Breaking Free of Our Cultural Heritage

      As individuals we are able to break free of our cultural heritage but not in all aspects. For example, one may not want to follow Italian customs, but they are still, and always will be, Italian. You cannot change that. However, if you chose not to follow your culture's customs, that is fine, and that is how one breaks free. Society does not try to keep us in line with our cultures. I have not seen a single example of that, personally. What your family wants you to do is different from what society wants you to do. There is no danger in disregarding social norms. In in fact, I do not see how not wanting to celebrate Saint Joseph's Day (an Italian holiday) as disregarding social norms, etc. From another viewpoint, if a person does not want to observe Hanukah, but it is part of their culture, does not mean they are going against society.It is a personal decision. Society does not say that you have to celebrate this holiday because that is your culture. The benefits include being your own individual person. I do not see any disadvantages to that.