99 Cultural Identity Essay Topics & Examples

Our experts have gathered identity essay topics that you can research or discuss in a class. See the list and find the perfect title here!

🏆 Best Cultural Identity Topic Ideas & Essay Examples

💡 interesting identity essay titles, 👍 good essay topics on cultural identity, ❓ research questions about cultural identity.

In high school or college, you might be assigned to write a cultural identity essay. Topics on the subject are quite easy to find, given that culture surrounds us everywhere we go. However, choosing one relevant idea can become an issue. Are you going to discuss an American or Canadian identity essay title? Or are you willing to talk about the history of pop culture around the globe? In either case, this article will be helpful for you.

  • Cultural Identity Theory: “How to Be Chinese” by Celeste Ng Thus, while recognizing the role that the specified cultural signifiers have for Asian American people in their attempts to retain their cultural identity, Ng also demonstrates the urge to introduce immediate change to prevent the […]
  • Hall Stuart: Questions of Cultural Identity Hall states that it is important to theorize the notion of identity to make it more applicable. However, Hall still claims that it is important to understand what identity is.
  • Cultural Identity and Heritage in the “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker In the broad context, Walker designs the story to underscore the conflict that African Americans faced concerning their cultural identity and heritage after the abolition of slavery.
  • Cultural Identity in “White Teeth” by Zadie Smith Exploring the thematic significance of the novels title “White Teeth” it would be instrumental to argue that the title touches on the aspects of cultural identity.
  • What Role Does Food Play in Cultural Identity? From the point of view of cultural studies, such a model of nutrition speaks more about the absence of global roots, the absence of deep moral guidelines, and not about the convenience of the process.
  • Cultural Identity: Problems, Coping, and Outcomes The intensification of the processes of globalization, cultural integration, and expansion of contacts between representatives of different countries led to the gradual blurring of boundaries between national cultures and the loss of cultural identity.
  • Racial and Cultural Identity Development Model At the stage of dissonance, a person is in a conflict between group-appreciating and depreciating within the attitude toward self as well as in a conflict between the emotions of shared experiences and group-depreciating views […]
  • How Does Culture Affect the Self Identity Personal Essay The economic background, family relations and ethnic distinctions have contributed significantly to the personality trait of being a low profile person who is considerate of others.
  • Art Education Preserving Ethno Cultural Identity The image presents a fantasy of how sweet their fries and chicken are, and for some reason, some customers visit the place for the first time due to the visual art available.
  • Migration, Identity and Multiculturalism Equity in Ethnic Policy In the earlier years, discriminative policies had been enacted but the mid of the last century saw the eradication of these policies and the establishment of better ones that addressed the […]
  • Cultural Influences on Personality The basis of Indonesian culture and its ability to comply with a fixed standard, regulation, or requirement of societal norms is the importance put on honor and respect for the individual. This is a keystone […]
  • Cultural Identity: the Position in Society Here, the answer is “yes, I am” and the answer to this question is quite accurate in terms of the majority of the Arabic people.
  • Australia: Being a Multicultural Society It is reported the between 2000 and 2005, there was significant public concern within the country due to the role of detention centers in the country.
  • Cultural Identity: “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker One of the instances of elements of life associated with identity is music. As such, blues music is not particularly popular throughout America, yet it remains a significant part and a distinctive aspect of the […]
  • Cultural Identity and Justice in Early Learning Space One of the myths that interfere with the ability to talk about race and racism in early care and education settings is associated with the position that children do not see races.
  • Transcending National and Cultural Identity Despite the Odds The success of Shakira in terms of her music is the first real evidence that a single individual can maintain multiple cultures and nationalities.
  • The Crisis of Cultural Identity of Luxembourg Due to Massive Immigration The possibility of a city-wide display exhibiting the workmanship and specialties of Luxembourg could be a method for opening the secret of the nation’s way of life. There is an incredible blend of individuals who […]
  • Strong Cultural Identity Importance in Amy Tan’s “Fish Cheeks” She communicates with her audience in a playful manner, with the use of rhetorical techniques such as irony and hilarious analogies, to better illustrate her point.
  • Arabic Cultural Identity: Sonallah Ibrahim His writing is also a constant reminder of the failures of the governments in standing up to the expectations of the Egyptian citizens.
  • Malay Muslim Traditions and Cultural Identity First I clearly expected that it if the parents and close family members who convey the identity to their children stayed together, then the conflict between mainstream expectations in the American way of life and […]
  • Gendered Cultural Identity and Globalization in Canada It should be well understood that the escalation of politics of cultural identities in Canada is a result of the background of the cultural nationalism that came before it.
  • Cultural Borrowing: Ethnic Fashion Obscures Cultural Identity I write this article from the larger perspective of what kind of cultural items can be borrowed and the benefits of the same and at the same time the tendency to obviate the subtext.
  • Cultural Identity vs. Ethnic Fashion A part of the modern lifestyle that looks hip and very happening without actually understanding the real meaning of the cultural item as it pertains to the ethnicity of the person.
  • Asian Cultural Identity: Interview It will explore the individual’s definition of cultural identity, his family origin, most important cultural values, factors that contributed towards the development of cultural identity, and the interaction between the self and cultural identity.
  • African-American Cultural Identity’ and Values’ Critique Despite the high levels of discrimination, they got themselves out of the slavery of writing for the whites by mastering the Anglo-American traditions.
  • Cultural Differences: Individualism vs. Collectivism The understanding of the relevant cultures helps in knowing where the people around us originate. The religion types are unique to the areas where they are found and exemplify the culture of people who participate […]
  • Cultural Diversity in Society: Reforms to the Way a Society Is Conducted The concepts of the diversity of the US culture that are shared in this article are important as they are address different elements of a culture that are important when it comes to determining how […]
  • Social Identity in Social Psychology This essay shall use the movie, Grand Illusion to identify and explore three bases of group categorisation and apply social identity theories in order to explain whether the characters transcend or exposed to illusion in […]
  • Culture and Self: Cultural Specifics Although both authors provide a fairly detailed account of the way in which cultural background and the development of self are intertwined, the latter research seems to focus on the application of the findings related […]
  • Social Constructionism and Its Impact on Cultural Identity in a Society Ruled by a Strong Rhetoric of Risk and Health and Safety Regulations These include social constructionism, namely the development of this theoretical framework and how it relates to the view of the self using accountability as an example; the rise of the dominant discourse on health and […]
  • Multicultural Psychology: Cultural Identity and Racism It is a branch of psychology that tries to comprehend and represent the psychology of different people, groups and organizations adequately for the purpose of equal treatment due to the fact that there is a […]
  • Influence of Cultural Identity the Way Middle School Students Learn The activities which students participate in and the interactions they have with peers, adults, and the physical characteristics of their learning environment all contribute to their motivation to learn and desire to engage.
  • Issues of Japanese Cultural Identity The other way the anime productions deal with the issues of the Japanese and their cultural identity is by presenting the aspects and ideas that define the people of Japan.
  • The Influence Of Modernity And Globalization On Cultural Identity
  • The Family Tradition of Making a Huge Batch of Ravioli as a Cultural Identity
  • Cultural Identity Of The Black Native, And Their Subsequent
  • Racial Cultural Identity Developement Model
  • The Importance of Cultural Identity and Socialization in Education
  • Cultural Identity, Mobility, and Decentralization
  • Maintaining Cultural Identity in the Face of Adversity
  • The Effects Of Perceived Brand Globalness And Local Iconness On Brand Prestige And Perceived Quality: The Role Of Consumers’ Cultural Identity
  • Cultural Identity and Intercultural Communication
  • The Importance of Positive Cultural Identity
  • Changes of Cultural Identity
  • An Analysis of the Difficulties of Establishing a Cultural Identity for the United States of America
  • The Cultural Identity Within Asian Writing Systems
  • Cross-Linguistic and Cross-Cultural Identity
  • The Connection Between Food Study and Cultural Identity
  • Individuals Learn Of Cultural Identity Through The Acculturation Process
  • An Exploration of Cultural Identity in Hamlet by William Shakespeare
  • The Impact of Globalization to Cultural Identity
  • The Effects of Language Extinction on Cultural Identity in Third World Countries
  • The Harlem Renaissance and a New Cultural Identity
  • Intercultural Communications and Cultural Identity
  • Maintaining Cultural Identity In Design
  • Importance Of Cultural Identity And Diaspora
  • Multicultural Counseling and Cultural Identity Analysis
  • Meaning of Life and Australian Cultural Identity
  • Popular Music, Gender, Sexuality, and Cultural Identity
  • A Look at the Cultural Identity in The Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison
  • The Influence of Cultural Identity on Willingness to Pay Values in Contingent Valuation Surveys
  • Self Awareness and Cultural Identity
  • The Era Of New And Improved Cultural Identity
  • An Interpretive Ethnographic Perspective on Negotiating and Leveraging Cross-Cultural Identity
  • The Confiscation of Cultural Identity in North America
  • The White Power Structure And Cultural Identity
  • Cultural Identity Through Local Advertisement
  • What Are The Most Important Parts Of Cultural Identity?
  • An Analysis of Cultural Identity in Genre Films
  • The Cultural Differences Between China and America
  • The Differences (or Similarities) Between Ethnic identity, Cultural identity, and Acculturation
  • Evaluating Cultural Identity Using Caryl Phillips Cambridge
  • The Formation of Nation-State and Cultural Identity: A Georgian Perspective
  • An Analysis of the Issue of Cultural Identity and the Cinematic Representation
  • Did Americans Find Their Cultural Identity on the Eve of the Revolution?
  • Do Cultural Identity and Understanding Influence Health Equity?
  • Does Heritage Impact Culture Identity?
  • Does Social Media Influence Cultural Identity?
  • How Do You Maintain Your Cultural Identity?
  • How and Why Does Culture Identity Affect the Idea of ‘Beauty’?
  • How Cultural Identity and Understanding Influence Health?
  • How Not Lose Your Cultural Identity While Living in a New Country?
  • How Does Cultural Identity Impact American Culture?
  • How Many Types of Cultural Identity Are There?
  • How Does Art Embody Cultural Identity?
  • Who Created the Cultural Identity Theory?
  • Why Is Cultural Identity Important to Us?
  • Why Is Cultural Identity Hard to Define?
  • What Defines India’s Cultural Identity?
  • What Is the Main Idea of Cultural Identity?
  • Where Does Cultural Identity Reside?
  • What Are the Most Important Parts of Your Cultural Identity?
  • What Are the Different Types of Cultural Identity?
  • What Is Cultural Identity Development?
  • What Are the Three Different Types of Identity?
  • What Are Aspects of Cultural Identity?
  • What Does Culture Identity Mean in Literature?
  • What Are the Levels of Cultural Identity?
  • What Is the Difference Between Cultural Identity and Identity?
  • Chicago (A-D)
  • Chicago (N-B)

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Cultural Identity Essay

27 August, 2020

12 minutes read

Author:  Elizabeth Brown

No matter where you study, composing essays of any type and complexity is a critical component in any studying program. Most likely, you have already been assigned the task to write a cultural identity essay, which is an essay that has to do a lot with your personality and cultural background. In essence, writing a cultural identity essay is fundamental for providing the reader with an understanding of who you are and which outlook you have. This may include the topics of religion, traditions, ethnicity, race, and so on. So, what shall you do to compose a winning cultural identity essay?

Cultural Identity

Cultural Identity Paper: Definitions, Goals & Topics 

cultural identity essay example

Before starting off with a cultural identity essay, it is fundamental to uncover what is particular about this type of paper. First and foremost, it will be rather logical to begin with giving a general and straightforward definition of a cultural identity essay. In essence, cultural identity essay implies outlining the role of the culture in defining your outlook, shaping your personality, points of view regarding a multitude of matters, and forming your qualities and beliefs. Given a simpler definition, a cultural identity essay requires you to write about how culture has influenced your personality and yourself in general. So in this kind of essay you as a narrator need to give an understanding of who you are, which strengths you have, and what your solid life position is.

Yet, the goal of a cultural identity essay is not strictly limited to describing who you are and merely outlining your biography. Instead, this type of essay pursues specific objectives, achieving which is a perfect indicator of how high-quality your essay is. Initially, the primary goal implies outlining your cultural focus and why it makes you peculiar. For instance, if you are a french adolescent living in Canada, you may describe what is so special about it: traditions of the community, beliefs, opinions, approaches. Basically, you may talk about the principles of the society as well as its beliefs that made you become the person you are today.

