Cultural background is really important in shaping who we are when we're teenagers. During this time, we start to figure out our identity and how we fit into the world around us.

How Culture Shapes Identity:

1. Values and Beliefs:

   • Different cultures teach us different values. For example, some cultures focus on the group and community, while others focus on individual success and personal goals.

2. Traditions and Customs:

   • Celebrating special events, like a Jewish Bar Mitzvah or the Swedish Midsummer, helps teenagers connect with their culture and feel like they belong.

3. Social Expectations:

   • What is accepted in one culture may be different in another. For example, some cultures have strict rules about education and family roles.

By understanding how these cultural influences work, we can appreciate the different identities we see in our friends and classmates.