and come to the conclusion that we are all similar in certain traits. I think it is inevitable to no want to know where you come from. It is important to build on the roots and background that is already established for future generations. In addition to not forgetting and learning from previous ancestor we must cope with our present in order to deal with our future.
Hello Andres, I really liked the point you made that knowing our background will give us some insight on why we do what we do. It's really interesting when you find out that you have similar traits as other members in your family. Overall, really good blog post!
Yes it is important to remember one’s own roots and background. This is important because it gives a sense of pride in family and in culture. To me one of the most important, and most interesting, is the culture that can be experienced from background. Certain cultures focus on the family, some on wealth, while some on partying. All of this is great but like everything in life it must be taken in moderation. For example it would not be good to be too immersed in the American culture. If this were the case we would all be a fat liberate group of peoples. From my personal experience certain people take their own cultural heritage to the extreme and not participate or appreciate the culture of America. This to me is almost worse pining for something that is not going to happen. Don’t take me wrong I think everyone should remember where they have come from and be proud of it but not to the extreme of excluding oneself from the rich culture in which you live. For me personally I love my German and British heritage. It is great to hear and read stories of my ancestors in this country. My great great great great grandfather was a carmaker for the British. My German heritage has some great artists and painters. This is great I love all of it but I am American and I love my current roots in America. That is where I think people miss the mark by having their roots spread to thin.
I think pride in your culture and background is really important. I think a lot of people don't have pride due to current culture and prejudices that we have, which is really sad. I think American is such a special country because while the clear majority of us identify as German or Mexican or what ever, but at the end of the day we are all Americans as well. We are able to change culture how we want and I think we will be seeing a new interesting culture from the younger generations, same as the country saw when the baby boomers changed culture in the 60's.
I agree with you entirely Terra that we are all American and we need to embrace this as our main form of culture. But we must always remember where we have come from.
I say it is really important to know your roots and background. I strongly believe that you need to know where you come from and where your whole family history went throughout the years. Not only do you need to know this so you can tell your children but so traditions and believes don't die off. You have to continue your family name down in history to as far as we go. Not only is that important to know your roots but your background as well since you can't act like someone you're not this is more if you are blessed with a good life you should not treat other any differently such as if you become rich you cannot treat or disrespect the less fortunate. It is also important so you know now that you can change or better certain things about yourself like start a new chapter for other to look back and say he was part of my family. I am Mexican American and I am very proud to be one I do not prefer one side or the other. My roots derive from Mexico so I do follow Mexican traditions as well as American traditions, so knowing it and keeping it is important
Hey Kevin, I too am Mexican American and am truly proud of my heritage. While I have been brought up with Mexican culture, I have assimilated into the American culture. It is very intriguing to have two cultures a both share and love.
I believe it is important to know your roots and remember your background. By knowing where you come from, you have a better understanding of your culture. In addition, it’s important to know your background because it reminds you how much your family has accomplished. For example, my father has worked very hard to get my family and me where we are right now. Without his hard work, we would not be living the good life we live. I am thankful for everything my parents have done and I will never forget where they came from. It is important to know your culture so you can keep it alive for many years. My parents always reminded us to not forget our roots. They are important and should be cherished every day. I believe everyone should be proud of who they are. Our roots define who we are. Without them, I believe we would be lost. If we didn’t know our roots, we wouldn’t have a purpose in life. For example, I come from a Mexican family who always struggled financially. My father was the only financial support in my family. Since my mom never had legal papers to work and as of right now still doesn’t, she was never able to help my father. They struggled coming to the U.S. and struggled even more when they arrived to the U.S. because of who they were. I will always remember my roots and my background because they remind me of the hard work my parents went through. I am thankful for what my parents did because it got where I am right now.
Hey Kimberly! I agree that it is important to keep in mind our family's background in order to appreciate how hard they have worked to give us a better life and to not take what they have given us for granted. I definitely know that this idea is very much present with children whose parents came from a more disadvantaged background. I know that for me, this ideology encourages me to do better in school, since my parents did not have the opportunity to progress economically due to being uneducated. Knowing this kind of information, really motivates many of us to strive for the best and to make our parents proud.
Hello again! Thanks for responding back! Yes! Knowing our family's medical history is important in order to know what kind of diseases we are most vulnerable to. My grandfather on my dad's side also has diabetes, and it also runs in our family. Like you said, it is important that we take care of ourselves to avoid this fate!
I believe it is very important to know your families roots and your background. It is important to know your cultural background and what your parents, grandparents, and even your great grandparents did to put you in the position you are in today. For me my grandparents crossed the border with absolutely nothing in hopes to make a better life for their seven daughters and two sons, and in time their grandchildren as well. I've spoken to my grandfather several times about the things he had to do to provide for his family in the fields. Some of the things he had to do are horrendous and would not be tolerated for one minute these days. Since I never really knew my father the bits and pieces I do know about him I learned from his father when I would go visit him during the summers I would spend in Sinaloa. I know little about my dad but what I do know is that he left home when he was 12 years old to come to the U.S, although my mom once told me that he got kicked out of his house by my grandfather because he was a trouble maker. Some of the stories she has told me about him are unbelievable are hard to believe, such as he lived in the mountains in Sonora, Mexico for a few years in his teenage years until he raised enough money to cross the border or the story that one time the immigration caught him and once in a police station he got in a fight with three to police officers to get away from them. After my two older sisters were born and then me he kind of just picked up and left and nobody has ever heard from him since. Although I would like to one day meet him I'm not going to go out of my way and make any effort to do so. Having a daughter myself I would never leave her. Although her mom took her to another state she knows that I am only one phone call away and vice versa. Knowing ones past and background is also important for future generations. I read somewhere once that a child always wants to do better than their parents. Ever since I was a child my mom has always worked as hard as she could to provide for me and my sisters while my sisters too care of me while she was gone, sometimes working two jobs at the same time. This is why I am working on my bachelors degree to become a teacher. I want my daughter to see that if I could accomplish receiving my degree she can do it as well and at the same time even do better than me.
