The culture that surrounds me

Write 200 words on the culture that surrounds you. was the title of an assignment that I saw at a college recently. Below is my attempt:

The culture that surrounds me is a culture that says, if you don’t help yourself, no one else will. It tells me that I can make it on my own, if only I work hard enough.

This culture says that anything is possible; all I have to do is to keep believing in myself and to never give up. It tells me that I should always aspire for more, have more and be more.

As a woman, it is especially important that I am empowered and independent – financially, physically, emotionally, so that even if a man hurts me, I am able to stand on my own two feet.

This culture says that I am number one in my life. I am to take care of my own needs before anyone else’s. Only after, can I share my money, time and energy with close family, friends and people I trust.

This culture says I can do whatever I want, as long as I don’t hurt anyone. It says I am a good person if I give to charity, and never do unto others what I wouldn’t want them to do to me.

This culture says I have to respect everyone, as there is no one truth superior over another. It says that truth is relative, depending on your culture and background. It says that all gods are the same, and ultimately lead us to one destiny.

But is this the whole truth? Not really.