So far, cultural identity is a rather broad topic, so you will likely have a multitude of fascinating ideas for your paper. For instance, some of the most attention-grabbing topics for a personal cultural identity essay are:

  • Memorable traditions of your community
  • A cultural event that has influenced your personality 
  • Influential people in your community
  • Locations and places that tell a lot about your culture and identity

Cultural Identity Essay Structure

As you might have already guessed, composing an essay on cultural identity might turn out to be fascinating but somewhat challenging. Even though the spectrum of topics is rather broad, the question of how to create the most appropriate and appealing structure remains open.

Like any other kind of an academic essay, a cultural identity essay must compose of three parts: introduction, body, and concluding remarks. Let’s take a more detailed look at each of the components:

Introduction 

Starting to write an essay is most likely one of the most time-consuming and mind-challenging procedures. Therefore, you can postpone writing your introduction and approach it right after you finish body paragraphs. Nevertheless, you should think of a suitable topic as well as come up with an explicit thesis. At the beginning of the introduction section, give some hints regarding the matter you are going to discuss. You have to mention your thesis statement after you have briefly guided the reader through the topic. You can also think of indicating some vital information about yourself, which is, of course, relevant to the topic you selected.

Your main body should reveal your ideas and arguments. Most likely, it will consist of 3-5 paragraphs that are more or less equal in size. What you have to keep in mind to compose a sound ‘my cultural identity essay’ is the argumentation. In particular, always remember to reveal an argument and back it up with evidence in each body paragraph. And, of course, try to stick to the topic and make sure that you answer the overall question that you stated in your topic. Besides, always keep your thesis statement in mind: make sure that none of its components is left without your attention and argumentation.

Conclusion 

Finally, after you are all finished with body paragraphs and introduction, briefly summarize all the points in your final remarks section. Paraphrase what you have already revealed in the main body, and make sure you logically lead the reader to the overall argument. Indicate your cultural identity once again and draw a bottom line regarding how your culture has influenced your personality.

Best Tips For Writing Cultural Identity Essay

Writing a ‘cultural identity essay about myself’ might be somewhat challenging at first. However, you will no longer struggle if you take a couple of plain tips into consideration. Following the tips below will give you some sound and reasonable cultural identity essay ideas as well as make the writing process much more pleasant:

  • Start off by creating an outline. The reason why most students struggle with creating a cultural identity essay lies behind a weak structure. The best way to organize your ideas and let them flow logically is to come up with a helpful outline. Having a reference to build on is incredibly useful, and it allows your essay to look polished.
  • Remember to write about yourself. The task of a cultural identity essay implies not focusing on your culture per se, but to talk about how it shaped your personality. So, switch your focus to describing who you are and what your attitudes and positions are. 
  • Think of the most fundamental cultural aspects. Needless to say, you first need to come up with a couple of ideas to be based upon in your paper. So, brainstorm all the possible ideas and try to decide which of them deserve the most attention. In essence, try to determine which of the aspects affected your personality the most.
  • Edit and proofread before submitting your paper. Of course, the content and the coherence of your essay’s structure play a crucial role. But the grammatical correctness matters a lot too. Even if you are a native speaker, you may still make accidental errors in the text. To avoid the situation when unintentional mistakes spoil the impression from your essay, always double check your cultural identity essay. 

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130 Culture Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Culture is a rich and diverse concept that encompasses various aspects of human society. When writing an essay on culture, it is essential to choose a topic that is not only interesting but also allows for in-depth exploration and analysis. To help you get started, here are 130 culture essay topic ideas and examples:

  • The impact of globalization on traditional cultures.
  • Cultural appropriation: the line between appreciation and exploitation.
  • The role of social media in shaping modern culture.
  • The influence of pop culture on youth identity.
  • The impact of immigration on cultural diversity.
  • The significance of language in preserving cultural heritage.
  • Cultural stereotypes: their origins and consequences.
  • The impact of colonialism on indigenous cultures.
  • The portrayal of gender roles in different cultures.
  • The role of food in cultural identity.
  • The impact of technology on cultural practices.
  • The influence of religion on cultural values.
  • Cultural assimilation versus cultural preservation.
  • The role of museums in preserving cultural artifacts.
  • The impact of music on cultural expression.
  • The significance of traditional clothing in different cultures.
  • The role of education in promoting cultural understanding.
  • The impact of cultural tourism on local communities.
  • Cultural differences in communication styles.
  • The role of art in reflecting and shaping culture.
  • The impact of globalization on indigenous art forms.
  • Cultural practices surrounding birth and death.
  • The influence of media on cultural perceptions.
  • Cultural taboos: understanding and respecting diverse norms.
  • The role of folklore in preserving cultural traditions.
  • Cultural rituals and their significance in different societies.
  • The impact of cultural diversity on teamwork and collaboration.
  • Cultural expressions of love and romance.
  • The role of family in transmitting cultural values.
  • The influence of culture on healthcare practices.
  • Cultural appropriation in the fashion industry.
  • The significance of cultural festivals and celebrations.
  • Cultural differences in parenting styles.
  • The impact of colonialism on language extinction.
  • The role of sports in promoting cultural unity.
  • Cultural perceptions of beauty and body image.
  • The influence of technology on traditional storytelling.
  • Cultural differences in concepts of time and punctuality.
  • The impact of cultural stereotypes on self-identity.
  • Cultural expressions of grief and mourning.
  • The role of cultural heritage in sustainable development.
  • Cultural differences in attitudes towards aging.
  • The influence of culture on political ideologies.
  • Cultural practices surrounding marriage and weddings.
  • The significance of cultural symbols and their meanings.
  • The impact of cultural diversity on workplace dynamics.
  • Cultural differences in educational systems.
  • The role of culture in shaping personal values.
  • Cultural expressions of power and authority.
  • The influence of culture on decision-making processes.
  • Cultural differences in attitudes towards mental health.
  • The impact of colonialism on cultural appropriation.
  • Cultural expressions of hospitality and etiquette.
  • The role of culture in shaping environmental attitudes.
  • Cultural differences in approaches to conflict resolution.
  • The significance of cultural heritage in post-conflict reconciliation.
  • The influence of culture on attitudes towards gender equality.
  • Cultural expressions of spirituality and religion.
  • The impact of cultural diversity on economic development.
  • Cultural differences in concepts of privacy and personal space.
  • The role of culture in shaping political systems.
  • Cultural practices surrounding food and eating habits.
  • The significance of cultural heritage in urban planning.
  • The impact of cultural stereotypes on intercultural communication.
  • Cultural expressions of humor and satire.
  • The influence of culture on consumer behavior.
  • Cultural differences in concepts of success and achievement.
  • The role of culture in shaping environmental conservation efforts.
  • The significance of cultural heritage in disaster resilience.
  • The impact of cultural diversity on healthcare access and outcomes.
  • Cultural expressions of social justice and activism.
  • The influence of culture on attitudes towards disability.
  • Cultural differences in concepts of leadership and authority.
  • The role of culture in shaping peacebuilding efforts.
  • Cultural practices surrounding gender and sexuality.
  • The significance of cultural heritage in promoting social cohesion.
  • The impact of cultural stereotypes on media representation.
  • Cultural expressions of protest and resistance.
  • The influence of culture on attitudes towards technology.
  • Cultural differences in concepts of beauty and aesthetics.
  • The role of culture in shaping educational policies.
  • The significance of cultural heritage in promoting intergenerational dialogue.
  • The impact of cultural diversity on cultural diplomacy.
  • Cultural expressions of identity and belonging.
  • The influence of culture on attitudes towards immigration.
  • Cultural differences in concepts of justice and fairness.
  • The role of culture in shaping urban design and architecture.
  • The significance of cultural heritage in promoting peace and reconciliation.
  • The impact of cultural stereotypes on employment opportunities.
  • Cultural expressions of resistance and resilience.
  • The influence of culture on attitudes towards climate change.
  • Cultural differences in concepts of morality and ethics.
  • The role of culture in shaping public policies.
  • The significance of cultural heritage in promoting social inclusion.
  • The impact of cultural diversity on intercultural relationships.
  • Cultural expressions of cultural hybridity and fusion.
  • The influence of culture on attitudes towards animal rights.
  • Cultural differences in concepts of health and well-being.
  • The role of culture in shaping immigration policies.
  • The significance of cultural heritage in promoting sustainable tourism.
  • The impact of cultural stereotypes on educational opportunities.
  • Cultural expressions of resilience and post-traumatic growth.
  • The influence of culture on attitudes towards artificial intelligence.
  • Cultural differences in concepts of democracy and governance.
  • The role of culture in shaping social welfare policies.
  • The significance of cultural heritage in promoting human rights.
  • The impact of cultural diversity on intercultural friendships.
  • Cultural expressions of cultural preservation and revitalization.
  • The influence of culture on attitudes towards genetic engineering.
  • Cultural differences in concepts of peace and conflict.
  • The role of culture in shaping criminal justice systems.
  • The significance of cultural heritage in promoting gender equality.
  • The impact of cultural stereotypes on access to financial resources.
  • Cultural expressions of cultural resistance and decolonization.
  • The influence of culture on attitudes towards space exploration.
  • Cultural differences in concepts of identity and belonging.
  • The role of culture in shaping educational curricula.
  • The significance of cultural heritage in promoting intercultural dialogue.
  • The impact of cultural diversity on artistic collaborations.
  • Cultural expressions of cultural exchange and cross-pollination.
  • The influence of culture on attitudes towards nuclear energy.
  • Cultural differences in concepts of citizenship and belonging.
  • The role of culture in shaping healthcare policies.
  • The significance of cultural heritage in promoting environmental sustainability.
  • The impact of cultural stereotypes on access to housing.
  • Cultural expressions of cultural resilience and adaptation.
  • The influence of culture on attitudes towards space ethics.
  • Cultural differences in concepts of social justice and equity.
  • The role of culture in shaping social media policies.
  • The significance of cultural heritage in promoting cultural diplomacy.

Remember, these topics are just a starting point. Feel free to modify or combine them to suit your interests and research goals. Good luck with your essay on culture!

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Essays about Culture and Identity: 9 Examples And Prompts

Writing essays about culture and identity will help you explore your understanding of it. Here are examples that will give you inspiration for your next essay.

Culture can refer to customs, traditions, beliefs, lifestyles, laws, artistic expressions, and other elements that cultivate the collective identity. Different cultures are established across nations, regions, communities, and social groups. They are passed on from generation to generation while others evolve or are abolished to give way to modern beliefs and systems.

While our cultural identity begins at home, it changes as we involve ourselves with other groups (friends, educational institutions, social media communities, political groups, etc.) Culture is a very relatable subject as every person is part of a culture or at least can identify with one. Because it spans broad coverage, there are several interesting cultural subjects to write about.

Our culture and identity are dynamic. This is why you may find it challenging to write about it. To spark your inspiration, check out our picks of the best culture essays. 

1. Sweetness and Light by Matthew Arnolds

2. how auto-tune revolutionized the sound of popular music by simon reynolds, 3. how immigration changes language by john mcwhorter, 4. the comfort zone: growing up with charlie brown by jonathan franzen, 5. culture and identity definition by sandra graham, 6. how culture and surroundings influence identity by jeanette lucas, 7. how the food we eat reflects our culture and identity by sophia stephens, 8. identity and culture: my identity, culture, and identity by april casas, 9. how america hinders the cultural identity of their own citizens by seth luna, 1. answer the question, “who am i”, 2. causes of culture shock, 3. your thoughts on dystopia and utopia, 4. gender inequality from a global perspective, 5. the most interesting things you learned from other cultures, 6. the relationship between cultural identity and clothes, 7. describe your culture, 8. what is the importance of honoring your roots , 9. how can a person adapt to a new culture, 10. what artistic works best express your country’s culture, 11. how has social media influenced human interaction, 12. how do you protect the cultures of indigenous peoples, 13. are k-pop and k-drama sensations effectively promoting korea’s culture , 14. what is the importance of cultural diversity.

“… [A]nd when every man may say what he likes, our aspirations ought to be satisfied. But the aspirations of culture, which is the study of perfection, are not satisfied, unless what men say, when they may say what they like, is worth saying,—has good in it, and more good than bad.”

