Our group is made up of individuals from very different backgrounds. We all come from different areas and walks of life. The people come from New York, Texas, Iowa and Venezuela. Our definition of culture is made up of learned patterns of perceptions, values, and behaviors that are shared by a group of people and that are dynamic and heterogeneous. We associate stories with the cultural histories and influences of our perceptions, as well as how we have come to adopt these perceptions. There are many differences in how we understand our own stories and those of others, and history is typically written from the perspective of the individuals who prevailed or the winners of the situation or event. People's historical events and stories sometimes form the barriers for communication between people. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay I was born in New York City. My parents are both from Southern Africa in a country called Namibia. My parents came to the United States for better opportunities and returned to Namibia four years after I was born. The reason they returned to Namibia was for the country to become independent. The language used in my home is Afrikaans. I am currently a senior at Wartburg College for the Liberal Arts. There are currently predominantly white students at this school. Identity plays an important role in how people from different backgrounds communicate in Wartburg. Individuals use stereotypes all the time, often without even realizing it. I have experienced this and my team members have mentioned it too. The role that identity plays in how people from different backgrounds communicate in Wartburg is a very strong one. Our backgrounds have shaped us into the individuals we have become and will continue to grow into. Our background has also taught us what is appropriate and what is inappropriate in communication. Some individuals speak more openly than others, and that's how their particular background has made them. Some may find the way a certain person communicates rude from their point of view, but to the other individual they are not trying to be offensive at all. This can cause conflict because a person will respond defensively as a natural reaction, but the outcome was never intended, nor was it welcomed. Both the team and I discussed whether we feel internal or external to the school. At times we felt empowered and at other times trapped. Depending on the situation and the people we communicate with; sometimes we are able to associate with some more easily than others. In discussing the imperative of peace, we would like to get along peacefully with others. We all share this desire to some extent; however, sometimes it is easier to coexist peacefully than others. Due to the conflict that inherently occurs with different backgrounds and cultures, sometimes individuals do not share the same priorities, ethics, morals and beliefs. When discussing the technological imperative, everyone agrees that technology allows us to keep up to date with what's happening, and better allows us to communicate effectively. The ultimate answer to the question of how we feel is a little of both. We feel internal and external at different times. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a custom essay. My team and I myself feel like we have been treated a certain way because of our identity or how others perceive our identity. Some examples of this are the.