Since America is so diverse, there are a lot of people here with different ethnicities. Sometimes it can be difficult when you are considered a foreigner in both of your countries. You want to call both places your home, but people still consider you an outsider. There are many struggles to being a "foreigner" in both of your homes:
1. People see your ethnicity, rather than YOU
Everyone always asks you what your ethnicity is. Before getting to know your name, your favorite color, or what you like to do for fun, they ask you where you come from.
2. You’re considered a foreigner in America, but also a foreigner in your country of origin
Even though you’ve lived in America all of your life, people still consider you a foreigner. When you go visit your home country people there consider you a foreigner because you are visiting from America.
3. When you visit your home country everyone comments on your accent
Even though you had no idea you had an accent in your second language, it is obvious to everyone else that you do.
4. When you visit your home country you don’t know anything about the current pop culture
Your family and friends will say slang words and talk about celebrities that you have no idea about.
5. When you try to talk about American pop culture with your cousins from your country of origin and they don’t understand
You try to talk about your favorite singer, movie, or celebrity with your cousins but they have no idea what you are talking about.
6. Getting your languages mixed up
When you know two languages, it is sometimes hard to keep them straight. You might know one word in English, but not know it in your second language and vice versa.
7. People are surprised at how good your English is
When you first meet someone and they are surprised at how well you speak English. “Thanks… but it is my first language.”
8. When you visit your home country and people assume that you don’t know the language
They try to speak to you in English and you try to tell them that you do know the language.
9. When you visit your home country and your family treats you like a child
Your aunt asks to hold your hand as you cross the street, and your mom does not allow you to go outside by yourself.
Even though it can be hard sometimes to deal with the problems of having two countries to call home, it is still pretty cool. Despite the struggles, I wouldn't change anything.