Arnolds compels a re-examination of values at a time when England is leading global industrialization and beginning to believe that greatness is founded on material progress. 

The author elaborates why culture, the strive for a standard of perfection, is not merely driven by scientific passions and, more so, by materialistic affluence. As he esteems religion as “that voice of the deepest human experience” to harmonize men in establishing that ideal society, Arnolds stresses that culture is the effort to “make reason and the will of God prevail” while humanizing gained knowledge to be society’s source of “sweetness and light.”

“Few innovations in sound production have been simultaneously so reviled and so revolutionary. Epoch-defining or epoch-defacing, Auto-Tune is indisputably the sound of the 21st century so far.”

Reynolds shows how Auto-Tune has shaped a pop music genre that has cut across cultures. The article maps out the music landscape Auto-Tune created and examines its impact on the culture of song productions and the modern taste for music. While the author debunks accusations that Auto-Tune destroyed the “natural” process of creating music, he also points out that the technology earned its reverence with big thanks to society’s current custom of using technology to hide blemishes and other imperfections.

Looking for more? Check out these essays about culture shock .

“… [T]he heavy immigration that countries like Italy are experiencing will almost certainly birth new kinds of Italian that are rich with slang, somewhat less elaborate than the standard, and… widely considered signs of linguistic deterioration, heralding a future where the “original” standard language no longer exists.”

American linguist McWhorter pacifies fears over the death of “standard” languages amid the wave of immigration to Europe. On the contrary, language is a vital expression of a culture, and for some, preserving is tantamount to upholding a cultural standard. 

However, instead of seeing the rise of new “multiethnolects” such as the Black English in America and Kiezdeutsch in Germany as threats to language and culture, McWhorter sees them as a new way to communicate and better understand the social groups that forayed these new languages.

“I wonder why “cartoonish” remains such a pejorative. It took me half my life to achieve seeing my parents as cartoons. And to become more perfectly a cartoon myself: what a victory that would be.”

This essay begins with a huge fight between Franzen’s brother and father to show how the cultural generation gap sweeping the 60s has hit closer to home. This generation gap, where young adults were rejecting the elders’ old ways in pursuit of a new and better culture, will also be the reason why his family ends up drifting apart. Throughout the essay, Franzen treads this difficult phase in his youth while narrating fondly how Peanuts, a pop culture icon at the time, was his source of escape. 

“…Culture is… your background… and Identity is formed where you belong to… Leopold Sedar Senghor and Shirley Geok-Lin Lim both talks about how culture and identity can impact… society…”

In this essay, Graham uses “To New York” by Senghor and “Learning To Love America” by Lim as two pieces of literature that effectively describe the role of culture and identity to traveling individuals. 

The author refers to Sengho’s reminder that people can adapt but must not forget their culture even if they go to a different place or country. On the other hand, Lim discusses immigrants’ struggle to have double identities.

“Culture is something that surrounds all of us and progress to shape our lives every day… Identity is illustrated as the state of mind in which someone or something distinguishes their own character traits that lead to determining who they really are, what they represent.”

Lucas is keen on giving examples of how his culture and surroundings influence an individual’s identity. She refers to Kothari’s “If you are what you eat, then what am I?” which discusses Kothari’s search for her identity depending on what food she eats. Food defines a person’s culture and identity, so Kothari believes that eating food from different countries will change his identity.

Lucas also refers to “Down These Mean Streets” by Piri Thomas, which argues how different cultural and environmental factors affect us. Because of what we encounter, there is a possibility that we will become someone who we are not. 

“What we grow is who we are. What we buy is who we are. What we eat is who we are.”

Stephens’ essay teaches its readers that the food we grow and eat defines us as a person. She explains that growing a crop and harvesting it takes a lot of effort, dedication, and patience, which mirrors our identity. 

Another metaphor she used is planting rice: it takes skills and knowledge to make it grow. Cooking rice is more accessible than cultivating it – you can quickly cook rice by boiling it in water. This reflects people rich in culture and tradition but who lives simpler life. 

“Every single one has their own unique identity and culture. Culture plays a big role in shaping your identity. Culture is what made me the person I am today and determines who or what I choose to associate myself with.”

Casas starts her piece by questioning who she is. In trying to learn and define who she is, she writes down and describes herself and her personality throughout the essay. Finally, she concludes that her culture is a big part of her identity, and she must understand it to understand herself.

“When it comes to these stereotypes we place on each other, a lot of the time, we succumb to the stereotypes given to us. And our cultural identity is shaped by these expectations and labels others give us. That is why negative stereotypes sometimes become true for a whole group or community.”

In this essay, Luna talks about how negative stereotyping in the United States led to moral distortion. For example, Americans are assumed to be ignorant of other countries’ cultures, making it difficult to understand other people’s cultures and lifestyles. 

She believes that stereotyping can significantly affect an individual or group’s identity. She suggests Americans should improve their intellectual competence by being sensitive to other people’s cultures.

14 Prompts on Essays about Culture and Identity

You can discuss many things on the subject of culture and identity. To give you a starting point, here are some prompts to help you write an exciting essay about culture. 

If you are interested in learning more, check out our essay writing tips and our round-up of the best essay checkers .

Understanding your personality is vital since continuous interaction with others can affect your personality. Write about your culture and identity; what is your personality? How do you define yourself? Everyone is unique, so by writing an essay about who you are, you’ll be able to understand why you act a certain way and connect with readers who have the same values. 

Here’s a guide on writing a descriptive essay to effectively relay your experience to your readers.

Sometimes, people need to get out of their comfort zone and interact with other individuals with different cultures, beliefs, or traditions. This is to broaden one’s perspective about the world. Aside from discussing what you’ve learned in that journey, you can also focus on the bits that shocked you. 

You can talk about a tradition or value that you found so bizarre because it differs from your culture. Then add how you processed it and finally adapted to it.

Essays about Culture and Identity: Your Thoughts on Dystopia and Utopia

Dystopia and Utopia are both imagined worlds. Dystopia is a world where people live in the worst or most unfavorable conditions, while Utopia is the opposite. 

You can write an essay about what you think a Dystopian or Utopian world may look like, how these societies will affect their citizens, etc. Then, consider what personality citizens of each world may have to depend on the two worlds’ cultures.

Today, more and more people are fighting for others to accept or at least respect the LGBTQ+ community. However, countries, territories, and religions still question their rights.

In your essay, you can talk about why these institutions react the way they do and how culture dictates someone’s identity in the wrong way. Before creating your own, feel free to read other essays and articles to learn more about the global gender inequality issue. 

The world has diverse cultures, traditions, and values. When you travel to a new place, learning and writing about your firsthand experiences with unique cultures and rituals will always be an interesting read.

In this prompt, you’ll research other cultures and how they shaped their group’s identity. Then, write about the most exciting aspects you’ve learned, why you found them fascinating, and how they differ from your culture.

Those proud of their culture will wear clothes inspired by them. Some wear the same clothes even if they aren’t from the same culture. The debate over cultural appropriation and culture appreciation is still a hot topic. 

In this essay, you may start with the traditions of your community or observances your family celebrates and gathers for. Then, elaborate on their origins and describe how your community or family is preserving these practices. 

Learning about your roots, ancestors, and family cultures can help strengthen your understanding of your identity and foster respect for other cultures. Explore this topic and offer examples of what others have learned. Has the journey always been a positive experience? Delve into this question for an engaging and interesting essay.

When a person moves country, it can be challenging to adapt to a new culture. If there are new people at work or school, you can interview them and ask how they are coping with their new environment. How different is this from what they have been used to, and what unique traditions do they find interesting?

Focus on an art piece that is a source of pride and identity to your country’s culture, much like the Tinikling of the Philippines or the Matryoshka dolls of Russia. Explore its origins and evolution up to its current manifestation and highlight efforts that are striving to protect and promote these artistic works.

The older generation did not have computers in their teen years. Ask about how they dated in their younger years and how they made friends. Contrast how the younger generation is building their social networks today. Write what culture of socialization works better for you and explain why.

Take in-depth navigation of existing policies that protect indigenous peoples. Are they sufficient to serve these communities needs, and are they being implemented effectively? There is also the challenge of balancing the protection of these traditions against the need to protect the environment, as some indigenous practices add to the carbon footprint. How is your government dealing with this challenge?

A large population is now riding the Hallyu or the Korean pop culture, with many falling in love with the artists and Korea’s food, language, and traditional events. Research how certain Korean films, TV series, or music have effectively attracted fans to experience Korea’s culture. Write about what countries can learn from Korea in promoting their own cultures.

Environments that embrace cultural diversity are productive and innovative. To start your essay, assess how diverse your workplace or school is. Then, write your personal experiences where working with co-workers or classmates from different cultures led to new and innovative ideas and projects. Combine this with the personal experiences of your boss or the principal to see how your environment benefits from hosting a melting pot of cultures.

If you aim for your article to effectively change readers’ perspectives and align with your opinion, read our guide to achieving persuasive writing . 

essay topics about cultural identity

Aisling is an Irish journalist and content creator with a BA in Journalism & New Media. She has bylines in OK! Magazine, Metro, The Inquistr, and the Irish Examiner. She loves to read horror and YA. Find Aisling on LinkedIn .

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How to Write a Cultural Identity Essay With Tips and Examples

  • 11 December 2023
  • 11 min read

Writing a cultural identity essay is an exciting academic exercise that allows students to develop and utilize critical thinking, reflective, and analytical skills. Unlike a standard essay, this type of paper requires learners to use first-person language throughout. In essence, a cultural identity essay is about writers and what makes them identify with a particular cultural orientation. When writing a cultural identity essay, authors should choose a specific identity and focus on it throughout their texts. Moreover, they should reflect and brainstorm, use the “show, not tell” method, utilize transitions to create a natural flow, and proofread their papers to eliminate mistakes and errors. Hence, students need to learn how to write a cultural identity essay to provide high-quality papers to their readers.

Definition of a Cultural Identity Essay

Students undertake different writing exercises in the learning environment to develop their critical thinking, reflective, and analytical skills. Basically, one of these exercises is academic writing , and among different types of essays that students write is a cultural identity essay. In this case, it is a type of essay where authors write about their culture, which entails exploring and explaining the significance of their cultural identity. Moreover, there are numerous topics that instructors may require students to write about in a cultural identity essay. For example, some of these essay topics fall under different disciplines, such as religion, socio-economic status, family, education, ethnicity, and business. In essence, the defining features of a cultural identity essay are what aspects make authors know that they are writing in this type of essay. In turn, these features include language, nationality, gender, history, upbringing, and religion, among many others.

How to write a cultural identity essay

Differences Between a Cultural Identity Essay and Other Papers

Generally, a cultural identity essay is similar to a standard essay regarding an essay structure and an essay outline . However, the point of difference is the topic. While standard essays, such as argumentative, persuasive, and informative essays, require learners to use third-person language, such a paper requires them to use first-person language. In this case, when writing a cultural identity essay, authors should use the word “I” throughout to show the audience that they are writing from their perspective. Indeed, this aspect is the primary objective of a cultural identity essay – to give the writer’s perspective concerning their culture. Besides, another point of difference between a cultural identity essay and other papers is that the former does not require writers to utilize external sources but to write from a personal viewpoint.

List of Possible Examples of Cultural Identity Essay Topics

1. cultural identity and socialization in a learning environment.

Here, a cultural identity essay prompt may require students to discuss the significance of culture in education, focusing on cultural identity and socialization. As such, this topic requires writers to reflect on how culture influences behavior in a learning environment.

2. The Impact of Culture Change on Family

Here, this prompt may require students to explore and discuss how culture impacts a family unit. Moreover, the theme is a family, and the students’ mission would be to explain how culture in all its dynamics affects families in diverse settings.

3. The Role of Language in Building a Cultural Identity

Here, instructions may require students to explore and explain the significance of language in cultural identity. Hence, writers should focus on explaining the place of culture in the sociology discipline, focusing on the connection between language and cultural identity.

4. The Significance of Culture in a Globalized Economy

Here, a cultural identity essay topic may require students to explore and discuss how culture affects individuals and businesses in today’s connected world. Also, the students’ task would be to explain how culture, in all its dynamics, such as language, is essential in business for individuals and enterprises.

