Cultural Autobiography

The Basics

My Name is Grace Hammond. I was born in the Great State of Texas. As a Texan, we are not always what people believe we are as race. Many identify as White as I do, but in truth I am part Irish, part Latino, and part Native American. The percentage is strange but I am 25% Irish, 25% Latino, and 25% Native American, with the rest as other Spanish, and Middle Eastern descent. I am a Christian and from a strong Christian family.

The

Basics

The Place

The

Places

I have an Uncle who completed his Doctoral Dissertation on family history. So, I know my family history quiet well. Moving backwards, we are from Texas but my family arrived in Louisiana First to the United States- note Hammond Louisiana. They came from Ireland and one family member was married to Spanish Royalty. From Spain, the family was traced back to the Middle East. Israel and Egypt. Native American came into the picture on my grandparents side. Both great grandmothers were Full Blooded Native Americans in which my great grand fathers married.

The Experience

The

Experiences

Race in my opinion was developed many years ago in the foundation of the World. We have adopted race in our society over the years from the formation of the United States. Today, I believe people are using race in different terms and love play a victim. Many in the political system are using race as a way to gain power or destroy the American society as a whole. Coming from a family with many different races including African American, I feel we are a melting pot of culture and reason coming together. Most in our family, feel if the political leaders would stop abusing their power and the media report the entire truth our country would be in a different spot.

My First Experience

My First

Experience

My first experience interacting with people of a different race, religion, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or other beyond my family was during a hurricane. My dad and mom operated a shelter for people who were displaced during the storm. We worked and interacted with people from all walks of life or types. This experience allowed me to understand the hardships and how people lived on a daily basis for several weeks. We operated the shelter for two and half months every day. We accepted everyone in the shelter who needed help.

The Lesson

The Lessons

I have learned so much from my family and friends about cultural diversity and differences. My family talks about the differences between how we act in front of different family members or people regularly to make us aware of our interactions. We don't want to disrespect anyone or hurt the feelings of other. Like I said, my family is very diverse so we always look at how to included everyone at family gathering and other functions we have.

Stereotypes and Biases

Stereotypes and Biases

I personally don't stereotype or have biases toward people. Many people look at me and say "she is white", but they don't understand I come from a diverse family with many races and sexual preferences. People are more out to judge me because I look "white" without know my family history or background. When I speak to other races or persons, they are surprised by my responses and knowledge. They are very surprised that I don't judge them at all and understand their background.