Why Does Culture Matter?
What makes us who we are? Why do we do eat the foods we eat, tell the stories we tell, celebrate special holidays, shake hands, or hug and kiss our loved ones the way we do? These are all aspects of culture. Shared culture and its rules, norms, traditions, language, and symbols are an important part of what defines us as a society and as individuals. Take it from Leslie Roark Scott, whose family traditions run deeper than just serving up Memphis BBQ in Yazoo City, Mississippi. They are part of a shared culture that has shaped her identity and opened up a world of opportunities.
Progress
Watch the Story
10 pts – Leslie Roark Scott knows who she is and where she’s from. And that has a lot to do with the family tradition of BBQ that she is passing on from generation to generation. How is her tradition part of a bigger culture, how does it shape who she is, and how is she sharing her culture with her family and the world?
Read Your Webtext
20 pts – So what are the things that come together to create ‘culture’? That’s what you’ll be looking at this week in your webtext.
Join the Discussion
20 pts – Talk about cultural artifacts that help you feel connected to your own culture.
Reflect Questions
10 pts – Take a few minutes to reflect on your learning this week.