5. How Culture Influences Relations in the Workplace

Here, an essay prompt may require students to explore and explain how culture, in all its dynamics, affects or influences social relations at the workplace. In turn, the task of writers, for example, would be to focus on how Human Resource (HR) departments can use culture to enrich workplace relations.

6. The Place of Culture in Individuals’ Self-Concept

Here, an analysis of a theme may require students to reflect on how their cultural orientation has affected their self-concept. Moreover, the student’s task would be to discuss how culture and its dynamics enable individuals to build a strong or weak understanding of themselves.

7. The Importance of Cultural Orientation in a Multicultural Environment

Here, assignment instructions may require students to explore and discuss how their cultural orientation enables them to operate in a culturally diverse environment, such as a school or workplace. In this case, the student’s task would be to explain how cultural characteristics, such as language and religion, facilitate or hamper social competency in a multicultural setting. 

8. How Global Conflicts Disturb Cultural Identity for Refugees

Here, this example of a cultural identity topic may require students to explore and explain how conflicts in today’s world, such as civil unrest, affect the cultural identity of those who flee to foreign countries. Also, the student’s task would be to explain how one’s culture is affected in a new environment with totally different cultural dynamics.

9. The Challenges of Acculturation

Here, a cultural identity essay prompt may require students to explore and explain the challenges that individuals face in identifying with the dominant culture. In particular, the student’s task would be to explain the significance of the dominant culture and what those from other cultures that try to identify with it must confront.

10. Host Country Culture and Multinational Enterprises

Here, this prompt sample may require students to explore and explain how a host country’s culture affects expatriates working for multinational corporations. Besides, the students’ task would be to show how one’s culture defines their behaviors and how that can be affected in a new environment with new cultural characteristics.

11. Compare and Contrast Native Culture and Dominant Culture in the United States

Here, such instructions require students to explain specific areas of similarity and difference between the Native culture and the dominant culture. In turn, the students’ task would be to define the Native culture and the dominant culture and help the audience to understand whether they mean the same thing. Hence, whether they do or do not, students should elaborate.

12. The Objective of Acculturation

Here, this example of a cultural identity essay topic requires students to explore and explain why people prefer to identify with the dominant culture. Moreover, the students’ task would be to note the advantages of the dominant culture over others and the opportunities that one may access to identify with this dominant culture.

13. The Challenges That the LGBTQ Community Faces in the Modern World

Here, essay prompt instructions require students to explore and discuss the challenges that lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender people face in their normal day-to-day activities. In this case, the students’ task would be to explain the uniqueness of the LGBTQ community and how stereotyping makes their lives miserable in an environment where people are intolerant of different personalities and viewpoints.

14. Dangers of Cultural Intolerance in the Health Care System

Here, instructions may require students to explore and discuss how nurses that are intolerant to cultural differences may jeopardize patients’ lives.

15. Advantages and Disadvantages of Acculturation

Here, a cultural identity essay prompt requires students to discuss the pros and cons of identifying with the dominant culture.

How Students Know if They Write a Cultural Identity Essay

The defining features of a cultural identity essay give students the indication that they need to write this kind of essay. Basically, when learners read instructions regarding their essay topics they need to write about, they should identify one or several defining elements. In turn, these elements include language, nationality, religion, ethnicity, and gender.

Structure of a Cultural Identity Essay

As stated previously, the primary point of similarity between a cultural identity essay and standard papers is an essay structure and an essay outline. Basically, this structure and outline comprise of three main sections: introduction, body, and conclusion. Like in all other essays, writing a cultural identity essay requires students to address specific issues, which are, in essence, the defining characteristics of the essay’s structure and outline.

I. Introduction and Its Defining Characteristics

The introduction is the first paragraph of a cultural identity essay. Here, students introduce themselves to the audience, giving a brief background of their cultural identity. Moreover, rules of academic writing dictate that this part should not exceed 10 percent of the entire paper. In this case, writers should be brief and concise. Then, the most prominent component of this section is a thesis, a statement that appears at the end of an introduction paragraph and whose objective is to indicate the writer’s mission. In summary, the introduction part’s defining features are the writer’s background and thesis statement . In turn, the former gives a hint about a writer, and the latter provides the audience with insight into the writer’s objective in writing a cultural identity essay.

The body of a cultural identity essay is the most significant section of a paper and takes the largest part. Generally, writers use several paragraphs to advance different arguments to explain specific concepts. In a cultural identity essay, writers can use different paragraphs to explain important aspects of their cultural identity. Nonetheless, what determines the number of paragraphs and the content of each is a paper topic. Also, the most prominent defining features of a cultural identity essay’s body are paragraphs, with each advancing a unique concept about the writer’s cultural identity. In turn, paragraphs are where writers provide real-life experiences and other personal anecdotes that help the audience to develop a deeper understanding of authors from a cultural perspective.

III. Conclusion

The conclusion part is the last section of a cultural identity essay. In particular, writers restate a thesis statement and summarize the main points from body paragraphs. Moreover, authors provide concluding remarks about a topic, which is mostly an objective personal opinion. In summary, the conclusion part’s defining features are a restatement of a thesis, a summary of the main points, and the writer’s final thoughts about a topic.

Outline Template for a Cultural Identity Essay

I. Introduction

A. Hook statement/sentence. B. Background information. C. A thesis statement that covers the main ideas from 1 to X in one sentence.

II. Body Paragraphs

A. Idea 1 B. Idea 2 … X. Idea X

A. Restating a thesis statement. B. Summary of the main points from A to X. C. Final thoughts.

An Example of a Cultural Identity Essay

Topic: Identifying as a Naturalist

I. Introduction Sample in a Cultural Identity Essay

The period of birth marks the beginning of one’s identity, with culture playing a significant role. However, from the stage of adolescence going forward, individuals begin to recognize and understand their cultural makeup. In my case, I have come to discover my love for nature, an aspect that I believe has made me a naturalist both in belief and action.

II. Examples of Body Paragraphs in a Cultural Identity Essay

A. idea 1: parents.

Parents play a critical role in shaping the cultural and personal identity of their children. In my case, it is my mother who has instilled in me a love for nature. Although I may not say exactly when this love started, I can only reason that since it was ingrained in me since childhood, it has developed gradually.

B. Idea 2: Naturalism

Today, naturalism defines my interactions with people and the environment. In short, I can say it shapes my worldview. As a lover of nature herself, my mother had this habit of taking me outdoors when I was a toddler. I have seen family photographs of my mother walking through parks and forests holding my hand. What is noticeable in these pictures besides my mother and me is the tree cover that gives the setting such a lovely sight. Moreover, I can now understand why I seem more conversant with the names and species of flowers, trees, and birds than my siblings- my mother was the influence. In turn, my siblings and friends make a joke that I have developed a strong love for nature to the point of identifying myself with the environment. Hence, the basis for this argument is my love for the green color, where even my clothes and toys are mostly green.

III. Conclusion Sample of a Cultural Identity Essay

Naturally, human beings behave in line with their cultural background and orientation. Basically, this behavior is what determines or reflects their cultural identity. In turn, my intense love for nature underscores my naturalist identity. While I may not tell the stage in life when I assumed this identity, I know my mother has played a significant role in shaping it, and this is since childhood.

Summing Up on How to Write a Good Cultural Identity Essay

Like any standard paper, writing a cultural identity essay allows students to build essential skills, such as critical thinking, reflective, and analytical skills. In this case, the essence of a paper is to provide the writer’s cultural identity, background, or orientation. Therefore, in order to learn how to write a good cultural identity essay, students should master the following tips:

  • Decide where to focus. Culture is a broad topic, and deciding what to focus on is essential in producing a cultural identity essay. For example, one may have several cultural identities, and addressing all may lead to inconclusive explanations.
  • Reflect and brainstorm. Given the close link between one’s cultural identity and personal experiences, learners need to reflect on experiences that would provide the audience with an accurate picture of their cultural identity.
  • Adopt the “Show, not tell” approach by providing vivid details about one’s experiences. Using personal anecdotes may be effective in accomplishing this objective.
  • Use transitions , such as “therefore,” “thus,” ” additionally,” and “furthermore,” to enhance a natural and logical flow throughout the essay.
  • Stay personal by using first-person language to describe one’s background and experiences.
  • Proofread a cultural identity essay to eliminate spelling and grammatical mistakes and other notable errors, such as an inconsistent life storyline.

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Electrifying guide to a cultural identity essay.

cultural identity essay

“The beauty of the world lies in the diversity of its people.” A simple statement but carrying worth centuries and decades of wisdom. In layman’s language, the account would mean that without diversity, then the world would be one boring place to stay.

Imagine the world with only men, or women, or even animals from one place alone. It wouldn’t have been impressive as it is now with people from all walks of life. And robots are also joining the community, adding to the diversity of this blooming planet, earth. 

So, what is culture? Simply put, it denotes the ways of life of different people. It can be in various aspects, such as the following:

  • Social relations

These are just but a few of how different people differ from each other. Now, to what brought you here, what is a cultural identity essay?

Definition of a Cultural Identity Essay

A cultural identity paper is one that brings out the identity of a person concerning the place where they grew up, religion, economic, or family status. Cultural identity, therefore, means a group of people that one can identify within his/her essay. But wait, there’s more!

Structure of a Cultural Identity Essay

Essays about cultural identity take the same format as other types of academic essay assignments. So, what’s the catch?

The main difference between a cultural identity essay and the other types is that it, unlike the others, it uses the first-person pronoun (I and We). 

To add on that, hardly will students be required to do citations of sources because this paper is more of personal experiences. Students will, therefore, need to have substantial background information to come up with an outstanding cultural identity paper.

The MLA formatting style takes center stage in this type of essay. One would need to be creative enough and have sufficient information to convince the reader. Here are some sources you could use for your cultural identity essay:

  • Your parents (preferably the grandparents)
  • Television documentaries on culture
  • History books in libraries

Bear in mind that all these sources should be operating or found in your national or locality. Let me tell you why.

People who are from a particular area understand their culture and heritage than those from outside. Can a visitor to come to your house for the first time and know what is under your bed? I bet no. 

The crucial differences which distinguish human societies and human beings are not biological. They are cultural. Ruth Benedict.

Are you ready for some cultural identity essay ideas? Then, move that scroll wheel downwards.

Cultural Identity Essay Ideas for You!

The ideas are so many ideas that you can choose from for your essay on cultural identity. A starting point would be asking yourself, “What is my cultural identity?”. You can consider the following ideas:

  • An experience that you went through
  • The story behind a specific famous locality
  • The impact of a particular culture
  • A common practice among people and where it originated from
  • Think of one particular language and trace its roots
  • How have the people around you influenced you?
  • What kinds of food do you eat differently from others, and why?
  • How do you feel when sited with a person of a different race?
  • How do you dress, and why?
  • The impact your religion has had on you
  • What activities did you engage in as a child?

Again the ideas are not limited to what I have listed above. Have you ever watched a football derby, let’s say between Barcelona and Real Madrid? Do you see the number of spectators in attendance? Well, the ideas for essays about identity are more than that.

You may also make use of the numerous cultural identity essay examples found on the internet to generate more ideas. We advise you to take a look at racism essay topics .

And as if that’s not enough, let me share some tips that will help a long way in cranking up your next cultural identity essay.

Great Tips for an Excellent Essay on Cultural Identity

Let’s get down to them right away.

  • Significant on personal experiences unless stated otherwise
  • Make use of linking words
  • Use vivid description
  • MLA formatting
  • Don’t assume, every detail matters

Although these are general tips, their application in your essay will make a high impact on your grades. Now, this is important.

How Would you Describe your Cultural Identity?

A vivid description of the use of personal experiences is the most recommended way that you can use.

What Are Examples of Cultural Identity?

They include nationality, ethnicity, religion, social class, generation, and locality, just but a few to mention.

Why is Having a Cultural Identity Important?

It gives people a sense of belonging to a particular social or ethnic group. Cultural identity also contributes to acknowledging and balancing the beliefs and values of other people and their cultures.

Difference Between Culture and Identity?

Culture is a way of life of a particular group of people, whereas identity is the knowledge of who you are as a person. 

It is as simple and straightforward as that. A cultural identity essay would not take you more than an hour to complete with the tips and outline given above. Take one of the recommended ideas above and start writing an essay on it. You will be amazed at how far you’ve improved your skills in cultural identity essays.

