Coming Of Age Experience Essay

Words: 634
Pages: 3

Across the continuity of time the coming of age experience has been a prominent part of persons socialization process and growth into maturity and Independence. Through the exploration of the traditions, rights of passage and differing environments in a plethora of cultures and societies I was able to grasp a deeper understanding of how our identity is not only shaped by personal experiences though the influence and beliefs of the community, micro, meso and macro world around us. From the great lion hunt of the Massai, to the journey the Amish follow into the "devils playground" to decide if they wish to follow the westernized ideals and way of life or follow the simplistic ideologies of their home town, we can come to understand that although …show more content…
The Massai create this idea that the men are born to be leaders, the caretakers and protectors of their homes. Living in the rural Africa isolation is very much apparent. They are very disconnected from the macro world and some only know what they are told. This central approach of teaching has a profound affect ones world and person view. Coming from a country and community that embraces freedom and diversity allows myself to gain knowledge on a range of areas and cultures that affect how I grow and see the world in years to come whilst the individuals of the Massai may only know there own culture which in some ways limits the speed that they can undergo the coming of age experience and are ultimately told when they have become a man or woman. Moreover the Yolungu grow up in the bush, away from the westernized metropolitan of this modern world, they respect the earth as a giver and becoming "mature" is very much about the connection you have with the gods and the culture. Today and here in "Caucasian" society are socialization does not undergo the same hardships and changes that are expected by individuals of such other societies. Simple acts such