Culturally Diverse

Most people I know come from a single heritage, three or more generations removed from their family migration. Some are born into a household established by migrants, raised in the shadow of their parents’ culture at home, and schooled in America.

I am neither of those.

My parents' love and respect for their cultures, each other, and me is profound. ‘Amma’ is a native of Bengaluru, and ‘Daddy’ is a native of Colorado. My genetics are Asian, German, Polish, and English; my values are Hindu, Jewish, and Christian; my heritage is Indian and American Cultures.

I spent the summers of my youth living in India, speaking Kannada and eating only homemade food, wholly immersed in my Indian culture. There, I felt like an American growing up in India. Here, I sometimes feel like an Indian growing up in America. I am neither, and I am both. 

Both cultures are home to me.

I am thankful for my two-culture family. My parents have given me at least twice the variety of experiences that most people have had while growing up. At home, all three of us speak English. I talk in Kannada with Amma daily, usually about food, dance, and rituals. I also have at least weekly conversations with my Bengaluru family.

The contrast of cultures, values, and languages within me is intense! 

That sounds overwhelming and distressing, but it’s not. I am very comfortable and confident with my identity: I am biracial, my family is from all over the globe, and I've been lucky enough to participate in multiple events in my cultures and communities. 

This is my life.