The Unwritten Barrier free essay sample

There was always a barrier between my peers and me when the topic of religion came up. When asked about the Bible or Christian holidays, I simply did not know the answer and was forced to change the topic. Although I never found my designated place among regular Christian churchgoers who had their own traditions and beliefs to follow, beginning in 6th grade, I began to identify with my own religion after finding out about a Hindu culture class that kids of my age regularly attended. I begged my parents to pay the membership fee so that I could join.After attending the class regularly for five years, stimulated by curiosity about why red meat was strictly prohibited from a Hindu’s diet or what the significance of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, was, I could finally explain to others what defined me. Sharing â€Å"laddu† with my friends at lunch and teaching my friends how to fold their hands in the proper prayer stance allowed me to reciprocate wearing a yarmulke o r decorating a Christmas tree. We will write a custom essay sample on The Unwritten Barrier or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Through attending Balavihar, the culture class, I realized how important self-identification and community were in my development.When I turned 14 (and after having learned various prayers, customs, and commonalities of language) I became â€Å"qualified† to teach younger Indian kids what I learned about the Hindu religion and Indian culture. I tell corny jokes at the beginning of each class (â€Å"If we don’t put a red dot on our foreheads for decoration, why do we at all?†) and eagerly await the response from one of my students answering â€Å"the mark symbolizes knowledge and is worn on auspicious occasions.† My religious foundation has shaped many of my views on issues ranging from the next presidential candidate to the composition of my lunch.