Culture Briefings
American - Nacirema
Ironically enough, I left India on 15th August — it’s independence day. This year, I almost forgot to celebrate my sixth anniverary and my love affair with America. I’ve been thinking a lot about my place here, my place back in India and whether it is fair to belong to any one place after six years of nomadic experiences. I was having this conversation with Kim, my dear friend and colleague, a few days ago on our way back from work.
I’ve been thinking this for a while you know. Why I have this strong desire to defend America? Why so many of us claim to miss home (whatever that country is..) but never enough to want to return home? Why friends and family not in America are the first to lambast on how the country has no culture, no values?
I’ve been thinking about this and I think I know the answer to this.
We come here to be ourself. Stripped off all the layers ladled upon us by our cultures (in this case, my Indian upbringing) we come here to get to know ourselves. I can be a journalist here, I can be an ad-planner here, I can dream of writing songs for Walt Disney- heck, I could be a custodian if that’s what I wanted. I am allowed to be a misfit, allowed to stay in touch with only the relatives I truly cared about, could fall in love with anyone I wanted and build an uncomplicated, interference-less life with them. And if I don’t like someone or something, I could say - Fuck you. THAT. IS. FREEDOM. Being able to say fuck you.
What outsiders don’t understand is that America’s cultural tapestry has been created by not one, but many histories. Our stories are told by not one, but many voices. And our independence day is celebrated by not one, but many nationalities. And that’s saying something. (Where else have you seen Punjabis, Koreans, Chinese come together to celerbate any nation’s indepdence day?)
As much pride as I take in the fact that I am an Indian — I take in being an American. And yes, I will have my passpost soon enough to validate it 110%.
Discussion
9 comments for “American - Nacirema”
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So well said!
but you will still remain naidni at heart! btw, loved your definition of freedom, lol.
As much pride as I take in the fact that I am an Indian..
Which part is that? Somewhere it seems hypocritical of you to say that, in a post which comes across as anything but breaking away from India! Anyway soon that will cease to exist too..
Avnish -
its like that they say, you can take a desi out of India but not take the India out of desi.
Mitesh - I think you mean Indian
Karishma - Hypocritical or matter of conveniece, right?
sure, I guess I wouldn’t/don’t know!
But I take my hat off to your honesty in expression and the sincerity in the love for your adopted land! You’re a better advocate for patriotism than me for sure..
I’m a bit late in seeing this, but I wanted to say I also appreciate your definition of freedom. Well said, but it does seem to be true. That’s something I’ve taken for granted, having grown up here. Yikes.
Nice definition of freedom
And it is always better to be a ‘World Citizen’ rather than creating divisions!
Nice definition of freedom
And it is always better to be a ‘World Citizen’ rather than creating divisions!
Nice definition of freedom
And it is always better to be a ‘World Citizen’ rather than creating divisions!