Assignment #6

I do not think that we can break from our cultural heritage, because it defines us.  Although some people may revolt against their heritage, eventually everyone comes to terms with it, and accepts who they are.  Our cultural heritage defines who we are, and dictates our life.  "Society" keeps us in line by not allowing cultures which go against the popular culture to flourish, but rather by oppressing them.  For instance, in America, most people are Christian, and people who are not of Christian faith are oppressed against, especially Muslims.  Muslims are pressured by popular culture to not espouse their faith openly because it is scrutinized by many people.  I don't think that anyone truly breaks free from their cultural heritage.  People may try to break free, but everyone's culture that they are born into is what they are defined by.  It isn't possible to revolt against yourself, so even if you don't like or agree with your cultural heritage, it is what molded you.  There is an inherent danger in going against societal norms, and that is scrutiny from the popular culture.  By going against the everyday, there are many people who's lifestyle you are going against, and people don't like that.  The benefits of it are you can express yourself freely, and be who you want to be, and show who you are.