It is crazy how much your parents can influence you. Since you never got the chance to get to know your father growing up, you realized how much it can affect your roots. But now that you have your own daughter, it has motivated you to be what your father wasn't. You want to be there for her, regardless of the distance.
Hey Bernie, Wow, your dad had it rough from the start. I can't imagine how he was able to survive living in the mountains alone and provide for himself at such a young age, and then cross the border! I find it admirable that you are determined to get your degree to show your daughter that it is possible to go to college and even more!
I feel that it is very important to know your roots and your background. Growing up both of my parents worked and brought home a generous income. We weren't poor, yet we weren't rich either. We had enough to pay our bills and some extra to spare if needed. However, my father was diagnosed with Lupus and it affected his nervous system and his brain; therefore, my dad could no longer work. That left my mother the primary income and at the time she was attending school full time as well to get her degree. Although, it was a difficult time financially for my family we got through it and because of that experience it taught me how privileged I was. Sometimes hardships make people open their eyes and see how good they had it until its gone. I strive to be the best I can be because of my roots. My parents are hard-workers and would do anything to provide for their children. They have always taught me the importance of education. That is the reason why I where I am today because of my parents and all the trials past generations tried to overcome.
Wow, I'm so sorry to hear that about your father. That must have been really difficult for your family. But I'm glad that because of your parents, you are so driven to be successful in everything you do.
Hello Alyssa, Yes, learning what our parents have gone through or are going through definitely makes us appreciate what we do have and makes us work harder. I admire that this has made you a stronger person, and hope that all goes well with your dad.
Hi Alyssa, I agree with you people open their eyes Zhen they face hardships because they are not easy to deal with. I do my best and strive for the best as well because I want to provide my family with the same life my parents gave me a successful, healthy, loving, and caring life.
Hi Alyssa Going what you went through with your dad, like they say, “it shapes who you are.” it is a great thing that you took your mother’s example on continuing your education.
Knowing our culture's roots and background can not only be enlightening, but it helps mold you into the person you are today. The way you were raised surely came from the influence of past generations and very family has their own stories and traditions they pass down for generations that follow. It is good to hold these roots close to you because it is what defines you, and it defines your family. It should be something in which you take pride in; never be ashamed of who or where your family has come from, it is what has made them, and you so unique. All of the traditions you participate in, they are unique to your own family. No one has identical backgrounds or roots, so be happy to have the background you have. However, you can stray away from your family's roots, and make new ones. No one in my family has ever finished school. In Hispanic culture, education is never really the biggest priority, especially for people who live in Mexico. Both my grandparents, and my father stopped going to school at the age of 8 to work. Because they had such a big family, they couldn't afford many things solely on the father's salary, so as soon as they become old enough, they started working to help out financially. Being the first in my family to complete a college education, it will change our background for future generations to come. It is important to know and embrace your roots and background, but do not be afraid to create new ones.
Congratulations Natalie for being the first in yo9ur family to graduate college. I also agree with you that changing is good for future generations as well.
I agree that it's important to maintain and pass down traditions in order to let future generations know where they came from and how previous generations were raised. I also agree that we can blend new and old traditions, and there is completely no problem with that. For example, I know that for Christmas, my family combines Mexican traditions with those of American ones and it completely works out just fine.
Hello, It is interesting that you say that education in Mexico is not the biggest priority. I am from Mexican parents and they truly value education and its importance. While they were unable to complete college (due to financial circumstances), the do truly value education and view it as a priority for my sisters and I. I have always been taught the importance about education.
For one person to know their roots is very important. To know where they came from, what they’ve been through and what they have seen. Knowing your roots that have been passed on from your ancestors before you and for you to pass them down to your own. Your roots may contain historic facts about what happened in the past with your ancestors, and I’m sure that someone or you yourself would like to know that. What they’ve been through, what they’ve witnessed, what they’ve succeeded in life, and what has been passed down. For me to know where my family started from and where it led them to. Like past information they’ve been through: war, racism, riots, etc. Information such as these would be great stories to hear from your ancestors and what they did when those incidents occurred. Maybe one of your great grandparents were part of the past wars that we have heard of, or one of your relatives being there when racism existed and what they did. As for me, I would like to know what they’ve done when racism was involved, what they did and what they witnessed. So knowing where your roots and background came from would be an interesting and important thing to know as you grow up. When the times comes down to you, you’ll be able to pass down information about what had happen to your ancestors and what they’ve gone through. Then from there on you can add your roots and what you have seen in this time and what you accomplished when you pass them down to your son/daughter so on and so on.
It is very important for an individual to remember their roots and background. In my opinion, knowing where I came from has helped me understand several aspects about my life. For example, my parents and I immigrated here when I was eight years old. By the time I turn 15 years old I was quite confused about my background. I knew little about this country’s background as well as mine. I did not know where I belonged, thankfully my grandmother noticed that I was listening to English music and she questioned my why. She stated that we had so beautiful songs to relate that I was taking them for granted, my grandmother gave me some examples of songs that reminded her of her hometown. For years, I knew how my hometown looked like just by the stories that my grandmother told me when a favorite song was played in the radio.by her doing this I develop an interest of going back to remember the town were I was born. I am very thankful that my grandmother took the time and interest on telling me were I come from. Knowing were I come from can help me for example, to know if I could have any hereditary diseases, such as diabetes, psychological issues like depression, and heart diseases just to mention a few.
Hey Veronica, Relating to what Dr. Schmoll mentioned in class today, are you thankful for knowing what your grandmother told you, or do you think it would've changed your perspective on things if she didn't inform you of those things?
As a child from parents who immigrated to the United States, I would have to say that it is extremely significant to understand and keep our roots. While I am American and value the culture America has to offer, I also value and appreciate the culture my parents grow up with. The values both cultures have offered me have molded me into the person I am today. I understand that two cultures can often clash with one another; however, the mix of cultures enable us to become more accepting towards others and their believes. Our roots are what we first learn and are our identity for quite some tiime Once we clash with a new culture and must assimulate, we become more accepting towards other because we recognize the people who once accepted us. Thus, we are able to relate ourselves with others and feel compation towards them. This is a huge point because we often just focus on the importance of remembering our cultures, yet fail to look at other benefits. Understanding this importance can improve our perspectives toward certain topics. Nonetheless, I still believe that assimilating to a different culture is necessary for a country to prosper. Now, I do not intend to tell people to fully assimilate with the culture of a new country, but to instead recognize and value that culure too.