We know that writing an essay for your college assignment would prove tough for you, especially without an excellent writing service . Dubious websites would lure you into giving them your work and later disappoint you with low quality work at high rates. However, with us, we offer professional writers with years of expertise and a proven track record from our thousands of clients.

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Writing An Excellent Cultural Identity Essay For All Levels

cultural identity essay

Before starting an identity essay, it’s important that you first consider what the assignment prompt is asking you to do. This kind of writing is closely associated with narrative writing because it can be quite personal, but sometimes you will need to write about others. In the latter case, you should refer to some cultural identity essay examples to learn how to talk about a cultural group you may not feel a part of without causing any offense. An identity essay can be tricky if you don’t fully understand the definition, so we will discuss it a bit in this article as well as give you a few ideas on the subject worth your consideration.

What is Cultural Identity?

The widely accepted definition of cultural identity is that it is the concept or belief of belonging to a specific group of people. This is, of course, filled with many sub-factors and is debatable because of the various cultural, historical, and generational characteristics (among others) that one can use to classify oneself or a group. It can be a bit complicated and many experts suggest that is no absolute definition since the characteristics one chooses to use often expand to overlap with others.

Students may find themselves having to write an essay response for an application or a personal narrative that asks them to answer the question “What is my cultural identity?” and not have a clear idea of where to begin. In such cases, it’s probably best for students to review an identity essay example to develop a better understanding of the best method for defining and writing a logical response. With a little bit of practice, students will get a full grasp of what readers are looking for when dealing with this subject. As for the structure and format, you can follow a typical five-paragraph essay outline.

12 Essay Topics on Identity Issues

The following 12 topics deal with a variety of areas appropriate for an identity paper assignment for high school, college, and graduate school courses. We encourage students to consider each one carefully and thoroughly, and then to apply their own twist to the ideas presented in order to make the subject truly personal:

  • Language is an essential piece of what makes us who we are culturally speaking. But many people take their families traditional forms of communicating for granted and instead adopt a new language to fit in with their surroundings. Write a cultural identity essay about myself where you discuss being bi-lingual.
  • Describe a real-life experience that helped you connect with a group in a self-identity essay. This can be a connection you felt with family, friends, or strangers. It should be something that you believe has influenced you to become the person you are today.
  • How did the foods that you ate and the language that you spoke at home when growing up, affect the way you identify? Write a culture and identity essay focused on your family and upbringing. Consider how things were different from you than others in your neighborhood.
  • Do you identify as an American or do you hold on to another country’s culture? Write an American identity essay where you explore what it means to be an American and whether or not the blinds between being single or multi-cultural is still relevant today.
  • How does the way we communicate with family, friends, and strangers influence the way we think about identity? How are these two things linked and how important is the former to the latter? Write a language and identity essay exploring this relationship, and consider using personal examples.
  • Write an ethnic identity essay comparing and contrasting two different groups of people that are often combined in generalized discussions. For instance, Chinese and Japanese, Mexican and Salvadorians, or English and Scottish, etc. How are these generalizations offensive and why are they still prevalent in media and the way people perceive them?
  • With so many people conducting various day-to-day activities, are we to blame for being victims to cyber-crimes? Give an example of such a crime in an identity theft essay that examines cause and effect – and take an unbiased approach towards casting blame.
  • Examine how American Literature of the 20th century lends itself to common beliefs about ethnicity and equality in a racial identity essay. Do writers set racial boundaries that are encouraged or promoted in today’s society or do they aim to bring down such boundaries by citing the existence of such barriers?
  • Give an explanation behind the personal identity definition. For instance, how does one’s personal identity change over time as a result of environmental and social factors that have a great influence on the way one may view him or herself?
  • Write an essay about identity in the 21st century. Consider the different ways in which people are generally more inclined to be untruthful when it comes to stating beliefs over the internet as a result of anonymity without checks. Does this strengthen people’s perception of their own identity or does it take them further away from reality?
  • Write an essay about identity in a world where social media communication has become the primary way for people to communicate with masses who they don’t know personally. Think of followers on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram and a user’s quest to reach out to more people and increase followers and fans.
  • Describe how an identity essay introduction for something like a university admission or scholarship application can give the wrong impression if it is poorly written. What are the most important qualities that should be expressed in the opening paragraph?

Finding High-Quality Writing Assistance on the Web

In order to learn more about proper structure and format for a personal identity essay, students are encouraged to visit a professional academic writing service online. There they will find a variety of resources, including identity essay examples, custom-written templates, and original topics to fit specific assignment prompts. For an affordable price, students can also hire a professional to write, review, edit, or proofread a cultural identity essay to ensure they hand in an assignment that meets the highest standards of academic quality at any grade level.

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A List of 185 Interesting Cultural Topics to Write About

Culture is a set of knowledge, behaviors, and beliefs shared by a group of people. You would probably agree that it’s an integral part of humanity. It’s no wonder that students are often assigned to write about it.

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That’s why we came up with a list of interesting and creative culture essay topics. Whether you are writing a research paper, an essay, or a speech, our list of culture topics is for you. You can find various topics from popular culture and funny aspects of culture to cultural diversity. They will be useful for middle school, high school, and college students.

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  • 🔝 Top 10 Topics
  • 🏺 Western Culture Topics
  • 📚✍️ Cultural Criticism
  • 🎥 Cultural Phenomena
  • 🧔👓 Subculture Topics
  • 🧑🤝🧑 Socio-Cultural Topics
  • ⛩️🕌 Cultural Diversity
  • 👥 Cultural Anthropology

🔝 Top 10 Cultural Topics

  • What causes culture shock?
  • Cultural appropriation in fashion
  • The Cold War’s impact on culture
  • Women’s role in Italian culture
  • Global impact of American culture
  • How to preserve cultural diversity
  • Pros and cons of cultural globalization
  • Cultural differences in East Asian countries
  • How do people assimilate into a foreign culture?
  • Cultural background’s effect on one’s personality

🏺 Western Culture Topics to Write About

Much of today’s culture takes roots in the Western world. With this subject, the possibilities are endless! You can write about ancient civilizations or modern European culture. Sounds interesting? Then have a look at these topics:

  • Write about a Greek myth of your choice.
  • Research the history of the ancient Roman theater.
  • Pick a Greek philosopher and describe their legacy.
  • The heritage of the Roman Empire in the modern world.
  • Discover the history of the Olympic Games .
  • How did Christianity spread throughout Europe?
  • The architecture of ancient Britain.

Mahatma Gandhi quote.

  • How did the Great Plague influence western culture?
  • Write about the key Renaissance artists.
  • How did humanism emerge in British culture?
  • Pick a European country and analyze how its traditions developed.
  • The impact of the Renaissance on Europe’s worldview.
  • Research the latest archeological discoveries of western civilization.
  • How did the Protestant Reformation influence German culture?
  • The legacy of the Renaissance artworks.
  • What was the effect of the 1848 revolution on art?
  • The role of scientific discoveries in Europe’s socio-cultural formation.
  • Analyze the influence of colonization of African culture.
  • Describe the highlights of the Enlightenment period .
  • How did Brexit affect the British lifestyle?
  • Did the American Revolution bring change in culture?
  • What attitude does Poland have about their World War II heritage?
  • How did the technological revolution impact everyday life in Europe?
  • The influence of World War I on French culture.
  • Write about European fashion during a specific period.

📚✍️ Cultural Criticism Essay Topics

Cultural criticism looks at texts, music, and artworks through the lens of culture. This type of analysis suggests that culture gives an artwork a specific meaning. The following topics will guide you towards an excellent critical essay:

  • Analyze the cultural aspects of your favorite novel.
  • Ethnicity in Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates .
  • What’s the meaning of financial stability in The Great Gatsby ?
  • Discover social changes in Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind .
  • The effect of industrialization in John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath .
  • The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and its context.
  • Representation of race in Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison .
  • Note the cultural features of The Hundred-Foot Journey by Richard C. Morais.
  • Write about the main character’s mindset in The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini .
  • What are the main character’s values in A Bronx Tale ?
  • Hispanic customs in The Tortilla Curtain by T. C. Boyle.
  • Discover cultural clashes in Fury by Salman Rushdie.
  • Pick a movie and analyze the cultural impact on your perception of the plot.
  • Discuss the beliefs of white women in The Help .
  • Does the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding portray Greek-American culture correctly?
  • How did the background story in Slumdog Millionaire change your perception of the main character?
  • What’s the meaning of gender in Bend It Like Beckham ?
  • Far and Away : integration into a new society.
  • Pick a painting and analyze its cultural background.

Culture can be divided into two equally categories.

  • Compare depictions of Christ from different continents.
  • Discover the context of Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People .
  • What’s the context of Punjabi Ladies Near a Village Well ?
  • Discuss the symbolism of Girl with a Pearl Earring .
  • Write about social roles based on Homer among the Greeks by Gustav Jäger.
  • Select a song and analyze how culture is reflected in the lyrics.

🎥 Cultural Phenomena Topics for an Essay

Cultural phenomena refer to developing certain beliefs or preferences among many people. It is also called the bandwagon effect . Keep in mind that the fact of something becoming popular is not a phenomenon. This notion is more concerned with the process of gaining fame than with fame itself. Take a look at these helpful topic ideas for your paper:

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  • Describe any cultural phenomenon in your area.
  • Reasons why TikTok gained popularity in the U.S.
  • How did the Pokemon Go! fad spread across the world?
  • Analyze the percentage of people worldwide who like McDonald’s .
  • What factors made “the dab” popular?
  • Can the bandwagon effect explain bullying
  • Discover cross-cultural fashion trends.
  • Does social media facilitate cultural phenomena?
  • Pick a celebrity and analyze their fanbase.
  • How can you explain the high demand for Apple products?
  • What made sitcoms popular?
  • Write about Thanksgiving celebrations outside the U.S.
  • Reasons why famous authors from the past remain influential.
  • Does effective marketing cause the bandwagon effect?
  • Discuss the tendency to follow trends for social acceptance.
  • Choose a classic movie and analyze its popularity.
  • Examine similar TV talent shows across nations.
  • Discover why some dishes are considered “America’s favorite.”
  • Explore the psychological side of cultural phenomena.
  • List criteria needed for becoming a famous musician.
  • Analyze the bandwagon effect in history.
  • Why was holocaust normalized in some nations?
  • Explain why Nike products are popular all over the world.
  • Did the bandwagon effect play a part in the Renaissance?
  • Can the spread of religious beliefs be called a cultural phenomenon?

🧔👓 Subculture Topics for an Essay

The term “subculture” means “a culture within a culture.” In other words, it’s a smaller group, inside a larger one, with its own beliefs and interests. You can write about a specific subculture or discover why such groups form. Feel free to use these essay topics:

  • Write about the athletic community.
  • Are marketing strategies aimed at subcultures effective?
  • Why is the deviation from social norms considered dangerous?
  • What makes the Amish stand out?
  • Can a subculture serve as a basis for a culture?
  • Does the U.S. benefit from cybersport?

Some of the most prominent subcultures.

  • Tell about a social group that you’re a part of.
  • Clothes as an identifier of a subculture.
  • Pick a religious organization and describe it.
  • Why did the anime community grow worldwide?
  • Explain why some subcultures are considered dangerous.
  • How do social groups emerge?
  • Should parents encourage children to join an interest group?
  • Describe the way people develop mutual beliefs cross-culturally.
  • How does social media influence one’s lifestyle?
  • Which interest group does your family belong to?
  • Do subcultures benefit society?
  • Analyze the Social Disorganization Theory concerning subcultures.
  • How did hipsters influence global fashion trends?
  • What are the requirements for becoming a skater?
  • Discover the history and lifestyle of Goths .
  • What is the basis of scumbro culture?
  • Belonging to an interest group as a healthy social practice.
  • What are the most popular subcultures amongst generation Z ?
  • Discuss the importance of the hairstyle for subcultures.

🧑🤝🧑 Socio-Cultural Essay Topics

Let’s break the word “socio-cultural” in two parts. Social aspects include people, their roles, and available resources. Cultural factors refer to language, laws, religion, and values. Therefore, socio-cultural issues revolve around the unique design of a specific culture. Here are some topic ideas on this subject that you might find helpful.

