Exploring My Personal Cultural Identity: A Journey of Self-Discovery
Growing up, I was exposed to multiple cultures due to my diverse family background. My father was born in Japan, and my mother was from Mexico. My grandparents were also from different countries, with my paternal grandparents being from Korea. With such a mix of cultures, I always felt unique, but I also struggled to understand my personal cultural identity.
It wasn’t until I entered college that I truly began to explore my cultural identity. I took courses on race and ethnicity, read books about the experiences of people with multicultural backgrounds, and attended cultural events. Through my experiences, I discovered that cultural identity is not something that can be easily defined or measured. It is a complex and ever-changing aspect of a person’s life.
Defining Cultural Identity
Cultural identity refers to the values, beliefs, norms, and practices that a person shares with a particular group. It is shaped by a combination of factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, religion, language, and nationality. Cultural identity is not an individual characteristic, but rather a shared characteristic among members of a group.
It’s essential to recognize that one’s cultural identity is not fixed and can change over time. For instance, a person who moves to a new country may experience a shift in their cultural identity, adapting to new values, beliefs, and practices.
Navigating My Multicultural Background
As someone with a multicultural background, I often faced challenges in navigating my identity. I struggled to balance my Japanese, Mexican, and Korean heritage, and at times I felt like I didn’t belong in any one culture.
Over time, I began to realize that my unique background was a strength rather than a weakness. Rather than feeling like I had to choose between my various cultural identities, I began to embrace them and celebrate the diversity that they brought to my life.
Benefits of Multiculturalism
As the world becomes increasingly diverse, multiculturalism is becoming more important than ever before. There are numerous benefits to having a multicultural background, including a broader perspective, increased adaptability, and strong communication skills.
Individuals with multicultural backgrounds are better equipped to navigate different cultural contexts, build relationships with people from diverse backgrounds, and contribute to a more inclusive and welcoming society.
Conclusion
Exploring and embracing my personal cultural identity has been a journey of self-discovery. Through my experiences, I have learned that cultural identity is not something that can be easily defined or measured, and it can change over time. As someone with a multicultural background, I have faced challenges in navigating my identity, but I have also learned the benefits of multiculturalism.
It is essential to celebrate the diversity that cultural identity brings and use it as a strength to build relationships and contribute to a more inclusive society.
