How Does Heritage Contribute to Character?

• Race, ethnicity
• Lifestyle
• traditions
• celebrations, festivities
• religious ideals
• songs, folk tales, etc
• foods
• values

In its essence and most generic conclusion, a person's historical background contributes greatly to the personality and traits of a character. Apart from skin color, the geographical origins of one's ancestors are probably the most important factors in determining the person a character is, as these origins paved the way for their culture and lifestyle, which is passed down as heritage to a character. This heritage that is passed down is usually the generic structure of a character's personality. For instance, the native Hakka people of Taiwan have lived in the rural countryside along the mountains for generations. Because in the past they lived their lives as simple farmers with limited resources, they practiced extreme frugality. This is why Hakka people are generally more independent and seemingly tightfisted; this is not a stereotype, but aspects of their culture that have been passed down for generations. In addition, as they worked in the fields on the mountain slopes, they would often sing "field songs," songs they sang to pass time. These songs are integrated into their culture, and their culture is obviously different from that of the Chinese mainlanders who fled to Taiwan during the Chinese Civil War.

Probably a better example of heritage contributing to culture would be my ancestry from Chinese mainlanders. Traditional Chinese families emphasized hard work, family respect traditional lifestyles, and if possible, education. This was due to their geographical origins; hard work was necessary for survival, and family was considered of most value. Granted, as time pasts values may diminish and become of little importance, but some still play prominent roles regardless of time period. As more Chinese advanced from the lower to middle class, on the whole, most still tried to implement the need of hard work and good education in their lives. This is probably why there is common stereotype for Chinese people; that they are hardworking in their studies.

What must be noted is that one's character cannot be entirely judged on heritage. Heritage can be a major factor in the personality of a person, but it is never the whole story. When one relies on heritage to judge a person's character, they become stereotypical and may emphasize negative racial and/or cultural distinctions, which I do not approve of. In conclusion, heritage is be important to character and gives that person undeniable characteristics, but it does not display the entire personality of that person.