  • Describe the social stigma attached to single mothers .
  • What pushes the elderly to the edge of poverty?
  • Do marketing strategies vary from country to country?
  • Is receiving psychological assistance culturally accepted in developing countries?
  • Can art be misunderstood because of the socio-cultural context?
  • Compare the average wage in the U.S. and the country of your choice.
  • Does the increased use of technology in schools affect society?
  • What factors push Americans to abuse drugs?
  • Which socio-cultural aspects make drunkenness acceptable?
  • Describe the social environment in a country that legalizes slavery.
  • Why do Christians get persecuted in some countries?
  • How does information overload impact modern teenagers?
  • Is child abuse justified outside the U.S.?
  • Does technology affect the emotional maturity of children?
  • Free education in Europe: pros and cons.
  • Prove that the U.S. healthcare system should help the homeless.
  • How often does cyberbullying occur worldwide?
  • What does successful life mean for a third world country citizen?
  • Does globalization put the national identity in danger?
  • The importance of developing cultural sensitivity .
  • Write about various religions in America.

Religions practiced by Americans.

  • Discuss the correlation between the economic level and crime rates .
  • Manifestations of ethical egoism in modern society.
  • Cross-cultural missionary work: pros and cons.
  • Does social stigma towards HIV contribute to its spread?

⛩️🕌 Cultural Diversity Topics for an Essay

America is one of the most diverse nations in the world. Each culture has its language, customs, and other factors that enrich a country like the U.S. The life of a culturally diverse community has its advantages and challenges. In your paper, unpack one of the aspects of such an environment. Take a look at these essay topics:

  • Discuss ethnic groups within the U.S. which have the highest suicide rate.
  • Is it essential for American psychologists to develop cultural competence ?
  • Describe the basic principles of cultural respect.
  • Prove that racism should not be tolerated.
  • Does the American education system embrace ethnic minorities?
  • Analyze the benefit of ethnic inclusiveness for the U.S. food industry.
  • How can managers encourage a multiethnic environment in the workplace?
  • White about the challenges of second-generation Americans.
  • Should the term “immigrant” be banned?
  • Discuss the advantages of the U.S. as a multicultural nation.
  • Prove that the English language proficiency test shouldn’t be required for U.S. citizenship.
  • What is the effect of prejudice against ethnic minorities?
  • How does diversity find a place in American traditions ?
  • Describe the culture shock experience of an international student.
  • Is transracial adoption becoming more common in the U.S.?
  • What is cultural narcissism, and how can you avoid it?
  • Effective strategies for conflict resolution in a diverse environment.
  • What multiculturalism policies currently exist in the U.S.?
  • Analyze the heritage of a specific nation.
  • Should learning a second language be mandatory in America?
  • What are the stereotypes associated with different ethnicities?
  • Describe the benefits of ethnic diversity.
  • Write about the widespread interracial marriages in the U.S.
  • How can one avoid cultural ignorance?
  • Are the Americans guilty of ethnocentrism ?

👥 Cultural Anthropology Topics for a Paper

Cultural anthropology is a study of beliefs, practices, and social organization of a group. The shaping of ideas and the physical environment are in the focus of this study. In other words, anthropology discovers why people live the way they do. This list will help narrow down your attention on this subject.

Cesar Chavez quote.

  • Why are social networks commonly used in the U.S.?
  • Explain the popularity of online shopping worldwide.
  • Will e-books replace paper books in developed countries?
  • Artificial intelligence technologies in Japan.
  • Pick two American states and compare their laws.
  • Why is cycling so prevalent in the Netherlands?
  • How architecture reflects a nation’s history.
  • Why is it easier to receive citizenship in some countries than in others?
  • Explain why Americans have a strong sense of national pride.
  • Analyze the perception of time in tropical countries.
  • Are most Swiss households wealthy?
  • Discover how language reflects a cultural worldview.
  • Does the country’s economy affect the self-esteem of its citizens?
  • Reasons for the political division in the U.S.
  • Analyze the difference in lifestyles between the Northern and the Southern states .
  • Why is it common in some countries to be bilingual ?
  • Analyze the cultural values of a communistic nation.
  • How can liberalism affect the education system?
  • What’s the social meaning of disease in third world countries?
  • Examine how the two-child policy affects the Chinese lifestyle.
  • Free health care: pros and cons.
  • Write about the way the former Soviet Union countries transitioned from communism.
  • Do Christian traditions vary from culture to culture?
  • Analyze the impact of refugee presence in European countries.
  • Does traditional food reflect the history of a nation?

We hope you were able to pick a culture topic for your paper after reading this article.

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Good luck with your assignment on culture!

Further reading:

  • 497 Interesting History Topics to Research
  • 137 Social Studies Topics for Your Research Project
  • 512 Research Topics on HumSS (Humanities & Social Sciences)
  • How to Write an Art Critique: Examples and Simple Techniques
  • 430 Philosophy Topics & Questions for Your Essay
  • 267 Hottest Fashion Topics to Write About in 2024

🔍 References

  • So You’re an American?: State.gov
  • A Brief History of Western Culture: Khan Academy
  • What Exactly is “Western Culture”?: University of California, Santa Barbara
  • What is Cultural Criticism?: University of Saskatchewan
  • What is a Subculture?: Grinnell College
  • Socio-Cultural Factors and International Competitiveness: ResearchGate
  • Cultural Diversity: Definition & Meaning: Purdue Global
  • What Is Cultural Anthropology?: US National Park Service
  • Cultural Anthropology: Encyclopedia Britannica
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  • Cultural Identity Essay
  • Cultural Identity Essay or Explore Your Roots

Cultural Identity Essay or Explore Your Roots

The Role of the Assignment

Purpose of cultural identity essay, why is cultural identity important.

  • Cultural Identity Essay Topics

Cultural identity essay topics related to education

Cultural identity essay topics related to nationality and ethnicity, cultural identity essay topics related to politics, cultural identity essay topics related to social status, cultural essay: things to talk about while writing.

  • How to Write Cultural Identity Essay

Cultural Identity Essay Topics 

Cultural identity essay topics may vary due to the wide range of spheres related to the culture, identity formation, and cultural effects. Among the major spheres there may be outlined:

  • Cultural identity in schools
  • Acculturation and school adjustment of immigrants in America
  • The role of cultural identity in the conversations between students
  •  Cultural identity crisis in the modern age of digital transformation
  • Cultural identity development in ethnic minority or culture with friends
  • Identity formation in young adulthood
  • Cultural diversity value
  • Cultural communication
  • Professional communication cultural sensitivity 
  • Self-expression of identity in literature
  • Personal perspective and cultural identity
  • Cultural advances in Islamic world
  • Cultural identity development
  • Racial cultural identity development model
  • Cultural hybridity identity
  • Cultural tourism
  • Cultural understanding of the cultural diversity
  • Cross-cultural health perspective
  • Cultural identity and its role in cultural development
  • Cultural conflict between family and culture
  • Social identity and political intolerance
  • The relation between cultural identity and American revolution
  • Racial stereotypes in America
  • The effects of British colony on the cultural identity of the nation
  • Cultural forms of the term African-American
  • Cultural intelligence in the modern world
  • Cultural modernism
  • Cultural influence on politics
  • Cultural identity and social class
  • Cultural representation of high social class
  • Cultural priorities and workplace design
  • Cultural identity and health equity
  • Cultural perceptions of time in Africa
  • Intersectionality between cultural identities in health industry
  • The linkage between cultural identity and behavioral change

There are a lot of essays with other topics on our platform. Need a  nature vs nurture essay ? Find it and much more in our database any time you wish.

How to Write Cultural Identity Essay 

“My parents told me that my cultural identity is African American. It is reflected in meals, literature, religion, anthropology, behavior, family structure, cinematography, music, art, language, and many other factors. It is a symbolic level. African American life is based on the faith and hope: we express it via music, prayer, and worship. The religion of my family reminds more of the modern United States than African tribes, but it is different from a typical Christianity. I have felt my passion for the humanitarian subjects from the beginning of the educational process. The one subject that people of African American origins stress among the rest is music. Music is the best way to identify one with the particular culture. Various thematical papers and songs have informed the listeners about the deeds & events that took place within African American society. There are many different genres applied to express various emotions. One of my favorite historical episode to describe my ethnical belonging the best was June 19th when the slaves started to celebrate Juneteenth Holiday, which is recognized by the entire country nowadays. It became the African American addendum to the US Independence Day. This holiday reveals the most important attribute of my nationality – love for freedom. Each new year the African American community celebrates this date, it becomes more exciting: the spirit of my ethnical group is flying in the air. I have met different people from various regions of Africa in the US. The celebration unites these representatives with different tastes, life goals, stories, and views in one location where we can exchange the obtained experience. It returns the sense of cultural identity to each of us. The celebration helps to understand these people have more in common than they thought even though each of the African American citizens of the United States is an individual with his own preferences and opinions. I pay attention to the specific, behavioral, and the symbolic for they possess their place in a person being who they are. I wish other citizens of the US who came overseas will realize their belonging one day. There are several helpful ways. One of them is “to acquire a new culture by becoming disabled, moving to a new country or region, or by a change in our economic status. It is enough to start thinking about our belonging to let nostalgia win.” (Community Tool Box, 2013). This truth of life should go hand in hand with every man. Without knowing our identity, we do not exist; people are born to serve their native land as well as the word of God, and I believe it is equally important.”

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What It Takes to Write A Powerful Cultural Identity Essay And Express Yourself

Make the Most out of A Cultural Identity Essay Example

What One May Need A Cultural Identity Essay For

Knowing how to write a proper cultural identity essay may be beneficial even if you never get assigned this specific type of a paper. Since this is basically a personal essay , this may be a perfect topic to rely on when, say, submitting papers to a college or university. This will surely make an impression on the application committee and let you present yourself in a memorable way.

Perhaps, your teacher or a professor gave you a free choice on your next essay topic, then this is a great opportunity to explore your cultural identity while writing a paper. After all, you will be writing about yourself, and it’s possible to complete this task without carrying out any extensive research. Depending on the identifying factor you choose, it may be possible to start writing it right away.

However, before you go looking for a cultural identity essay example to write your own paper, we urge you to stick around and dedicate some time to learning some essential information that you will only benefit from. It would be a great mistake to assume that you can quickly write an essay about cultural identity without finding out more about.

You can also choose to order such an essay from our experienced writers and save your time on reading instructions and writing a paper . Otherwise, let’s start by making sure you understand what an identity essay is and what it is exactly you are required to write about.

What Is Cultural Identity? Do You Have It?

Understanding what cultural identity is should give you a clear idea of what exactly your topic for cultural identity essay should be. Basically, it’s feeling that you are a part of some group or several groups whose members are united by some factor and share the same culture. Despite what one might think, there are much more things that can be a basis for such a group than those that first come to mind like race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, or location. So, you might find writing an identity essay more interesting than you initially imagined.

The great thing is that there is no limit to the number of groups you can identify and come up with. The point is, it has to be something that you perceive as an indispensable part of who you are. Perhaps, you’re a sports fan or an active player yourself, maybe you’re into a specific genre of music, or there may be a fandom you cannot see yourself without. It can be just about anything, so before you get to the specifics of how to write an essay itself, a cultural analysis of yourself is necessary.

In case there are several major groups that instantly spring to your mind or, which is equally possible for some people, not a single one you can be related to, good old brainstorming should be the first step towards an essay on cultural distinctions. Spend some time dotting down the possible topics to figure out your own cultural identity that stands out the most. That way, you will make sure that you have a strong subject to write about, but also one that will be interesting to others and serve for a compelling essay about cultural identity.

Here is a list of some cultural suggestions that you could write about, use it to determine what’s relevant in your case. Remember, it’s in no way complete and could never be, but it should give you a sense of what your identity essay can be centered around.

  • Nationality
  • Political views
  • Religious beliefs
  • Artistic movement
  • Social class
  • Food preferences
  • Family history
  • Aesthetic taste

A Cultural Identity Essay Example of Structure

The size of an identity essay may vary, it can be the standard five paragraphs or more, so you should check the requirements you get for it. Nevertheless, its structure will be the same in all cases, and your paper should be organized in the same manner as pretty much any other essay. The only difference will be the content of these structural elements, and their proportions will depend on the required length of an essay. Unless this is your first essay ever, you will be familiar with these compositional elements, now just see what they should be about.

