Cultural and Racial Identity

There are many different cultures throughout the world. Each cultural group has similarities and differences that make each culture unique. Each culture has political military, religion and a social structure that make up its dynamics and characteristics of each individual with in each culture. A person identifies themselves by a significant cultural background. One may be defined by their culture through beliefs, morals, values, race, religion, gender or sexual orientation. Each of these characteristics defines each culture and the distinctive differences and similarities between them. For example in the United States we believe in freedom and pursuit of happiness, while in other countries peace and government is the foundation of the culture (Belanger, 2002). There are many significant characteristics that help define a culture. Two concepts that assist in the understanding of cultural differences and similarities are racial and cultural identity.

Helms define racial identity in the words "a sense of group or collective identity based on one's perception that he or she shares a common racial heritage with a particular racial group" (Helms, 1995, p.3). The concept of racial identity, in particular, has been misunderstood

and contested. Some meanings are derived from its biological dimension (Spickard, 1992) and others from its social dimension (Helms, 1995; Spickard, 1992). As a biological category, race is derived from an individual's "physical features, gene pools and character qualities" (Spickard, 1992, p. 14). A person racially identifies themselves by their physical features, these characteristics are predetermined biologically before being born; people do not have control of these characteristics. Individuals categorize others by the color of their skin (O'Hern, 1998). Because a persons racial identity is sometimes based on the color of his or her skin individuals are labeled and treated negatively, which continues the act of racism and stereotyping. An individual's lack of education or simple knowledge of other racial groups and cultures can lead to negative perceptions and ethnocentric views of anyone who is different. When groups with varying racial, ethnic, and cultural characteristics interact, ethnocentrism, discrimination, and racism develop (Hannaford, 1996; Omi & Whinat, 1994).

According to Yuurei Serai (2007), cultural identity is the feeling of being included in a group or culture. Culture refers to the custom practices, languages, values and views that define the social group that is based on nationally ethnicity or common interests. Cultural identity is defines a person through the attitude and belief associated with the norms and the characteristics of each cultural group. The characteristics that contribute to the "melting pot" of cultural diversity consist of location, racial, religious, social class, gender, sexuality, and family