Ethnicity
Growing up in Australia, raised in an Asian household, I witnessed many differences and similarities between Eastern values and Western cultures throughout my life. Some of these experiences were positive and uplifting, others not so much. I can honestly admit I experienced much internal conflict and questioning of my self-identity and sense of belonging in various groups and environments.
Our experiences while maturing can strongly influence the way we perceive and interact with the world as we progress through various stages of life. One component that can have profound impact for many, is that of cultural background. Cultural background in this context, can relate to aspects of ethnicity; family culture; local community; workplace culture; religious culture and so on.
But how does our ethnicity and cultural background influence us? For many children, particularly of first- and second-generation immigrants, there can be a vast array of challenges related to reconciling conflicting views of the world. If we consider the often Collectivist approach from Eastern Cultures, opposed to the Individualist approach often seen in Western Cultures, stark differences can be witnessed in terms of filial piety; respecting elders; independence and autonomy of the individual; assertiveness; and what is seen as being “successful” in life.
How might someone as an adult, struggle with being assertive towards people in authority if they were raised in a household which discouraged self-thought and self-expression? How might a person struggle with concepts of self-worth as an adult if within their upbringing their sense of success was often provided from external means, such as praise from parents or receiving awards and praise? What about self-identity? How might we as individuals struggle to feel like we belong or fit in, when physically and ethnically there may be many components of our lives that are drastically different to those around us?
Many people fear isolation, rejection and being judged as not fitting in. Often, the end result can be linked to a strong sense of shame – blaming ourselves for being different to other people, and therefore feeling unable to fit in. Sometimes we tend towards being hard on ourselves for things that are out of our control. But should this be the case?
It is important for us as individuals to reconcile our differences with others by understanding and adapting to different cultures, while retaining or compromising on certain elements of our own. Accepting these differences and viewing them as strengths can often lead to a sense of pride, instead of feeling ashamed. Embracing each other’s unique strengths is what helps us come together as empowering, uplifting communities.
As a counsellor, my experiences growing up in a multicultural environment have helped provide many insights and perspectives on how people from various backgrounds may perceive or interact with the world very differently. I have lived experience in the complexities and direct contradictions that living with different cultural values creates. I recognise the importance of viewing ethnicity and cultural background as a piece of the puzzle when exploring counselling concepts under a wholistic model. If you are interested, you can navigate to the following links to find out more about my journey and qualifications that have helped grow my expertise in this field.
I encourage you to contact me if you feel any of this may relate to you and if you’re interested in finding out more about how you can learn to process and accept your ethnicity and cultural background, and how to acknowledge the strengths it offers you in empowering and uplifting yourself.
Lee Wong Counselling 