Weekly The Generation, Year 1, Issue 14
December 05, 2023
By Vineet Mehmi
By Everyone has their own identity. But what comes with this is a desire to be a part of a shared identity – something that allows one to connect with a larger group of people and feel like they are playing a role in something. For brown children growing up outside their respective country, this identity comes in the form of wanting to connect to their roots while also maintaining a status amongst the overall population wherever they reside.
This manifests in a unique identity where the children combine their traits to form something that allows them to coexist with various groups. In my personal experience, I have attempted to connect to my roots and showcase them, no matter where I am.
This could be wearing a kurta in public or listening to loud Punjabi music with my windows rolled down (a bit obnoxious I know) – but it comes as a reaction to the expectations placed on us from those around us.
The aforementioned identity creation is a spectrum of children who long to fit in or those who completely reject their culture as they feel it will allow them to assimilate better. Whatever the case, it is an interesting concept to explore, especially as more immigrants travel outside their countries.
