Culture's Influences by Jeanny

Culture's Influences by Jeanny - July 2017 Scholarship Essay

On January 1st 1804, Haiti declared its independence and was the first free black republic in the world. With many influences in its language, music, and tradition, from African and European elements, to the French colonization, the Haitian culture is very rich. It also composed of strength, unity, power and diligence.

Being born in the United States, I was primarily exposed to the English language and also Western or American values. My parents communicated with me in two languages: some English and Haitian-Creole. I believe this could have been difficult for my immigrant parents, having to adjust to an unfamiliar country, and also learn to speak English, as it was all around them from schools, franchises, televisions, and radio stations. Having mentioned my parents, I would love to share a little bit about them.

My mother, Jeannette, was born in Haiti, and was raised by her older brothers. At the age of 21, she left Haiti and lived in the Bahamas in search of a better life. My father, Duvillard, was also born in Haiti where he was raised along with his siblings by his mother and father. At 23, he also left Haiti and moved to the Bahamas to work as a handyman. Moreover, my parents are very hard-working, diligent and determined individuals who are eager to see their children succeed.

To be specific, my upbringing seemed to play an effective role as I have found it not as easy to “fit in” with African-Americans here in the U.S. Now, do not mistaken my previous statement, I am also Black/African-American, but I do not specifically identify, or readily uphold to account with the “Black/African-American” culture. For example, my speech, behavior, values, traditions, and customs are entirely different. Many Haitian values are rooted in tradition and are conservative. For example, manners are very important. From an early age, you are taught to respect and greet your elders or visitors into your home. Men usually shake hands on greeting and departing, whereas men and women will usually greet each other by kissing on their cheeks. Secondly, men and women are expected to sit in modest positions. Thirdly, practicing Christianity is very important as individuals are taught to serve God from an early age. Again, I am not implying that African-Americans do not have manners, values and traditions, but there’s a difference in influence in these areas of the Haitian Culture.

On the other hand, I cannot forget the influence of the American culture. Although, I am unable to define the American culture, because there is such a mixture of existing cultures in the U.S., but I can name a few characteristics I have noticed in Americans including myself. Many have described the U.S. and its culture as “the melting pot,” housing many cultures and their elements from different parts of the world. Without hindrance, the American culture is one of individualism and independence. Most Americans are very self-reliant and would rather decide to be by themselves. In addition, several of our supreme values are rooted in a limited government, equality, freedom of expression, and the search for the truth.

My main purpose for this essay was not to uphold any culture to a higher value than another, but to highlight culture’s influence in every aspect of someone’s life: from the foods we eat, the clothes we wear, and to the traditions we uphold. In other words, whether it may have been minuscule or massive, the Haitian culture has influenced me. Although, there is also a spiritual culture I did not mention and that is God's culture, which encompasses a loving father, who sent his only Son, Jesus Christ, to die for a sinful world, and whosoever believes in Him will not perish (John 3:16). This culture is filled with love, hope, peace, redemption, forgiveness, and a firm foundation. I take pride in being Haitian-American and God's daughter! What do you think you take pride in?