Introduction

It is crucial that you do not underestimate the importance of a culture essay introduction, which is usually confined to the first paragraph. This is where you state who you identify yourself as and what impact it had on your life. It should be kept pretty short and concise so that your reader does not lose interest before getting further. While you need to provide some major details about yourself and present the topic, do not try to reveal everything in this paragraph, there’s a whole essay ahead to do that.

A thesis statement isn’t a standalone element but is a part of the culture essay introduction, as you might already know. Typically, this is the last sentence in this paragraph, and it concludes the phase of making a reader familiar with the topic and the nature of the essay. Nevertheless, it’s not easily crafted and requires extra effort. What you write in your thesis statement sets up the tone of what comes later. In the case of this type of essay, the usual way about it would be to state what influence your cultural identity had on your life, what it taught you, or, perhaps, how you came to accept it and what that meant for you. Find and check a cultural identity essay example if you are not sure how a thesis should look like and how it should play out into the rest of an essay.

This is the lengthiest part of your essay, and the number of body paragraphs will depend on the general requirements. In any case, use this space to continue the trail of thought you presented in your thesis statement. Elaborate on it and provide examples to show the connection between your cultural identity and the effect it had on your life. If it’s a short essay on culture that you identify with, you may only have one or two paragraphs to present your analysis. Most likely, you will need to perform no additional research or fact-checking as you will be writing about yourself, but that is no reason to relax. Your essay must still be cohesive, engrossing, and without ever losing focus.

This is once again an essay part that is usually no longer than a paragraph or two, and it’s meant to recap all the main arguments and sum up the results in a brief manner. No new information should be brought out here other than the conclusion of what you set up in your introduction and explored over the course of the body paragraphs.

Make sure to restate your thesis statement that informed about culture of the group that you consider an integral part of your existence before providing the conclusions. That way, you will finally make your essay complete. However, the work on it is still not over, so don’t go writing it just yet even if you have a great cultural identity essay example to look at.

Valuable Insights on How to Write Cultural Identity Essay

Now, following the structure is important, but that is far from only actions that will satisfy you a high grade or positive reception. As they say, there is no limit to perfection, but that doesn’t mean you should stop trying. The following suggestions will make the process of writing your essay on cultural identity smoother and improve the end result overall.

First of all, just a reminder, don’t hurry with fixating on the particular cultural identity after discovering some of the major influences you’ve had. It’s best not to skip the brainstorming stage so that you have the best topic and one that resonates with you the most.

Most often, an essay about cultural identity will deal with your own experience, so make sure to think of the best stories and examples from your life to illustrate the case. Your passion when talking about these instances of the cultural awakening is most likely to show on paper, but don’t get too carried away. Stay to the point and only provide those details which are relevant to the topic and thesis statement.

Although no additional research and citations are necessary when it’s your own cultural identity essay, it will be a great plus if you do include those in your paper. So, rather than carrying out extensive research, look for some articles or quotes of some famous people, for example, who have a say on the cultural identity you are writing about. Perhaps, you may want to get back and revisit someone’s words, some written piece, or a film that made you realize the cultural influences on your life.

Finally, do not just run your essay about cultural identity through a grammar checker  and submit it. Proofreading should never be dismissed if you do not want to sabotage all the work leading up to it. There are things no program or app can catch, but the professor or an application committee member will. You may notice, for example, that some paragraphs or sentences lack proper linking between them. Missing or repeating words will also hurt the overall impression. So, plan everything to have enough time to read it again with a clear mind. Maybe even let someone else read it as we often keep overlooking our own mistakes, but they will be instantly spotted by another person.

One More Solution for Your Cultural Identity Paper

A cultural identity essay may not be the toughest assignment you’ve ever had, but there can still be enough reasons preventing you from doing a good job. One of the most common and trivial explanations is the lack of time for whatever reason. And sometimes, you just can’t set your mind to writing that essay, another perfectly understandable situation, not by your professor, though. The rules are the same for everyone, and you are expected to hand in that essay as expected.

Well, you could find a cultural identity essay example and rewrite it, adding some personal details to make it about you, but that may prove to be even more work without guaranteed results. Instead, you could just order a custom-written essay from our service and solve that issue in a matter of minutes. Just provide the available essay requirements, tell us the topic, and a couple of sentences if you want that identity essay to be really about you. Our expert writer will do the rest and shape it into a great paper for you, so consider this offer and do what you must.

essay topics about cultural identity

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Best identity essay ideas & hints

essay topics about cultural identity

99 Best Cultural Identity Essay Topics

Getting cultural identity essay ideas may be easy for you but translating those into cultural identity essay topics may be difficult. There is no need to worry or fret. Since you’re reading this, you will be getting 99 cultural identity essay topics. You may even find the exact topic for your cultural identity essay ideas. So, continue reading.

Cultural Identity Essay Topics

  • My Life As An Indonesian Immigrant In The United States of America
  • Cultural Identity In Children’s Animation Films
  • Cultural Appropriation: Not All Black People Are Africans
  • The Role of Culture In Shaping A Person’s Identity
  • How Cultural Factors Determine A Person’s Ethics and Morals
  • Cultural Identity: The Challenges of Immigrating To A New Country
  • The Impacts of Cultural Identity In The Workplace
  • The Influence of Culture In Politics and Shaping Politicians’ Actions
  • Cultural Discrepancies In Social Classes
  • Cultural Perception of The People In Eastern Nigeria
  • Cultural Identity of Teenagers Beginning High School
  • The Link Between Religion and Identity
  • How Culture Impacts Strongly On A Person’s Upbringing
  • Living In Cross River, Nigeria
  • My Life As An Indian Immigrant In Canada
  • Cultural Identity: There Are Over 54 Countries In Africa, and I Am Nigerian
  • Ten Culture Shocks I’ve Experienced In America As A Mexican Immigrant
  • Adjusting To Schools In Ireland As A South African Immigrant
  • The Role of Language In Cultural Identity
  • Questioning Cultural Identity In A Country Colonized By The British
  • Cultural Identity In Family Conversations
  • Music As An Expression of Cultural Identity
  • Questioning Identity As A Young Adult
  • Religion As An Expression of Cultural Identity
  • Questioning Identity In A Country Dominated By Islam
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  • Discussing The Difficulties In Speaking The English Language As An Indian Immigrant In The United Kingdom
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  • Cultural Identity: My Story As A Ten Year Old On Grandpa’s Ranch
  • The Written History of Three Ancient  Village Kings
  • How I Was Accepted To Study International Relations In The United Kingdom
  • The Adaptation of Modern Technology In My Home Country
  • A Reflection of Three of The Sixteenth Century Feminists In My Village
  • All The Many Benefits Of Cultural Identity
  • Understanding The Ijaw Culture of The Nigerian
  • Discovering Who I Truly Am
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  • My Journey To Self-Discovery
  • How Traditions From Is Passed From One Generation To Another In My Home Country

How to Translate Your Cultural Identity Essay Ideas into Topics

Translating your cultural identity essay ideas should take the following steps:

Have a rough sketch: Jot down your ideas on a piece of paper. No, you don’t have to worry about them being structured at first. What do you want to talk about? You can refer to the free 99 topics to see the ones that match your idea.

Research: The next thing to do is research other cultural identity essays to guide you through writing yours. There are many free samples available online that are relevant to your essay idea.

Structure: Your cultural identity essay should have an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. This will help you in breaking your thoughts into comprehensive sentences.

With these cultural identity essay topics, you don’t have to be scared about writing your essay. Simply choose one of the topics that fit best, and you’re well on your way to writing your essay.

essay topics about cultural identity

My Culture, Identity, and Cultural Identity

This essay about cultural identity explores how culture deeply influences personal identity through traditions, language, art, and cuisine. It examines the integral role culture plays in shaping individual perspectives and how it evolves over time through interactions within a global community. The narrative highlights the importance of cultural heritage in connecting with one’s roots and the broader human experience, emphasizing culture as a dynamic, enriching force in the modern interconnected world.

How it works

Within the vast mosaic of human existence, culture emerges as a profound element, serving as a lens through which we view the world, mold our identities, and integrate into the wider societal matrix. My cultural identity is not simply a collection of customs and traditions; it represents the core of my existence, seamlessly integrated into my personal narrative.

From my early days, I was enveloped in a diverse array of cultural influences. The values, beliefs, and traditions of my family laid the foundation of my personal identity.

The inviting scents from my grandmother’s cooking, the sounds of folk music during celebrations—each experience was imbued with the essence of my cultural heritage.

Language has been a vital component in shaping who I am. The rhythms and nuances of my native language resonate within me, linking me to my forebears and anchoring me to my cultural roots. Through language, I keep alive the wisdom and tales handed down over generations.

Culture is more than language; it includes numerous elements that inform our perspectives and shape how we perceive the world. From social norms to the meaning behind gestures, each component of my culture provides insight into the collective psyche of my community.

Artistic expression is a significant reflection of cultural identity, whether through the vibrant colors of traditional art, the pulsating rhythms of native drums, or the rich stories in classic literature. As an artist, I draw comfort and motivation from the myriad of artistic forms that are part of my cultural background.

Cuisine also acts as a portal into the essence of a culture, offering a taste experience that goes beyond words. The aroma of spices, the sounds of cooking, and the explosion of flavors recall communal and familial celebrations, each meal narrating the culinary skill and cultural amalgamation that characterize my gastronomic legacy.

However, I acknowledge that cultural identity is fluid and ever-evolving, influenced by time and interaction with the world. As a member of the global community, I am keen to engage with different cultures, learning and enriching my own through these interactions.

In our globally connected society, cultural identity serves both as a point of pride and a bridge for mutual understanding. It is a collage of various influences, each adding to the unique fabric of my being. As I traverse the complexities of contemporary life, I carry the legacy of my ancestors, the customs of my culture, and the endless opportunities for cultural interaction.

In essence, my culture is more than a reflection of history; it is a beacon for the future, guiding my path of self-exploration, fostering connections, and celebrating the richness of diversity. It reminds us that, despite our varied backgrounds, we are all woven into the same complex human tapestry, united by our collective experience of what it means to be human.

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Home — Essay Samples — Sociology — Cultural Identity — My Cultural Identity: Who I Am

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My Cultural Identity: Who I Am

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Published: Jan 28, 2021

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Defining my identity, cultural patterns, dimensions of culture, cultural bias.

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How kendrick lamar challenged drake’s cultural identity in ‘not like us’.

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ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 9: Rapper Drake performs onstage during "Lil Baby & Friends Birthday ... [+] Celebration Concert" at State Farm Arena on December 9, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

Kendrick Lamar and Drake’s public rivalry does more than entertain — it serves as a microcosm for larger discussions in hip-hop. Their fight for supremacy, entangled with both competitive flair and personal issues, brings into focus Drake's often criticized path into hip-hop — challenging hip-hop enthusiasts to consider the authenticity of cultural entry points.

Hip-hop, as a cultural form created by African Americans, incorporates a variety of diasporic influences from African, Caribbean, and Afro-Latino cultures. However, its foundational roots remain in African American culture. Ideally, practitioners of hip-hop are members of these communities who not only shape the unique experience associated with hip-hop but also carry the responsibility of curating its customs and trends.

One of the glaring matters unfolding from the lyrical combat between Kendrick Lamar and Drake revolves around racial identity and one's degree of connection to Blackness. This initiates a larger, perhaps uncomfortable conversation, especially for enthusiasts of the “Family Matters” rapper. For hip-hop purists who prioritize potent lyrical content that embodies the genre's Black American aesthetic, the strength of one’s connection to Blackness is key to assessing an artist's proficiency.

Host/singer Drake (R) with his mother Sandi Graham pose on the red carpet at the 2011 Juno Awards at ... [+] the Air Canada Centre on March 27, 2011 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by George Pimentel/WireImage)

In Lamar’s diss track to Drake, “Not Like Us,” the boogeyman of a phenomenon takes several opportunities to examine instances where he believes the OVO Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF crooner hoodwinked elements of hip-hop culture to post positive on his career. The “they not like us” chant in the chorus, is likely Lamar alluding to the fact that rap practitioners in the likes of Drake are unlike his own caliber, one that organically abides by the given morals of Black culture.

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The dual heritage of Drake, stemming from an African American father and a Jewish Canadian mother, has been a significant aspect of his personal narrative.

