Cultural Background and Communication With Others
             I was born in 1953. My early childhood was influenced by the American white male system in place during the 1950's and 60's, however, dramatic changes in our culture also influenced my formative years. These changes affected deep-set beliefs of white society for many years, such as discrimination, child labor, women in the home, and many others'. My preteen life led into a confusing life as a teenager growing up. While in High School I participated in ant-war movements, and before the completion of High School, I joined the Marine Corps. While I was opposed to the war in Viet Nam, I was exhibiting pride in my country and in support of freedom. Although I was not very clear about my beliefs during my teenage and young adulthood interactions with society, I now have ideals for which I strive. These ideals are in mind when I communicate with other students and with society at large.
             In the 1950's I was not aware of different races and their interactions with society. My world was fairly isolated as a child. Blacks and whites lived in 'appropriate' areas. It was out of this small version of the world that I began to build my social construction of reality. Within this first ring of my social web, Swedish/Norwegian American family and relatives, I learned my beliefs, values and norms. Blacks and whites lived in 'appropriate' areas. Blacks were there to make fun of, and not to be spoken to. When I began Kindergarten my 'world view' made a drastic change for the first time. I learned about racism. While I was playing after school, waiting for my father, I discovered bullies throwing stones at a black child my age. I went to stand in front of her to protect her and yell at the other boys. Meanwhile, my father pulled up and called me to the car. I received my first lesson in racism in the back seat at the painful
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