IDENTIFICATION (racial, ethnic, and cultural background) - Research Paper Example

In the Vietnamese culture, religion has played a significant role of influencing the concept of life of the ethnic group. Buddhism is the predominant religion in Vietnam and this is the religion I was raised in. Having being introduced by the Indian preachers and the Chinese immigrants in the second century, Buddhism was recognized as the state religion during the Ly Dynasty era. As a Buddhist, we believe that man was born into this world in order to suffer. Major causes of suffering includes craving for wealth, power and fame.

All the three aspects lead to disappointment and frustration. Thus, man should suppress the ultimate cause of the three aspects and avoid being attached to anything with a world pleasure. Vietnamese dress style varies according to the cities and towns. In the city, men commonly wear white pants and brown shirts. During formal occasions, they add a long robe and a turban (Beasley, 2000). On their part, women in the cities common wear long black skirts and sort shirts. Additionally, Sothern locals wear Ao Ba Ba which is a silk shirt and trouser.

For thousands of years, Vietnam has celebrated traditional holidays. Some of the notable holidays include Hung Vuong Kings Commemoration day locally referred to as Ngày Giổ Tổ Hùng Vương, Children’s day, Full moon of the 1st month, Kitchen guardians and midyear festival which is locally referred to as Tết Đoan ngọ (Cohen, 2009). I grew up in a community where most people shared my background including the foods we ate religious beliefs and mode of clothing. As a person who values other people regardless of their social status, intermingling with the locals made me to view myself as part and parcel of the community.

My improved self esteem and the ability to guide other made me to develop both physically and emotionally. Additionally, I viewed my self as a person who is ready to maintain the values of my community and ensure that the future generations are aware