Exploring Cultural Identity: Deaf Culture

Coming into the world as a newborn, we are exposed to many things, such as; food, clothing, language, a brand-new environment, etc. These are the things that later in life will determine many experiences/opportunities that one will need to endure. As a newborn, one does not choose a family, nor can you choose your name, the only control one has as a baby is determine whether you are hungry, sleepy, or in need of a diaper change. As time goes on and as one continues to grow, we are exposed to a familiar term which is passed on by many generations to generations, know as Culture. Culture is what creates traditions within families. As stated before, as a baby one can not make valid decisions in life, therefore we are born into a culture that will help lead our way to a more prominent future. Culture is such an important factor in the day to day lives of most all individuals for several reasons; it helps one understand their family’s origins/roots, provides a sense of guidance, and a sense of belonging within your community.

Culture, in my opinion is known as certain types of traditions and customs that are passed down from one generation to the next. It is a distinct characteristic that helps label everyone into a specific ethnic group. In the most recent findings (Holcomb, 2012) on the topic of what the meaning of culture is, “We commonly visualize culture in terms of unique characteristics that can be attributed to a particular group of people. For instance, people usually associate sombreros, tacos, Catholicism, and the Spanish language with Mexico and consider these marks as the culture of Mexicans” (p.15). I consider my culture to be the Mexican culture. My culture consists of Food, Music, Dance, Clothing, and Religion. Growing up I was always exposed to my Mexican roots, for example, we all spoke Spanish, ate Mexican cuisine, and attended mass every Sunday, not to mention when it was time to clean, we would always blast our Mexican cumbia music. Once we heard music it meant it was time to clean. According to A. Retano (Personal Interview, September 26, 2019), “Culture to me is known as certain traditions that one follows due to their heritage.” These are the beautiful moments that really makes one love and appreciate who they really are. “It is a way we communicate and interact with our Mexican community” (R. Jiménez, Personal Interview, September 26, 2019). As a child I had to adjust to the rules and regulations of my roots. My siblings and I had to follow our cultural rules which were; attend Mass, be Baptized, have your First Communion, be Confirmed a Catholic, and finally Matrimony. This was our way of guidance to our soon to be future. M. Galvan (Personal Interview, September 26, 2019), she implies, “Culture is tradition, like food, clothes, parties, and religion. It defines who you are to society and who you choose to be.” I still to this day follow my heritage as I prepare to later in life pass these traditions on to my children so that the culture never dies off and it continues to keep moving and expanding.

As we transition into adulthood, we are guided by our traditions into our soon to be future. These traditions are what help us fins a better understanding of our identity, and who we choose to be. In an article titled, “What is Culture”, Zimmerman states that culture is seen as a way to identify/label individuals into distinct social groups (Zimmerman, 2017). One example would be a Quinceanera in my Mexican culture. A Quinceanera is a very special yet symbolic moment that represents a girl becoming a woman. It is symbolic in the way that there are special rituals that need to be done, such as; the Changing of the Shoes, the Doll, the Father Daughter Dance, and not to mention the party itself. The Changing of the Shoes represents the first pair of heels as a woman, the last pair of flats as a child. The Doll signifies her last toy doll, the Father Daughter dance represents the last dance as a child with her father until they dance one last time when she marries. Finally, the party itself, the party is a way of showing off the young lady to society implying she will make a great wife to marry. The same goes for American Culture, but instead of a Quinceanera, the coming of age party is known as a Sweet 16. Most would believe that the American Culture is a myth, but it is not. R. Jiménez (Personal Interview, September 26, 2019) believes, “There is no such thing as American Culture because Americans simply built upon other cultures, so they never really had on in the first place.” There are so many different cultures, such as, Mexican, African, Greek, Asian, and yes American Culture just to name a few. As stated by M. Galvan (Personal Interview, September 26, 2019), “American Culture is a real thing, just as we follow our Mexican culture, they need to follow their rules and regulations within their cultural community.” American Culture is different and unique in every way. “American Culture can be anything like celebrating 4th of July, Labor Day, etc” (A. Retano, Personal Interview, September 26, 2019). Family traditions such as watching a Football game every Sunday, to celebrating national holidays with one another would be considered Culture.

Every Culture has its own Community. Communities in which one can go for guidance and a sense of care and love. Mexican Culture has such a big and strong community, we always fight for what’s right and never go against each other. We rely on Heritage, Family, and most importantly Community, based off the 6 Hallmarks of Culture. In an article titled, “What is Culture”, by (What is Culture, 2019), “Culture is defined as shared patterns of behaviors and interactions, cognitive constructs, and affective understanding that are learned through a process of socialization.” The Mexican culture is somewhat like Deaf culture. In Deaf Culture they also follow certain rules and regulations, such as, Communication, Values, and Community. A. Retano, (Personal Interview, September 26, 2019), implies, “I now know that there is such a thing as Deaf Culture, I believe everyone should know and be more aware of Deaf Culture.” Deaf Culture is very strict on Communication, for example, it is considered rude if you are in a room with Deaf people and out of nowhere you leave the area. The Deaf Community always wants to know where one is going just for safety reasons and for a sense of love/security. Same applies for Mexican Culture, we love to know where one is off too, Values as well, as Mexican Culture values Religion, Food, and Music, the Deaf community values their Language, History, and Art. Finally, Community, as Mexican Culture is very overprotective, so is the Deaf Community. Community in both cultures helps us seek guidance and helps one embrace the love of their Culture much more. As stated in an article titled, “Human Culture: What is Culture” by (O’Neil, 2006), “The word Culture has many different meanings.” Culture can and is Community. “Deaf Culture has its own Community in which they all see the world in a different perspective”, (R. Jimenez, Personal Interview, September 26, 2019). We all fit into our own distinct Cultural Community, whether it is being Mexican, Deaf, African, etc, we all have Culture. As told by M. Galvan (Personal Interview, September 26, 2019), “Just as any other culture, we all have our own distinct struggles and ways of learning, just as Deaf Culture does too.” Community is love, life, and Culture.

Culture, Traditions and customs that are passed down from one generation to the other. A set of beliefs that we are introduced to at birth until we take our very last breath of air. A way to label and distinguish different people into a group which will help guide the way into one’s future. Culture is and will forever be an important factor in my life, it helped me understand my family’s origin/roots, provided me with a sense of security and guidance, and it helped me find my identity in belonging with my Mexican Culture.