Hi everyone!
ReplyDeleteWe all have different roots that make up who we are and where we came from. It is very important that we know our roots so we can look back at the foundations we built ourselves from. Our roots define who we are as humans and the distinguishing characteristics we possess. From when we were young, our roots were there to help us develop into successful individuals who have a certain destiny in life. No matter how far we spread out to different places, we will always back to our roots because that is where we find our ancestors and people who we grew up with. There are certain rituals we follow every day that take us to our roots and away from the everyday routine. The food we cook, the music we listen to, the holidays we celebrate, the morals we have, the religion we follow, our culture, and many other things that define us and take us back to our roots. Therefore, it is very important for us to know our roots in order to remember our background. Our background is who we are as a person and the certain events in our lives that have shaped us into the individual we are today. Our background is a range of important information that is useful for others when meeting us. My background is my history and what I have done to become the person I am today. In moving forward, one must not forget their roots or their background.
Hi Jessica, I see you believe a persons background is important, what is your back ground, if I may ask?
DeleteHello Jessica! I agree, knowing where you come from is very important. Even though sometimes some people try to stray away from their roots, they will always carry their background with them, whether they know it or not. Being around your culture always seems to bring a sense of comfort and "home", no matter where you go.
DeleteHi Jessica, I agree with you, especially on distinguishing characteristics. I feel like our roots play a major role in who we are. For example, my dad was not raised by his dad. However, they are so similar from their reasoning right down to their facial expressions.
DeleteHi Nick!
DeleteI am middle eastern, specifically from Syria. My parents and I immigrated here from Syria when I was five years old. :)
Hi Eleni!
DeleteI agree completely that being around those that share the same culture/background brings comfort! Also, it is true that some people will try to stray away from their roots but their background will always stay with them no matter what.
Hey Jessica, you're right part of staying in touch with our roots has to do with our cultures, the foods we prepare, the religions we practice. staying in touch our roots is very important.
DeleteThat's pretty cool, we're all technically immigrants to the US, no matter what race you are, I guess except for the Indians.
DeleteDefining who you are is very important to me. Something that helps me define myself is having knowledge of where I come from. However, not everyone is as fortunate to know where their roots started. Personally, I see my roots as very important part of the reason I am the person I am today. Ever since I was a child my roots have been engraved in me through stories passed down from older generations. My parents and grandparents told me time after time the stories of how my they came to the United States in hopes of a better future. They told me the struggles they overcame that eventually led them to where they are today. It’s because of these very stories that when I find myself in difficult situations I am able to find the strength to pull through. When I think of these stories it makes me want to be sure that those sacrifices weren’t made for nothing. Most of the time I just want to make the older generations proud. And ultimately, I want to make their dreams of their children having a better future a reality. Of course, some people don’t have the benefit of knowing where they come from. Most people that I’ve encountered who don’t know their roots tend to sometimes struggle with their identities. Sometimes they struggle finding the place they feel they belong. With time, they find their own place in the world and start making their own roots in hopes of passing their stories down to their children. I’m not saying that your roots and background complete define you as a person, but they sure help give you a great insight as to what you can become.
ReplyDeleteHi Eleni!
DeleteYour blog entry was really interesting because it explained how your roots motivated you to try your hardest in everything you set your mind to. It is true that some people who don't know their roots struggle with their identity because knowing our roots helps us understand our destiny in life. Well done!
Eleni, I see what you mean about hearing your grandparents stories of struggles and triumphs. There's something about knowing what they've succeeded in, and knowing you share their blood, that reassures you of what you're capable of.
DeleteHey Eleni , I understand the process of your grandparents and parents coming to this country. My parents did as well to pursue a better future and to give us a better life. We are fortunate enough to know where it all started from.
DeleteI completely agree with you Eleni. Our grandparents and parents did not sacrifice everything they had in their homelands for us to be lazy and live off welfare in this country. I try not to criticize people but when I see people taking advantage of this country its irritating and I just think to myself that that is not what we're here for.
DeleteI believe it is extremely important to remember my roots and backround. I was raised in a really poor family and am thankful for thenmany blessings that I have now because I know where I came from. My mother is a very hard worker who was able to finish school and work full time to provide for my siblings and I. I was fortunate enough to witness how all of her hard work and sacrifice paid off. If I were raised with finer things or in an easier situation I am confident that I would not appreciate or value the things I have right now. This gave a precedent to how I choose to approach obstacles in my life and handle them hopefully with wisdom and care.
ReplyDeleteI am not entirely sure that it is necessary to remember anscestry because I do not feel it has any direct impact on my life. Its always very interesting to know what countries you descend from, but am not sure it is completely applicable. This could be true for those whos religions and cultures refer to past generations such as royal bloodlines. However; for this day and agr in the United States, it has not proven to be a necessity.
Hi Savannah!
DeleteYour blog entry was very interesting and inspiring to learn how your parents worked hard in order to provide for your siblings and yourself. My parents did the same and I am thankful for my roots and the people whom worked hard for me. Well done!
Hello Savannah! It's so great that you've had the opportunity to witness someone like you mom overcome obstacles. No doubt that will definitely serve you as a great example for the rest of your life. Even though sometimes we forget, it's very important for us to be grateful and appreciative for everything that's been done for us.
DeleteJessica,
DeleteCool, I do think that it makes you way more thankful to reflect on the past.
Elieni, Yes I do find myself forgetting sometimes that even large amounts of homework can be blessings as well.
In hindsight although growing up poor was a very hard thing to do it was also a beautiful thing. It makes you appreciate everything you have today. Also nothing brings a family together more than having to depend on each other. Our family is now extremely close even though we are a lot better off today but still remember how we had each others back when times were tough.
