In the Discussion Activity, post your thoughts on the following questions:

1. What does the term culture mean to you?

2. What kinds of subcultures do you belong to? How so? (You may want to list several
subcultural groups).
3. What are your norms, values, and roles in your culture?
4. Describe any cultural shock experience that you have encountered.

1- What is does the term culture mean to you?

In my perspective, culture is a very vast idea and a term that pertains to various traits of a society
and its individuals. Culture is the discipline that has customs and traditions, and anything that is
inherited from past generations at its core. It is a shared set of beliefs and values.

2- What kind of subcultures do you belong to?

Mainly I belong to Chinese culture, however, I also belong to Canadian culture due to living here
most of my life. In regards to subculture, I believe that I belong to various cultures. Along with
being a Chinese Canadian, I am recognized in different communities due to different aspects that
define me. For instance, with respect to children or older people, I am perceived differently as
compared to my age-mates. I believe that whenever I meet someone who is of the same age as
me, there is shared experience and feeling that connects us. Same is the case with everywhere I
go, there is always some aspect of my life or personality that is identical to some individuals
while completely opposite of the rest.

3- What are the norms, values, and roles in your culture?

The norms that are found in my culture to give respect to whomever it is if they are older than
you. We have to be very respectful of our relatives and parents. Family relationships in China are
of paramount importance. There are hierarchies in families as well. Public display of affection is
frowned upon. Relationships are accepted but they need to lead to marriage eventually.

4- Describe any cultural shock experience that you have encountered.

Every time I go back to my country, I feel a bit isolated and out of sorts. Chinese hosts are very
hospitable, and they do not let their guests do anything. Whenever I would go to my relative’s
house, it felt like I was some great king that graced them with his presence.
I honestly do not know if I have experienced true culture shock. I have lived in Canada for years
and only go back to China during the holidays. I am connected with my Chinese culture as much
as I am connected with my Canadian identity. Within Canada, I've lived in or visited almost
every city. I have lived alone for a long time and have dealt with people belonging to various
cultures while I worked part-time which has led me to be not shocked by different cultures. At
first, when I started my job in the restaurant, it was quite hard to learn to deal with people
belonging to different cultures because they spoke different languages, but I have become so
accustomed that it does not strike me as a shock.