The United States of America has long been considered a Melting Pot where people of all nations merge to form one diverse country. Often, people who immigrate to the United States will have children born in America who are members of the Bridge Generation. Some say that this cultural collision is what makes life unique for these children but for us, it’s life as usual.
1. Being annoyed when your parent chastises you about how easy it is for you
Yes, you are aware that life may not have always been a walk in the park for your parent where they lived, but you are especially aware of this fact during their lectures. You know the talk is coming when you do poorly in school, break curfew, or act disrespectful. Even though you know they're right, you can’t help but roll your eyes.
2. The realization that your parent has an accent
Since you grew up with your parent, you may have no idea that they even have an accent until your friend says, “Why don’t you speak like that?” After that moment, you’ll ask everyone who knows your parent if they can recognize this alleged accent. Though 100 percent of people say yes, you still can’t hear it.
3. Immediately becoming defensive when someone makes an offensive comment about you family's race or country of origin
Despite America being a home to people of all nations, people will still make unnecessary and sometimes even cruel comments about other countries and the people from them. These comments hit home when they are directed toward your parent’s race or nation, and you simply cannot remain silent. That’s family, after all.
4. Your parent may be Americanized, but they still carry their culture proudly
You may have your baseball and apple pie, but your parent will always have their culture and they will always celebrate. To you, it’s normal to see ethnic décor around the house, hear music of another language, and have everyone in the house follow at least a few cultural customs.
5. Having mixed reactions when you try to feed ethnic food to your friends
Your friends are over and of course, everyone wants food. That’s okay, because you know your parent has tons of food in the fridge. You’re diving in, but then you notice you’re the only one eating. After a certain amount of convincing, some friends eat tentatively while others refuse and order pizza. Whatever, their loss.
6. Speaking the language your parent grew up with…
Being bilingual or even multilingual is a huge asset in today’s world, and learning that language from a native speaker is an even larger asset. You know not only the mechanics of the language but how to speak it, slang and all, and have a special way to bond with your parent.
7. … or not
Maybe your parent was busy or maybe you never wanted to learn. Whatever the reason, you can’t speak your parent’s native tongue. Your friends are shocked the first time they learn this and say you simply have to because of your parent. This is the perfect opportunity to demand that your friends have to know every last word and rule of the English language since BOTH their parents were born here.
8. There is a strong chance your parent is the most patriotic person you know
You didn’t have to do much to become a citizen other than being born. Your parent, however, had to reside in the country for years, take a difficult test to prove their loyalty to America, and possibly learn an entirely new language. As a result, they are ardently American and are the first to stand during the National Anthem and the last to walk away from the Fourth of July fireworks.
9. Visiting the homeland firsthand…
Going to your parent’s native country is a treat you look forward to. Whether you’ve only been once or go often, the trip was an eye-opener to how your parent lived then and how different it is from America.
10. … or through stories
Not everyone can be a world traveler. Sometimes, living vicariously through your parent’s tales is all you have and you cling to them with an iron fist until the day you can visit yourself.
11. Your parent is your own personal superhero
Your parent most likely gave up a lot so you could have it all. They want you to succeed and have all the opportunities that they never did and once you got past your eye-rolling phase, you understood and fully appreciated how much they sacrificed so you could have a full life.