DeleteJessica,
DeleteI totally agree with you. I also admire you're mom for putting such dedicating time towards her career and your siblings. I totally understand where you are coming from about if we have come from a fortunate family we wouldn't really appreciate what is given or earned. I enjoyed your blog. Thanks for sharing (:
Hi Savanna!!
DeleteI enjoyed your blog post because it reminds me of my upbringing as well. I also grew up in a poor family and am very grateful of where I am now. Great Job!
I do believe that it is important to know my roots because it is always nice to know where my family started and I have the ability to see how far we have came. Our roots can help us define who we are and help guide us in certain directions, and knowing where we come from can help us make decisions in life. Unfortunately my family is not very close and most of my grandparents have either passed away or they live several states away. When I have had the chance to ask my parents or grandparents about my heritage, it amazes me how much has changed and to some extent how some things have not changed at all. Most of my grandparents passed when I was really young and for those who are still living they do not have any interest in my life and don’t really know who I am. I have had the chance to hear stories from my great grandmother and her struggle during the great depression and how my grandfather’s side of the family came across to the United States through Ellis Island. I really wish I had the luxury to know more about where my family came from and the different struggles they endured. Since I do not know a lot about my background, I would like to change that for my future family. I want my children to be able to see and appreciate how much the world has changed, good or bad. I want my children to know that whatever their family history may be that doesn’t define who they are because they are their own person. I want my children to be proud of where they came from, but if there are things that they want to change I do not want them to be afraid of whom they can become, regardless of their roots. Everything my family sacrificed wasn’t for nothing, I understand that certain decisions my grandparents made they did for the future of their family. My great grandfather fought for this country in two wars and if it weren’t for him it is possible I may not even be here.
ReplyDeleteHi Ashlynne, I'm sorry that your family isn't as close as you hoped it would be. You mentioned your great grandfather fought in two wars, what wars did he fight in?
ReplyDeleteYeah well I don't really know any different unfortunately. I never had that close relationship with family so I guess I don't really know how it feel to grow up with a lot of cousins and such. Well he fought in world war II and I think it was the Korean war but I am not for sure about the second one. He dies when I was really young. I wish that he was still alive because I would love to listen to his stories about his experiences now that I am older.
DeleteListening to those stories would be very interesting. I come from a close family, mostly my mom, dad, and brothers, because we hang out and BBQ almost every Sunday, but not so much my aunts, uncles, or cousins.
DeleteYeah I wish I had the chance to listen to them now. Oh yeah my boyfriend does too. They are usually trying to do something together at least once week or so. However, now that everyone is getting older and has jobs and such, we barely get to hang out with the family. I work pretty much nights and weekends which is when thy usually bbq.
DeleteThat would make hanging out with your family difficult, because most people have Sunday off which is why we always have a Sunday BBQ.
DeleteYes, it is important to know your roots and remember your background. I personally believe one of our most important tasks in life is to find and understand ourselves, so that we can find and understand others. If you do not know where your roots are, or remember your past, then it makes it much more difficult to find yourself. Some might point out adoption. Someone who is adopted may not know their roots. I'm not saying it's impossible. However it makes it much more difficult, and takes longer to get there. I don't know anyone who is adopted, however from what I've read people who are adopted feel a longing to know where they come from, so they can better understand themselves. We have an innate longing to know our roots. Another reason why it's crucial to remember your background is to make a difference when you reach your goal. Where you come from is a major part of who you are. If you strive to make a difference in the world, but forget where you are from when you are in a position to make a difference, then the world will never change for the better. Knowing and understanding your past allows you to know and understand who you are/want to be/will be, and allows you to connect with others. It reminds me of an episode from the Twilight Zone, “Time Enough at Last.” A man is annoyed with everyone around him, because he wants alone time to read. He's constantly sneaking away in a vault to be left alone. One day while in the vault, a nuclear bomb kills everyone in the world. When he comes out and realizes what has happened at first he's happy, because he has all the alone time he could want. As time goes on he realizes how much he needs companionship with others. Ultimately, If we can't connect with others, then what's the point of living?
ReplyDeleteI do agree with you. I think it is important for us to find ourselves in order to better understand ourselves as well as others. Considering adoption I think in certain circumstances their roots are their adoptive parents roots because that is who they grew up around and learned things from. However, they still wish to know more about their real family.
DeleteI agree that it would be difficult to know your identity if you do not know your past. There would always be some kind of uncertainty and unfulfillment to be felt for not knowing where you come from.
DeleteI believe it is always good to be aware of the past, both negative and positive aspects. The one saying that always seems to come up a lot is ‘if you don;t know your history you are bound to repeat it’. It didn't occur to me until recently that not all history is bad, but I believe that this saying is more of a warning, for the negative things that have happened in the past. On a more personal level I find it interesting learning about my mom’s side of the family, especially my grandfather and his father. However learning about my dad’s side is a bit more upsetting because of the history of slavery we have. I think it is important to remember the bad and sad parts, so while learning from my dad’s mom and dad about their parents and the life they lead, living in the south, it reminds me to be thankful and aware of how different things are now but also to use my voice to speak up against things that they couldn’t when my father and grandparents were my age. It’s not only important to remember what my ancestors and family has gone through but also just history in general, and be aware of what is going on now, just being culturally aware is important.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that people should be culturally aware and have general understandings of basic history. What States were your family from?
DeleteHello Terra.
DeleteI have never herd "if you dont know your history you are bound to repeat it". However I like how you correlate it to this. It makes sense.
Savannah; my mother is from Ohio and her father is from Germany while my grandmother was born on a reservation, and my father and his parents are from North Carolina.
DeleteAndres; I am surprised you've never heard the saying before! Often times on the news (or The Daily Show and The Nightly Show), they will point out things that politicians are doing or trying to do that have already been done and didn't work. It's interesting to see, because a lot of the information is new to me but to have it laid out like that really gives interesting perspective.
