Expert: Steve Summers - 9/21/2008

Question
I was born and raise here in Southern California. I have a project for my communications class, it’s my culture background speech. Since I have lived here my whole life what a great subject to speak about the So. Cal. culture. Part of this project is I have to find an expert about my culture and have a face to face interview with them. I come from here, but who is really considered an expert. Some one who had lived her a long time? Someone who is full of information about so. cal.? Would it be someone holding a political place in office here in SO. Cal? I mean what would you feel the requirements should be. If you could give me idea on who might be able to talk to me with in this next few weeks that would be great

Becca


Answer
Hi Rebecca,

SoCal is a huge melting pot of cultures. We have so many traditions in our lives, we sometimes take it for granted. I believe your teacher/professor is trying to get you to look at your own personal culture. For example, do you come from a Latino culture with traditions like Christmas tamales, Dia de Los Muertos, and quincañeras? Or an Asian culture? Are you a JAP (Jewish-American Princess)? A WASP (White Anglo-Saxon Protestant)? This is where teachers and professors are going with this question.

If I were doing this question, I would probably interview one or both of my parents, and maybe a grandparent. I would ask them what traditions they grew up with from their culture that they have passed on. I would want to ask my grandparents (both deceased now) how and why they came to Los Angeles. Actually one set came to LA, the other lived in NorCal. I'd ask them about what things were like for them, and how that affected the next generation. Try to ask about any ethnic or cultural traditions in the family. Perhaps you come from a family with different cultural backgrounds. For example, my mother's side of the family came from Mexico (my great-grandparents), and my father's side is German Catholics that came from Nebraska and Pennsylvania.

Finding an expert shouldn't be hard. You should be able to find a parent, relative, or grandparent for the job. I've been the interviewee myself once already for this type of project.

Good luck!