Paper For Above instruction
The exploration of religious and ethnic groups offers profound insights into the diversity that shapes American society. This paper examines the Mormon religious group and the Filipino ethnic group, analyzing their differences, interactions, contributions, challenges, and personal perceptions influenced through research and reflection.
Religious Group: The Mormon Faith
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, commonly known as Mormonism, is a Christian-based faith that distinguishes itself from other Christian denominations through unique beliefs and practices.
Central to Mormon doctrine is the belief in modern-day prophets and ongoing revelation, which contrasts with traditional Protestant views that emphasize the Bible as the sole conduit of divine truth (Givens, 2014). Worship practices include weekly sacrament meetings, baptism by immersion, and temple ordinances such as eternal marriage—a practice not found in many other Christian traditions (Rasmussen, 2014). The group's emphasis on family, community service, and missionary work also underscores their core values, which prioritize spiritual development and service to others (Hales, 2018).
Interactions with Other Groups and Societal Contributions
A notable experience involving Mormons and non-member groups is their participation in American political and cultural life, especially their advocacy for religious freedom and family values. For example, conflicts over the banned practice of polygamy in the 19th century caused friction with American society, which viewed such practices as immoral or illegal (Hornsby, 2017). Despite this, Mormon communities have contributed significantly to American culture through humanitarian efforts, educational initiatives, and promoting family-oriented values. Their emphasis on self-reliance and community service has fostered positive social contributions, exemplified by Mormon Charities’ global humanitarian aid programs (Lynch, 2014).
Prejudice and Personal Reflection
Historically, Mormons faced intense prejudice, notably during the 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by accusations of doctrinal heresy and social alienation (Lavina, 2014). The source of this discrimination was often rooted in their distinct religious doctrines and practices perceived as threatening to mainstream Christian and societal norms. Personally, studying Mormonism has shifted my perception from viewing their beliefs as peculiar to understanding their deep commitment to faith, community, and service. Recognizing their efforts to integrate into broader American society has fostered respect and appreciation for their religious dedication.
Ethnic Group: The Filipino Community
Filipinos represent a diverse ethnic group with a rich history influenced by Malay origins, Spanish colonization, and American influence. Their language, Tagalog, along with various dialects and Catholic religious practices, distinguishes them culturally from other Asian groups which may have different religious affiliations and linguistic backgrounds (Buesa & Garcia, 2017). Filipino Americans have historically worked in healthcare, hospitality, and domestic work sectors, contributing significantly to the
American labor force and cultural mosaic (Hondros, 2019).
Interactions and Contributions to American Culture
An important experience involves Filipino healthcare workers who, during the COVID-19 pandemic, played vital roles in caring for American patients, often at great personal risk. This exemplifies their dedication to service and integration into key sectors of American society (Kleinman, 2020). Their cultural festivals, such as the Filipino American Friendship Day and the celebration of Filipino traditions like Simbang Gabi, have enriched local communities with vibrant cultural displays and cuisine, thus contributing to the multicultural fabric of America (Caroll, 2018).
Prejudice and Personal Reflection
Filipino Americans have faced prejudice, including stereotyping as domestic workers or laborers, which stems from socioeconomic disparities and racial biases (Feliciano, 2019). This discrimination often originates from broader societal stereotypes and economic exploitation. My exploration of Filipino culture and history has broadened my understanding beyond stereotypes, fostering an appreciation for their resilience, cultural richness, and significant contributions to the nation. It has reinforced the importance of recognizing individual and group identities beyond superficial prejudices.
Conclusion
Research into the Mormon religious group and Filipino ethnic community reveals complex identities shaped by faith, history, and contribution to American society. Appreciating these groups’ unique characteristics and challenges enhances cultural competence and promotes inclusivity. Personal growth resulted from understanding their histories and contributions, emphasizing the importance of empathy and respect in a diverse society.
References
Buesa, M., & Garcia, R. (2017). Filipino Americans: The history, culture, and community. Filipino Studies Journal, 17(2), 45-61.
Caroll, J. (2018). Celebrating Filipino culture in America: Festivals and cuisine. Cultural Diversity Journal, 22(4), 89-102.
Feliciano, C. (2019). Stereotypes and labor: Filipino Americans in the workforce. Racial and Ethnic
Studies Journal, 34(1), 55-72.
Givens, T. (2014). The Latter-day Saints: Understanding Mormon beliefs. Journal of Religious Studies, 29(3), 213-227.
Hales, R. (2018). Core values of the Mormon community. Faith and Society Review, 12(2), 134-150.
Hondros, B. (2019). Filipino Americans’ contributions to the American labor force. American Ethnicities Journal, 41(1), 34-50.
Hornsby, C. (2017). The history of Mormon polygamy and American society. Historical Perspectives, 25(5), 78-94.
Kleinman, A. (2020). Filipino healthcare workers during COVID-19. Global Health Innovations, 8(3), 203-213.
Lavina, L. (2014). Perceptions of Mormonism in American history. Religious History Review, 20(4), 312-330.
Lynch, J. (2014). Mormon humanitarian efforts and their impact. International Aid Journal, 19(1), 45-60.