It is very important to know your roots and remember your background. I think it all comes back to knowing who you are and where you came from. By being informed of your roots and background people are able to acknowledge and appreciate their identity. I also think it helps keep a balance. People who are from humble beginnings tend to look back and express their gratitude for the state that they're in now. Being informed of one's roots and background also helps with making better choices and decisions for the future. I see people who get to a position of power and influence who give back to their community or their roots and do make a difference for the better. Knowing where you come from is a huge part of a person that can not be ignored. Knowing your background can also enrich your life and make it that much colorful for one's self and their family. Knowing your roots and background is such a beautiful thing that needs to be passed down to the following generations. It's unfortunate that not everybody has the luxury of being informed, but with today's technology and advancement it is easier than before. These two things help differentiate us from everybody else and they are what makes us unique . People should never be ashamed of them despite good or bad because they are what helped mold us to what we are today.
ReplyDeleteHello Jose,
DeleteI agree that knowing where you come from helps people appreciate their identity. Like you said good or bad it helps mold us to what we are today. Very good blog post!
I agree with you as well. Some people like to look back on their life and see how far they have came. Knowing the decisions, good or bad, your family has made in the past can help influence your future decisions. I think it awesome to have that feeling of wholeness or completeness in regards to knowing how far your family has come.
DeleteHi Jose,
DeleteI have to say that you explained many things that make sense. For example, by individuals knowing their roots can make us appreciate our identity. I totally believe that because we should all be proud of where we come from. No one should ever be ashamed of where our culture comes from as you stated as well. Another thing is that its such a beautiful thing to be able to share with your loved ones and future generations. Well done loved your blog! (:
Living in the 21st century gives us as Americans many opportunities in life. As a somewhat united country, we still are a very diverse country overall. As a diverse country I mean that we all have different backgrounds, cultures, families, and roots. This is what makes each one of us unique in our own ways. Even though we all have different roots, many may still not know their own backgrounds. The reason why we all may not know exactly what we are about is because we may not be as fully informed. Family members are fully responsible to show us our cultural roots and background. I believe that knowing our roots and our backgrounds is very important in my view. The reason I believe this is important is because of today’s implications around the world. What I mean by implications is by immigration, inequality, racism, and more. How are we supposed to speak our beliefs and our thoughts if we do not know where we came from? For example, if there’s someone who is talking about an individual next to me and is the same race, culture, or background as me without me knowing how can I back that individual up. Although, I would do it for any other individual from a different race, culture, or background as me. I wouldn’t know what to say while defending this individual. I wouldn’t be able to share a connection with them or tell them “I know how you feel.” There are many things that come into play with this situation of not knowing what our background is. This is why I feel that knowing our backgrounds is very important.
ReplyDeleteHi Claudia!
DeleteI like how you tied an example with the point you are trying to make. It is true that we must know our roots in order to be able to defend our race/background/culture in any situation that arises. Well done!
I completely agree with your example. When people make comments about another person whether it may be about race, culture, looks, etc., you don't know where people come from. They can look Hispanic and be African American or have African American family. People can be ignorant, but that's what make this world the way it is.
DeleteJessica, thank you! (:
DeleteAshlynne, yes and I totally agree with you about the world being that way. Which is horrible because we should all be united.
I believe that it's every individual's choice to know their roots and their background. Some people decide not to learn or care about their roots and that is okay because everyone is free to choose what they want to learn or know about. Nobody is forced to know where they came from or their background but it would be nice if they had an idea of what their roots consist of.
ReplyDeleteOne of the reasons why it would be important to know your roots and background is because it's always interesting to know where you came from. Our great great great grandparents pass on stories and they continue to be passed from generation to generation and they are usually very interesting stories. Its nice to sit down on a afternoon and talk about what your past was like because there may be memories you would like to keep and maybe even add on to them. For example I'm really interested in my background and roots because I am proud of where I come from. I enjoy listening to the stories my family tells me because they always have interesting stories that will always last as memories. When I have children of my own I will pass on these stories because it will give them an idea of what their roots are.
Also you may or may not like your roots but those are where your family come from. You may not know your entire family therefore it's important to know from what family you come from that way if you come across someone who shares similar roots or background it is possible that you guys are family but haven’t met yet.
Although, some people decide not to learn about their past or roots because they may be embarrassed of their background history. We have to respect their decision therefore no one is obligated to know their roots or background.
Hey Carla!
DeleteI agree that it is not essential for all of us to know where we came from. Some of us have been adopted and are unable to reach that kind of information. Also, others believe that we can define ourselves based on our decisions and actions alone and not those of our ancestors. However, I do not know why anyone else would not want to know about their roots if they had that information readily with them, unless they were ashamed or angry about a certain aspect of it.
I feel as though it is very important to know your roots and remember your background, culturally. I was born and raised here in the United States. My grandparents live in Mexico in a nice little ranch. My parents always to try visit them as much as we can. I have been visiting Mexico since I was small and I always enjoy going over to see my grandparents. We usually visit during Christmas time so the holidays are always fun. My grandpa loves to talk about our culture and background to my sister and I. He tells us to always be hard workers and to never forget where our family came from. I find great pride in my roots and background. My grandpa has taught me to be hard worker and much more. Everyone has different roots and backgrounds and that is what makes them unique. I always enjoy learning about someone else’s roots or backgrounds. I feel as though everyone has a story and that is what makes him or her different than everyone else. Knowing our roots makes us appreciate where we are in life so much more. I understand that my grandparents worked very hard for their children to have a better life. My parents also never had an easy childhood but they had the same dream. To make sure that their children have a better life and more opportunities than they did. I appreciate everything that my family has done and it gives me motivation to try my best in everything that I do. Knowing our roots and backgrounds is very important.
ReplyDeleteHi Crystal
DeleteI agree with your point that knowing our roots gives us a better sense of appreciation of how hard our ancestors worked to get ahead, which in turn motivates us to work harder in life to not let them down. My family and ancestors never had the chance to go to school because they were poor. By knowing this, I have become appreciative of the opportunity I was given to go to school.
