Hayden Pehrson

Professor Kim Anderson

Humanities
15 December 2015
E-portfolio Reflection
I thought that my civic engagement assignment helped me understand that others may have
different beliefs, but their beliefs arent too far off of most cultures. Each religion has their own
code of commandments that they live by, and these religions have a similar, but also different
ways of practicing their culture. Were all human, and every race and religion should have the
opportunity to live a free life. The United States is continuing to become more diverse because
individuals receive the right to live a life that they want to live. People have the ability to
experience freedom, which they arent able to do so from their home country. The learning
outcome that I learned from the civic engagement project is to have a open mind when it comes
to different cultures in my community, as well as different cultures around the world.
It was a great experience attending a Hindu temple. Most Americans arent aware of the way
different cultures practice their beliefs. I think that Americans should recognize the different
cultures that are in their community, and include these other cultures as part of society. Im not
saying that individuals should try and convert others to their religion, but to have all races and
cultures involved in community activities. I believe that the minority religions should be
informed to all individuals, so that people understand their culture and support these cultures, so
that these cultures feel accepted to society. If the American culture was more aware of other
cultures, then there would be a lot less judgement, conflict, and fear from these cultures because
of the lack of knowledge that the people have for these cultures.
The learning outcomes that I received from the civic engagement project is that in America
different cultures have the opportunity to live the American dream, but also get to practice their
religions. Just because some individuals practice a different religion than you, doesnt mean that
theyre any different than you. Different religions have different ways of worshipping their god,
but all religions are some what similar. The community should give more recognition to
minorities with different beliefs, and to learn about their culture. These minorities should be
involved with the community, and to feel accepted in the American society. The American
culture shouldnt be intimidated from cultures around them that they arent familiar with. I
learned that regardless of religion and race, that were all human and we should have respect for
other people and their cultures.