Mixed Heritage

In this day and age, there is a new generation. A generation I feel that truly is new. A mixed generation, one that society cannot categorize in one or the other, but share a bond through mixed heritage. I am one of these people, and the specifics of the mix itself does not really matter here but rather the feelings associated with the mixing itself. For a period, it feels strange, because members of society always seem to prefer the comfort of set categories with very little deviation, from government officials, to neighbors, to friends and to family. But it is difficult for us to sit in one category. For we are not a product of one category but rather mixed. So how shall we define ourselves, and define our legacies? Where shall we stand? Shall this mixing be that of conflict, that of West vs. East, Traditional vs. Modern, Old vs. New or rather a fruitful collaboration if you will. Only time will tell, but the question falls to the individual to define themselves.

That was the easy part, the hard part comes along at the tough times, when it feels like the odds are stacked against you and you search for support, only to find that wherever you turn people think you are crazy, because you are not "completely one" nor "completely another". To both sides you are crazy, but it all seems to make sense in your head. You are confused, as I was told once. But I was also told something else. A reminder that I would like to put into words to help during those times where support is needed; You should not feel the need to fall into one of society's predetermined categories, because you are your own mind and a result of your own experiences, and instead of having pride with that one category, that superficial creation of nation, team, color, or institution, have pride in specific values and issues. Let your stance on specific issues define who you are, as opposed to a category. I am not completely American, English, Indian, Chinese, or Australian but rather I am actively against racism, against occupation, or against colonization.

I hope what I am trying to convey makes sense.