United States is a country that is filled with a variety of cultures and each individual is different in their own significant way. Each individual has their own ethnicity and cultural background. As individuals migrate into this country and in the process of assimilation, many often times forget who they are and where they came from. Although some people choose not to acknowledge or learn more about their roots or cultural backgrounds or don't have the benefit to know about it, I think no matter the circumstance or status in this country it is always important to stay in touch with our roots. Our roots make up who we are and it allows us to define ourselves as individuals. Our roots is essentially the base to the creation of the family and it is like a key to our past or like a key to our ancestry. I love knowing about my parents past and my grandparents past and so on. Unfortunately although my roots don't go back very far back, I know enough to know why my parents have become who they are and to why I am the why I am. I alway love listening to my grandmothers stories and how her life was as a child, the struggles she faced and the barriers she had to overcome. Her stories about sending my mother to this country to pursue a better life and wished for her children to have a better life, a sacrifice that i now am so thankful for. Its important to know where our families come from and the struggles they've had and I'm proud to know of how it all started. These will be stories that I will pass down to my children and for them to pass down to the many generations to come.
ReplyDeleteHi Yesenia, indeed people who migrate to this country may loose or may not want to remember their family roots. I totally agree with you because I love learning knew things about my ancestors because there always seems to be interesting stories about them. My family is one of the biggest values in my life therefore my roots and background are essential to my life.
DeleteYeah sometimes some people just do not want to know or they simply disregard there cultural background. It is important to know where we come from in order to better understand our self's and or traditions.
DeleteHi Yesenia,
DeleteI enjoyed reading your blog. I agree it is important to know your roots because they define who you are. I also love hearing my grandma's stories. However, since she did have a hard life, it is sad to hear them. We actually end up crying because of how hard her life was. I enjoy hearing her stories because they remind me of how fortunate I am.
Hey Kimberly ,
Deletethank you but yes its very essential to know where we came from and yes hearing grandmas stories are always the best that give you mixed emotions
I believe that it is important to know your roots and know your family’s background, but I do not believe it is essential if you do not have this kind of information with you (if you’re adopted). If you do have this kind of information with you, I believe it would be beneficial to know for several reasons. One reason is that you can learn the hardships your ancestors went through in order to give future generations a better life, which will then give you a sense of appreciation of what you have now and will give you motivation to do better in your life to make your ancestors proud. You can also learn from some of the mistakes that your family made, so that you won’t make them, too. You may learn where some of your behavioral traits came from or which types of diseases run through your family more often. For example, I know that in my dad’s side of the family, the “risk-taking” gene is common, and in my mom’s side of the family, we have rheumatoid arthritis as a disease that runs through our family. Another reason why it would be beneficial to know your roots would be that you get to know which culture your ancestors belonged to. Through culture, you are able to feel a stronger connection with your ancestors and have a greater sense of belonging.
ReplyDeleteHi Sylvia, yes I agree with you because if your adopted the only roots you will be considered to know are your new families but not where you originally came from. Knowing information about your ancestors will also help you approach the future similar to them or take different steps. Culture is something I value very much because in my opinion I believe it helps maintain and form relationships with those who share the same or similar cultures.
DeleteHello Sylvia,
DeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog. It is interesting that you mentioned diseases as a reason to know your roots. I did not think about that but I do agree that people should know their roots so they can learn what type of diseases they are more likely to get because of their roots. I know that my father has diabetes because his father had it. So I have a high percentage of getting diabetes if I don't take care of myself. It is scary to know but it is a good thing I try to be healthy.
I believe it’s crucial for people to remember their background whether it be good or bad. Most people use their background to relate to unknown situations and people. I believe that knowing your background as in the history and culture builds a sense of pride. Some people seem to take their pride a little far and shove it into other people’s faces that might create some conflict, but most people use their pride to keep their history and traditions alive. In a world of ever-mixing cultures and backgrounds, I believe it’s important for people to hold on and keep their cultures and history alive so that they are never forgotten. I also believe that everyone should have some knowledge of what their family background is and where they come from. I’m guilty of not knowing more about my family’s background, due to limited relatives on my dad’s side are mostly deceased, and my mom not knowing her real family because she was adopted at a very young age. Many people today don’t embrace or even celebrate their backgrounds and it’s a shame some aren’t even allowed to celebrate them in certain countries. These days, the American flag even comes under fire when people who are from other backgrounds of life believe that the American flag is a symbol that oversteps its boundaries. I remember when I was young, every morning we would say the Pledge of Allegiance, but now I’m not sure if the younger generation could even recite it.
ReplyDeleteI think it is important to understand and acknowledge our roots and or background because it defines who we are. Our background is some sort of prehistoric timeline that illustrates what occurrences have led to how we came to be. Our background and roots consists of: ancestors, geographical identification, prior relations, likes, and dislikes among many other things. However, sometimes many of these prehistoric features are not know because they don’t matter or we just have never been curious. Indeed without knowing these characteristics define our features and how we act or do. For example: different holidays, foods, music, and even morals from different cultures. In order to completely understand ourselves we must comprehend where we come from. After this is accomplish we then have major comprehension why we do what we do. It is very interesting to discover things that we did not know. For example whenever I speak with my grandfather he tells me stories that consequently make me ask questions. I then discover parts of his life that apply to mine. This is very important because I then start comparing traits with other members in the family and come to the conclusion that we are all similar in certain traits. I think it is inevitable to no want to know where you come from. It is important to build on the roots and background that is already established for future generations. In addition to not forgetting and learning from previous ancestor we must cope with our present in order to deal with our future.
ReplyDeleteHello Andres,
DeleteI really liked the point you made that knowing our background will give us some insight on why we do what we do. It's really interesting when you find out that you have similar traits as other members in your family. Overall, really good blog post!
Yes it is important to remember one’s own roots and background. This is important because it gives a sense of pride in family and in culture. To me one of the most important, and most interesting, is the culture that can be experienced from background. Certain cultures focus on the family, some on wealth, while some on partying. All of this is great but like everything in life it must be taken in moderation. For example it would not be good to be too immersed in the American culture. If this were the case we would all be a fat liberate group of peoples. From my personal experience certain people take their own cultural heritage to the extreme and not participate or appreciate the culture of America. This to me is almost worse pining for something that is not going to happen. Don’t take me wrong I think everyone should remember where they have come from and be proud of it but not to the extreme of excluding oneself from the rich culture in which you live. For me personally I love my German and British heritage. It is great to hear and read stories of my ancestors in this country. My great great great great grandfather was a carmaker for the British. My German heritage has some great artists and painters. This is great I love all of it but I am American and I love my current roots in America. That is where I think people miss the mark by having their roots spread to thin.
