5 pages Background/History: Symbols: A cultural symbol is a physical manifestation that signifies the ideology of a particular culture or that merely has meaning within a culture. The Christian culture has the cultural symbol of the cross, where the Jewish culture has the cultural symbol of the Star of David. Cultural symbols don't have to be actual symbols or signs; they can also be gestures such as hand shakes and hand signals. Additionally, the same symbol can mean different things in different cultures. Americans should be careful in Greece, for example. The thumbs up, which symbolizes that everything is great in American culture, is just like giving the middle finger in Greek culture. Norms: Norms as elements of culture are the rules and the guidelines which specify the behavior of an individual. Norms keep a person within the boundary of society and its culture. It gives us restriction about something which to do and which not to do. It molds our behavior and gives as knowledge about wrong and right. Norms can be categorized as informal or formal norms, meaning written or unwritten rules. Values: Norms as elements of culture are the rules and the guidelines which specify the behavior of an individual. Norms keep a person within the boundary of society and its culture. It gives us restriction about something which to do and which not to do. It molds our behavior and gives as knowledge about wrong and right. Norms can be divided into: Beliefs/Religion: Every sect within a culture has some beliefs for cultural refuge. These beliefs are responsible for the spiritual fulfillment of needs and wants. Muslims believe in God, Holly Prophet, The Day of Judgment, recitation of Holly Quran, Hajj etc. Language: Means of communication. Communication can be verbal or nonverbal. Cultural Oppression: The term cultural and systemic oppression refers to the mistreatment of people of a specific group that is supported and enforced by society and its institutions.