Cultural Identity Development

As Dr. Jones and Dr. Keen discussed cultural identity in this week's media segment, several themes emerged. These themes include the importance of each of the following:

Beginning with understanding one's own history and cultural identity before trying to "educate" others

Conversing about differences as a means toward developing cultural identity

Recognizing that people are in different stages of awareness of their own cultural identities

Realizing that there are differences even among people who appear to be the same

Understanding the privilege and/or power associated with different groups in any culture
In other words, it is critical to understand and examine the complexities of our own identity development in order to facilitate the learning and development of adults from a wide range of cultures, ethnicities, and races. Keep these themes in mind when participating in this week's discussion.

For this Discussion, consider the theories of identity development you learned about in this week's Learning Resources. Choose one that most resonates with your own life experience; if none of the theories feel exactly right, choose one that seems the closest. Keep in mind that this discussion requires both a scholarly response and personal reflection on your part. Use the following guiding questions to help develop your response:

In what ways does your own experience exemplify or contradict cultural identity stages?

What stages have you experienced or are you currently experiencing? Be specific, using examples of what you thought, felt, and did at various stages. Pay particular attention to what triggered your transition from one stage to the next.

Always examine all of the Learning Resources before posting to the Discussion. Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources as well as any other relevant research you find appropriate.