ReplyDeleteI think pride in your culture and background is really important. I think a lot of people don't have pride due to current culture and prejudices that we have, which is really sad. I think American is such a special country because while the clear majority of us identify as German or Mexican or what ever, but at the end of the day we are all Americans as well. We are able to change culture how we want and I think we will be seeing a new interesting culture from the younger generations, same as the country saw when the baby boomers changed culture in the 60's.
DeleteI agree with you entirely Terra that we are all American and we need to embrace this as our main form of culture. But we must always remember where we have come from.
DeleteI say it is really important to know your roots and background. I strongly believe that you need to know where you come from and where your whole family history went throughout the years. Not only do you need to know this so you can tell your children but so traditions and believes don't die off. You have to continue your family name down in history to as far as we go. Not only is that important to know your roots but your background as well since you can't act like someone you're not this is more if you are blessed with a good life you should not treat other any differently such as if you become rich you cannot treat or disrespect the less fortunate. It is also important so you know now that you can change or better certain things about yourself like start a new chapter for other to look back and say he was part of my family. I am Mexican American and I am very proud to be one I do not prefer one side or the other. My roots derive from Mexico so I do follow Mexican traditions as well as American traditions, so knowing it and keeping it is important
ReplyDeleteKevin I like how you boiled it down to start a new chapter. It is a perfect way to an argument of adaptation and beginning anew.
DeleteHey Kevin,
DeleteI too am Mexican American and am truly proud of my heritage. While I have been brought up with Mexican culture, I have assimilated into the American culture. It is very intriguing to have two cultures a both share and love.
I believe it is important to know your roots and remember your background. By knowing where you come from, you have a better understanding of your culture. In addition, it’s important to know your background because it reminds you how much your family has accomplished. For example, my father has worked very hard to get my family and me where we are right now. Without his hard work, we would not be living the good life we live. I am thankful for everything my parents have done and I will never forget where they came from. It is important to know your culture so you can keep it alive for many years. My parents always reminded us to not forget our roots. They are important and should be cherished every day. I believe everyone should be proud of who they are. Our roots define who we are. Without them, I believe we would be lost. If we didn’t know our roots, we wouldn’t have a purpose in life. For example, I come from a Mexican family who always struggled financially. My father was the only financial support in my family. Since my mom never had legal papers to work and as of right now still doesn’t, she was never able to help my father. They struggled coming to the U.S. and struggled even more when they arrived to the U.S. because of who they were. I will always remember my roots and my background because they remind me of the hard work my parents went through. I am thankful for what my parents did because it got where I am right now.
ReplyDeleteHey Kimberly!
DeleteI agree that it is important to keep in mind our family's background in order to appreciate how hard they have worked to give us a better life and to not take what they have given us for granted. I definitely know that this idea is very much present with children whose parents came from a more disadvantaged background. I know that for me, this ideology encourages me to do better in school, since my parents did not have the opportunity to progress economically due to being uneducated. Knowing this kind of information, really motivates many of us to strive for the best and to make our parents proud.
Hello again!
DeleteThanks for responding back! Yes! Knowing our family's medical history is important in order to know what kind of diseases we are most vulnerable to. My grandfather on my dad's side also has diabetes, and it also runs in our family. Like you said, it is important that we take care of ourselves to avoid this fate!
I believe it is very important to know your families roots and your background. It is important to know your cultural background and what your parents, grandparents, and even your great grandparents did to put you in the position you are in today. For me my grandparents crossed the border with absolutely nothing in hopes to make a better life for their seven daughters and two sons, and in time their grandchildren as well. I've spoken to my grandfather several times about the things he had to do to provide for his family in the fields. Some of the things he had to do are horrendous and would not be tolerated for one minute these days. Since I never really knew my father the bits and pieces I do know about him I learned from his father when I would go visit him during the summers I would spend in Sinaloa. I know little about my dad but what I do know is that he left home when he was 12 years old to come to the U.S, although my mom once told me that he got kicked out of his house by my grandfather because he was a trouble maker. Some of the stories she has told me about him are unbelievable are hard to believe, such as he lived in the mountains in Sonora, Mexico for a few years in his teenage years until he raised enough money to cross the border or the story that one time the immigration caught him and once in a police station he got in a fight with three to police officers to get away from them. After my two older sisters were born and then me he kind of just picked up and left and nobody has ever heard from him since. Although I would like to one day meet him I'm not going to go out of my way and make any effort to do so. Having a daughter myself I would never leave her. Although her mom took her to another state she knows that I am only one phone call away and vice versa. Knowing ones past and background is also important for future generations. I read somewhere once that a child always wants to do better than their parents. Ever since I was a child my mom has always worked as hard as she could to provide for me and my sisters while my sisters too care of me while she was gone, sometimes working two jobs at the same time. This is why I am working on my bachelors degree to become a teacher. I want my daughter to see that if I could accomplish receiving my degree she can do it as well and at the same time even do better than me.
ReplyDeleteIt is crazy how much your parents can influence you. Since you never got the chance to get to know your father growing up, you realized how much it can affect your roots. But now that you have your own daughter, it has motivated you to be what your father wasn't. You want to be there for her, regardless of the distance.
DeleteHey Bernie,
DeleteWow, your dad had it rough from the start. I can't imagine how he was able to survive living in the mountains alone and provide for himself at such a young age, and then cross the border!
I find it admirable that you are determined to get your degree to show your daughter that it is possible to go to college and even more!
Hi Bernie
DeleteI think that it is a great decision you took on being in your daughter’s life, it is a gift for you and your daughter.
