What makes up your identity? We know that culture plays a huge influence on our self-identity and how others see us. But what happens we blend cultures? It is becoming more common to have a global identity, as many families are bound by a blending of cultures that creates unique values. One of the ways we can explore global identities is by looking at some works from people with a blurred national identity.
“The Perforated Sheet,” by Salman Rushdie
“Girl,” by Jamaica Kincaid
“Wedding at the Cross,” by Ngugi Wa Thiong’o
“Omeros,” by Derek Walcott
These works include authors with diverse backgrounds. For example, Jamaica Kincaid beautifully illustrates the blending of American and Caribbean culture in her short story. Her writing style reflects the binding of the cultures by stringing the demands of both cultures into one long sentence. As a part of your classroom discussion, you can look at how each individual, within a culture, may be influenced by the culture differently. Being able to understand the uniqueness of the individual, we will be able to read these authors with a better understanding of the whole individual, rather than the typical boxes and stereotypes we place on different cultures.
Start by having students identify specifics of their own culture and how it has affected their identity, include:
- Value/Relationship with Money
- Clothing
- Independence
- Gender Roles
- Career Choices
- Religion
- Family Dynamic or Relationships
- Traditions
- Location (cultural influence on your area)
This is a great reminder that even though we may be fro similar or the same culture, how that manifests in out household and within ourselves will be different. This is a great time to reflect on what it means to have a blended culture and how that might affect your identity. Our students are all blends of cultures and subcultures, by treating them as such, we can avoid stereotyping and have a more inclusive classroom.
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