Cultural Conceptions, Pre-Conceptions & Perspective Of Cultures

[Mehappygo]

In my Training Record Essential Knowledge, I got the below question I've just completed. Can someone please help me to check whether I'm correct or not.

I know/recognise:
- My own cultural conceptions, pre-conceptions and perspective of diverse cultures

My answer:
In Chinese culture, the Chinese have ingrained in them a strong obligation to look after the elderly parents. The Chinese tradition is of a duty of care for its elderly parents, which exists to a greater degree than in the western culture. In Chinese culture, it is irresponsible of the children/child if the elderly parents are put in the nursing homes and the children’s reputation will be considered as bad children/child. In Chinese culture, often the task of looking after the elderly parents will be delegated to the eldest son in the family. As for the western culture, there is more of a propensity to put elderly parents into nursing homes. When I was young, I used to think that in the western culture, when the elderly parents are put in nursing homes, there is a lack of duty of care in taking care of their elderly parents. However, this is not the case as I’ve grown and understand the other cultures have their own perspective and ways of doing things. In fact, in the western culture, it is not the lack of duty of care, but an inability to cope as they normally work and live far away from their elderly parents. Also in the western culture, the people who are now older have lived an independent life away from their children (for the most part) and are proud of their independence lifestyle. They don't want to feel as they are losing control and some will not make the changes for others in their family to care for them, such as moving in with them or moving closer which would be very helpful in caring for them. Some opt to live in retirement assisted communities or nursing home as a choice because they believe they have more freedom than living with their families.

Thanks
Selena

[Mehappygo]

I have just completed the last question on my Training Record Essential Knowledge. Can someone please help to read through and advise whether my answer is okay.

Question:
I know/recognise:
- The unique way individuals may experience a culture and respond to past experience

My answer:
In every culture there are superstitions that some people decide to believe and go by. The Chinese have many superstitions that they stick by and are very strict about. The Chinese New Year is full of superstitions. On New Years Eve all of the homes have to be cleaned very well. After the home is cleaned then all of the utensils used to clean the house such as brooms, dusters, cleaning supplies, and any other items used to clean have to be put away and not touched until after New Years Day. If they are touched during New Years Day the Chinese Cultures fears that their good fortune will be swept away. When the New Year has passed then the homes floors need to be swept again.
Another superstition that the Chinese culture has is that any debt that a person owes has to be paid by the New Year – this is also the saying from tarot card readings. It is not allowed to lend anything on New Years Day, or the person who gave the money will be giving it all year long for others to borrow.
Chinese also believe that if you shed tears on New Years Eve or Day that you will be crying all year round. Children are not punished if they cry on this day, but they still believe that they will cry all year as well.
As said above every culture has many superstitions, but Chinese has by far the most. They are strict with their customs and stick true to their belief system.
However, nowadays, all Chinese even living in the same culture, some people do not practice this superstitions anymore as these people are more westernise. Nowadays, only the traditional Chinese will follow these superstitions as they believed if it is not followed, nothing good will come out of it. It helps me to understand that not all individual are solely tied to their cultural practices and this is acceptable.

Thank you
Selena

[Mehappygo]

Sorry, I just noticed that I have got one last question which I have my answer but need someone to check on my answer.

Question:
I know/recognise:
- The special needs of people seeking political asylum (experiencing trauma etc.)

My answer:
People seeking political asylum are normally developmentally or emotionally affected. Specialist assistance to support them is highly required because they have been completed removed from their own culture and environment and often they have fled their country due to persecution.

Please advise whether my answer is okay.

Thanks
Selena

[Lorina]

Hi Selena,

You are getting pretty good at answering assignment questions and providing lots of details. It was very interesting to read your responses especially about Chinese culture.

- My own cultural conceptions, pre-conceptions and perspective of diverse cultures

I completely understand your point about "looking after your parents" and you are right in western countries you don't see it as much as you would in other countries such as China, India etc... You've made some great points in your first response and I can't think of anything else you could add to it.

- The unique way individuals may experience a culture and respond to past experience

You provided some great information in your response and it's just so interesting to read about other cultural beliefs. I didn't know that during Chinese New Year, all cleaning equipment/supplies were put away and debts are to be paid by the New Year... see you really do learn something new everyday! The last point you mentioned "that not all individual are solely tied to their cultural practices and this is acceptable" yes, you are right about that although I find it sad that some individuals change who they are and what they believe in just for the sake of fitting in!

The special needs of people seeking political asylum (experiencing trauma etc.)

You wrote a clear definition of what you understood. Maybe you can also include what assistance or support that people seeking asylum need, such as: counseling, interpreters, immigration attorneys/advisors etc.

All of your responses are well answered and in my opinion I can't think of anything else that you need to add!

Good Luck!

Cheers ,
L.A

[Mehappygo]

Thank you L.A for your kind review. I've got some questions and answers more in another unit which I have done and would post it on the forum for you to review to see whether my answers are okay.

Thanks again L.A for your great support.

Cheers
Selena