I feel that it is very important to know your roots and your background. Growing up both of my parents worked and brought home a generous income. We weren't poor, yet we weren't rich either. We had enough to pay our bills and some extra to spare if needed. However, my father was diagnosed with Lupus and it affected his nervous system and his brain; therefore, my dad could no longer work. That left my mother the primary income and at the time she was attending school full time as well to get her degree. Although, it was a difficult time financially for my family we got through it and because of that experience it taught me how privileged I was. Sometimes hardships make people open their eyes and see how good they had it until its gone. I strive to be the best I can be because of my roots. My parents are hard-workers and would do anything to provide for their children. They have always taught me the importance of education. That is the reason why I where I am today because of my parents and all the trials past generations tried to overcome.
ReplyDeleteWow, I'm so sorry to hear that about your father. That must have been really difficult for your family. But I'm glad that because of your parents, you are so driven to be successful in everything you do.
DeleteHello Alyssa,
DeleteYes, learning what our parents have gone through or are going through definitely makes us appreciate what we do have and makes us work harder. I admire that this has made you a stronger person, and hope that all goes well with your dad.
Hi Alyssa, I agree with you people open their eyes Zhen they face hardships because they are not easy to deal with. I do my best and strive for the best as well because I want to provide my family with the same life my parents gave me a successful, healthy, loving, and caring life.
DeleteHi Alyssa
DeleteGoing what you went through with your dad, like they say, “it shapes who you are.” it is a great thing that you took your mother’s example on continuing your education.
Knowing our culture's roots and background can not only be enlightening, but it helps mold you into the person you are today. The way you were raised surely came from the influence of past generations and very family has their own stories and traditions they pass down for generations that follow. It is good to hold these roots close to you because it is what defines you, and it defines your family. It should be something in which you take pride in; never be ashamed of who or where your family has come from, it is what has made them, and you so unique. All of the traditions you participate in, they are unique to your own family. No one has identical backgrounds or roots, so be happy to have the background you have. However, you can stray away from your family's roots, and make new ones. No one in my family has ever finished school. In Hispanic culture, education is never really the biggest priority, especially for people who live in Mexico. Both my grandparents, and my father stopped going to school at the age of 8 to work. Because they had such a big family, they couldn't afford many things solely on the father's salary, so as soon as they become old enough, they started working to help out financially. Being the first in my family to complete a college education, it will change our background for future generations to come. It is important to know and embrace your roots and background, but do not be afraid to create new ones.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Natalie for being the first in yo9ur family to graduate college. I also agree with you that changing is good for future generations as well.
DeleteI agree that it's important to maintain and pass down traditions in order to let future generations know where they came from and how previous generations were raised. I also agree that we can blend new and old traditions, and there is completely no problem with that. For example, I know that for Christmas, my family combines Mexican traditions with those of American ones and it completely works out just fine.
DeleteHello,
DeleteIt is interesting that you say that education in Mexico is not the biggest priority. I am from Mexican parents and they truly value education and its importance. While they were unable to complete college (due to financial circumstances), the do truly value education and view it as a priority for my sisters and I. I have always been taught the importance about education.
For one person to know their roots is very important. To know where they came from, what they’ve been through and what they have seen. Knowing your roots that have been passed on from your ancestors before you and for you to pass them down to your own. Your roots may contain historic facts about what happened in the past with your ancestors, and I’m sure that someone or you yourself would like to know that. What they’ve been through, what they’ve witnessed, what they’ve succeeded in life, and what has been passed down. For me to know where my family started from and where it led them to. Like past information they’ve been through: war, racism, riots, etc. Information such as these would be great stories to hear from your ancestors and what they did when those incidents occurred. Maybe one of your great grandparents were part of the past wars that we have heard of, or one of your relatives being there when racism existed and what they did. As for me, I would like to know what they’ve done when racism was involved, what they did and what they witnessed. So knowing where your roots and background came from would be an interesting and important thing to know as you grow up. When the times comes down to you, you’ll be able to pass down information about what had happen to your ancestors and what they’ve gone through. Then from there on you can add your roots and what you have seen in this time and what you accomplished when you pass them down to your son/daughter so on and so on.
ReplyDeleteIt is very important for an individual to remember their roots and background. In my opinion, knowing where I came from has helped me understand several aspects about my life. For example, my parents and I immigrated here when I was eight years old. By the time I turn 15 years old I was quite confused about my background. I knew little about this country’s background as well as mine. I did not know where I belonged, thankfully my grandmother noticed that I was listening to English music and she questioned my why. She stated that we had so beautiful songs to relate that I was taking them for granted, my grandmother gave me some examples of songs that reminded her of her hometown. For years, I knew how my hometown looked like just by the stories that my grandmother told me when a favorite song was played in the radio.by her doing this I develop an interest of going back to remember the town were I was born. I am very thankful that my grandmother took the time and interest on telling me were I come from. Knowing were I come from can help me for example, to know if I could have any hereditary diseases, such as diabetes, psychological issues like depression, and heart diseases just to mention a few.
ReplyDeleteHey Veronica,
DeleteRelating to what Dr. Schmoll mentioned in class today, are you thankful for knowing what your grandmother told you, or do you think it would've changed your perspective on things if she didn't inform you of those things?
As a child from parents who immigrated to the United States, I would have to say that it is extremely significant to understand and keep our roots. While I am American and value the culture America has to offer, I also value and appreciate the culture my parents grow up with. The values both cultures have offered me have molded me into the person I am today. I understand that two cultures can often clash with one another; however, the mix of cultures enable us to become more accepting towards others and their believes. Our roots are what we first learn and are our identity for quite some tiime Once we clash with a new culture and must assimulate, we become more accepting towards other because we recognize the people who once accepted us. Thus, we are able to relate ourselves with others and feel compation towards them. This is a huge point because we often just focus on the importance of remembering our cultures, yet fail to look at other benefits. Understanding this importance can improve our perspectives toward certain topics. Nonetheless, I still believe that assimilating to a different culture is necessary for a country to prosper. Now, I do not intend to tell people to fully assimilate with the culture of a new country, but to instead recognize and value that culure too.
ReplyDelete