Raised by his mother and educated at a Jewish school, Drake's biracial identity often led to feelings of alienation. He discussed these feelings in depth in a 2010 interview with The Jewish Chronicle , where he described the difficulty of fitting into either the Black or Jewish communities.

He elaborated on the social challenges this posed during his school years, explaining, “I went to a school where nobody understood what it was like to be Black and Jewish,” and how this ambiguity often left him feeling excluded from social circles.

Given his predominantly Jewish upbringing, it is reasonable to surmise that Drake was not extensively exposed to the dynamics of the Black community. However, as his heritage includes African American roots, elements of Black culture naturally hold appeal for him.

This connection, though, is complicated by what Kendrick Lamar critiques in “Not Like Us,” where he suggests Drake's portrayal of Blackness—likening him to Malibu’s Most Wanted’ s B-Rad, with the 'B' reassigned to indicate a pejorative—is merely an adaptation to assuage his insecurities.

Rapper Kendrick Lamar attends the ceremony honoring him with the Keys of the City of Compton, in ... [+] Compton, California, on February 13, 2016. / AFP / VALERIE MACON (Photo credit should read VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images)

Kendrick Lamar's formative years in Compton—a community heavily affected by the crack epidemic and characterized by its predominantly Black and Hispanic population—shaped his perspectives, as detailed in an 2012 interview with The Guardian during the promotion of his debut album, good kid, m.A.A.d city . Born into a family caught in the throes of gang life yet seeking escape, Lamar observed firsthand the impact of absent parents on his friends, many of whom had no parental guidance with fathers often incarcerated and mothers addicted.

“But from the time they was born in the 1980s, when crack was everywhere, they had no figure to guide them. Father in jail, mother strung out,” Lamar recounted. He credited his more stable family environment, with both parents present, for giving him the confidence that many of his peers lacked.

Hip-hop has long been a voice for societal critique, a tradition inaugurated by tracks like 1982’s “The Message” by Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five.

Renowned for its raw depiction of life's struggles in poverty-stricken urban areas, the record features the unforgettable words of Melle Mel: “It's like a jungle sometimes, it makes me wonder how I keep from going under.”

Though applicable on a global scale, these words are a direct commentary on the impoverished conditions of the Bronx, making “The Message” one of hip-hop's pioneering socially conscious records.

The importance of understanding both the history and the ongoing challenges faced by the Black community cannot be overstated, particularly in how it informs artistic creation. This principle underlies Kendrick Lamar's critique in his diss track against Drake, where he raps, “Once upon a time, all of us was in chains / Homie still doubled down callin' us some slaves / Atlanta was the Mecca, buildin' railroads and trains.”

Here, Lamar accuses Drake of not only misusing the term “slave” in “Family Matters” but also suggests that his collaborations with Black artists from Atlanta are calculated strategies rather than authentic connections. The inclusion of this historical reference amplifies Lamar’s message that Drake may be far removed from understanding the sensitive nuances of the Black experience.

The clash between Kendrick Lamar and Drake has acted as a catalyst, awakening dormant hip-hop fans and urging them to adopt a purist stance by delving into the nuanced lyrical battles between the two. This confrontation has effectively illustrated what happens when hip-hop artists authentically represent the environments that shaped them, or not.

Both artists undoubtedly appeal to Black audiences, but the broader significance lies in the demand for fidelity to cultural representation, a demand upheld staunchly by hip-hop advocates across the board.

Ime Ekpo

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Jane Schoenbrun talks nostalgia, horror and trans identity in 'I Saw the TV Glow'

Director Jane Schoenbrun. They are sitting on a red chair wearing turtleshell glasses and a denim jacket.

In the new film “I Saw the TV Glow,” two teenagers bond over their shared love of “The Pink Opaque,” a television show reminiscent of the teen drama “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” Director Jane Schoenbrun, who is transfeminine, saw shows like Buffy as an integral part of grappling with their gender identity in their adolescence.

“A show like 'Buffy,' I adored, but I didn't tell anyone around me that I was watching it because I was so ashamed,” they said. “It was a show for girls... I didn't think about why I loved it, and I wasn't thinking about it in terms of like, 'Oh, this is a way for me to express my gender.' It all happened quite naturally.”

Schoenbrun, one of the rising stars of independent cinema, will be at the Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline this Saturday to receive the Coolidge Breakthrough Artist Award. Ahead of their appearance, they sat down with GBH News executive arts editor and The Culture Show host Jared Bowen to discuss what went into creating their latest film.

Music plays a major role in the film. Alex G composed the score, and the soundtrack features a number of original songs from artists including Phoebe Bridgers and Caroline Polachek. Frank, the stepfather of the main character Owen, is played by Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst.

The name of the fictional series featured in the film, “The Pink Opaque,” is itself based on the name of a 1986 Cocteau Twins compilation album.

“I used it originally as just a stand in, and I was like, alright, I'll come up with a real title for the show. And I couldn't come up with a title,” they said, laughing.

Though the film is marked by their own identity, they weren't interested in making a film explicitly about the trans experience.

Their first feature film, “We're All Going to the World's Fair,” tackled feelings of gender dysphoria and alienation allegorically through the lens of a young person involving themselves in a viral social media trend.

“We're All Going to the World's Fair” was not “overly concerned with explaining transition to [the audience],” they said. “But it was a movie that when it premiered, and I was very early on in my transition at that point, other trans folks watched and were like, 'Oh my God, I've never seen a movie that captures the internal experience of transness.'”

“I Saw the TV Glow” continues the narrative thread of discussing the trans experience through film.

“I didn't try to translate that experience,” they asserted. “I just tried to talk about how it felt by looking backwards to the TV shows of my youth and the ways that I... use[d] them as a coping mechanism to express myself before I was ready to do that in my real life.”

To hear more from Jane Schoenbrun, listen to the full interview above. Listen to  The Culture Show  daily at 2 p.m. on 89.7.

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COMMENTS

  1. 99 Cultural Identity Essay Topics & Examples

    99 Cultural Identity Essay Topics & Examples. Our experts have gathered identity essay topics that you can research or discuss in a class. See the list and find the perfect title here! In high school or college, you might be assigned to write a cultural identity essay. Topics on the subject are quite easy to find, given that culture surrounds ...

  2. 106 Cultural Identity Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

    Inside This Article. 106 Cultural Identity Essay Topic Ideas & Examples. Cultural identity is a concept that refers to the sense of belonging and identification individuals have with a particular culture or ethnic group. It plays a significant role in shaping one's values, beliefs, traditions, and behaviors.

  3. Cultural Identity Essay Writing Guide with Examples

    Сultural Identity Essay Examples. First and foremost, a cultural identity essay is the one where you share your vision of the world and personality. Below is an example that you might consider when writing your next cultural identity essay. I was born in Italy to a German family. My mother comes from the capital of Germany - Berlin, while my ...

  4. 130 Culture Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

    To help you get started, here are 130 culture essay topic ideas and examples: The impact of globalization on traditional cultures. Cultural appropriation: the line between appreciation and exploitation. The role of social media in shaping modern culture. The influence of pop culture on youth identity. The impact of immigration on cultural ...

  5. Essays about Culture and Identity: 9 Examples And Prompts

    Cooking rice is more accessible than cultivating it - you can quickly cook rice by boiling it in water. This reflects people rich in culture and tradition but who lives simpler life. 8. Identity And Culture: My Identity, Culture, And Identity by April Casas. "Every single one has their own unique identity and culture.

  6. Cultural Identity Essay Examples

    Choosing a cultural identity essay topic is an important step in the writing process. By considering your own experiences, the complexity of the topic, and its potential impact, you can choose a topic that is both engaging and meaningful. With the recommendations and list of topics provided in this article, you are well-equipped to begin your ...

  7. How to Write a Cultural Identity Essay With Tips and Examples

    Here, a cultural identity essay prompt may require students to discuss the significance of culture in education, focusing on cultural identity and socialization. As such, this topic requires writers to reflect on how culture influences behavior in a learning environment. 2. The Impact of Culture Change on Family.

  8. How to Write a Diversity Essay

    Diversity essays ask students to highlight an important aspect of their identity, background, culture, experience, viewpoints, beliefs, skills, passions, goals, etc. Diversity essays can come in many forms. Some scholarships are offered specifically for students who come from an underrepresented background or identity in higher education. At ...

  9. Cultural Identity Essay: Writing Tips And Topics

    The MLA formatting style takes center stage in this type of essay. One would need to be creative enough and have sufficient information to convince the reader. Here are some sources you could use for your cultural identity essay: Your parents (preferably the grandparents) Museums. Television documentaries on culture.

  10. Cultural Identity Essay: A Writing Guide With Great Topic Ideas

    The widely accepted definition of cultural identity is that it is the concept or belief of belonging to a specific group of people. This is, of course, filled with many sub-factors and is debatable because of the various cultural, historical, and generational characteristics (among others) that one can use to classify oneself or a group.

  11. A List of 185 Interesting Cultural Topics to Write About

    📚 ️ Cultural Criticism Essay Topics. Cultural criticism looks at texts, music, and artworks through the lens of culture. This type of analysis suggests that culture gives an artwork a specific meaning. The following topics will guide you towards an excellent critical essay: Analyze the cultural aspects of your favorite novel.

  12. Cultural Identity Essay: Hows & Whys + Topics and Samples

    A cultural identity essay unlike а 5-paragraph essay is a popular type of academic, sometimes even creative paper that expresses the feeling of belonging to a particular culture accounted for the process of growing up and becoming an individual person with own personality. It is similar to a typical academic essay written in 5 paragraphs ...

  13. Make the Most out of A Cultural Identity Essay Example

    A Cultural Identity Essay Example of Structure. The size of an identity essay may vary, it can be the standard five paragraphs or more, so you should check the requirements you get for it. Nevertheless, its structure will be the same in all cases, and your paper should be organized in the same manner as pretty much any other essay.

  14. Cultural Identity Essay Helpful Guide

    Basic Essay Structure Explained. Structure of cultural identity essay will be the same in all instances, varying only in terms of size. For example, in college, you're likely to write a typical five paragraph essay. In uni such as Yale, paragraph number might reach ten. Still, major elements remain the same.

  15. 99 Best Cultural Identity Essay Topics

    Getting cultural identity essay ideas may be easy for you but translating those into cultural identity essay topics may be difficult. There is no need to worry or fret. Since you're reading this, you will be getting 99 cultural identity essay topics. You may even find the exact topic for your cultural identity essay ideas. So, continue reading.

  16. Cultural Identities

    Summary. Within the discipline of communication, the concept of "cultural identities" has captivated, fascinated, and received sustained attention from scholars of communication and culture over time. Like the concept of "culture," which is varied, complex, and at times contested, the study of cultural identity has been approached from ...

  17. Cultural Identity Essays: Examples, Topics, & Outlines

    PAGES 13 WORDS 3931. Abstract This paper discusses all the facets and considerations inherent to a cultural identity essay. Namely, the paper describes the importance of cultural identity, the definition of cultural identity, and examples of cultural identity—both theoretical and literal examples in the world today.

  18. My Culture, Identity, and Cultural Identity

    My cultural identity is not simply a collection of customs and traditions; it represents the core of my existence, seamlessly integrated into my personal narrative. From my early days, I was enveloped in a diverse array of cultural influences. The values, beliefs, and traditions of my family laid the foundation of my personal identity.

  19. Cultural Identity Essay

    Essay On Cultural Identity. Culture identity development is an important part of every life due the emergence of self through primary and sociocultural contexts (Ecklund, 2016). These stages of development are made up of either a dominant or a non-dominant group and intersectional adaptation. More specifically, cultural identity is a self ...

  20. My Cultural Identity: Who I Am: [Essay Example], 1059 words

    Culture identity has a lot to do with mental health and how you are raised up. So, having the ability to be able to identify with culture benefits and makes the knowledge of humans stronger and able to relate to more people and interact and form groups with those in the same culture as them. It's helped by boosting their self-esteems when ...

  21. How Kendrick Lamar Challenged Drake's Cultural Identity In ...

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  22. Jane Schoenbrun talks nostalgia, horror and trans identity in 'I Saw

    Ahead of their appearance, they sat down with GBH News executive arts editor and The Culture Show host Jared Bowen to discuss what went into creating their latest film. Music plays a major role in the film. Alex G composed the score, and the soundtrack features a number of original songs from artists including Phoebe Bridgers and Caroline Polachek.