The Many Cultures I Call Home: A Journey in my 2.1.4 Journal
Growing up in a multicultural family taught me that diversity is not about race or ethnicity alone, but also about traditions, values, and beliefs. As I embarked on a journey of self-discovery, I started documenting my experiences in a journal, which became a narrative of my cultural identity. In this article, I will share some of the insights I gained from my journaling practice and how it shaped my understanding of multiculturalism.
The first lesson I learned was that cultural identity is not static but fluid. I realized that my identity was not limited to the ethnicity of my parents but also included the places I lived, the languages I spoke, and the books I read. For instance, although I identified as Indian-American, I felt equally connected to the British literature I studied in school and the jazz music I listened to on the radio. My journal allowed me to explore these nuances and understand how they added to my cultural mosaic.
The second lesson I learned was that cultural identity is not monolithic but intersectional. I recognized that my identity was shaped by race, class, gender, sexuality, and other factors, which interacted in complex ways. For example, I appreciated how my privileged upbringing in an affluent suburb gave me access to resources and opportunities that many others did not have. However, I also recognized how my brown skin color exposed me to systemic racism and microaggressions, which affected my sense of belonging. My journal helped me unpack these issues and confront my own biases and prejudices.
The third lesson I learned was that cultural identity is not passive but active. I understood that my identity was not something that I inherited or acquired but something that I co-created and negotiated. I realized that I had agency in shaping my identity and that I could choose which aspects of my culture to embrace, reject, or modify. For example, I decided to learn Spanish as a third language to connect with my Latinx peers, even though it was not a part of my cultural heritage. My journal facilitated this self-reflection and self-expression, enabling me to articulate my values and aspirations.
In conclusion, my journey in my 2.1.4 journal taught me that cultural identity is a complex and dynamic construct that transcends borders and binaries. It taught me to embrace my identity with pride and curiosity, to connect with others with empathy and openness, and to celebrate diversity with humility and respect. I hope that my reflections inspire others to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and cultural exploration. So, this was all about different cultures and how they molded the writer’s perception of the world.
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