An Array of Two Cultures
Start writing a post
Student Life

An Array of Two Cultures

Growing up Indian in America

30
An Array of Two Cultures
Meg Kakarla

I was born in India and moved to the states at the age of seven. Living in a new country where everything was drastically different can be mesmerizing. Though there were and still are a lot of culture clash between my parents and I can be tricky. Especially the things that you think are okay to do due to the environment we grow up in may not seem so appealing or entertaining to your parents. For the past nineteen years, I had the best of both worlds and I wouldn't have it any other way.

1) Best of Both worlds

There's nothing better than combining two cultures together. Each culture has its own perks and "disadvantages." Balancing two cultures can be mind boggling at times due to culture clash. For example certain clothes that I want to wear, my dad doesn't approve though in today's society there is nothing wrong with it. Some of the Indian traditions may seem really old fashioned, but those are the things that make up the beauty of that particular culture. There's nothing better than getting to experience two completely different worlds.

2) Roots

Sticking to your roots is really important. When we aren't living with our family it is very hard to forget values and traditions, but it's really crucial that we re-visit some of them because they do makeup who we are as a person. I still don't understand why my family does some traditions in the Indian culture; as in some don't really make sense to me. But asking questions, celebrating festivals with family, wearing traditional clothing, eating Indian food around your friends, and teaching them about it, so that you don't lose yourself, but you're educating others around you about the beauty of it.

3. Pre-conceived notions

Many people have this pre-conceived notion that all people that are Indian either want to be doctors, engineers, want to pursue a career in the IT department, or they believe that their parents are pushing them into a particular career path. No not all of us want to end up in the medical field; I know so many people who want to pursue a career in business, some who don't know what they want to do yet, and some want to be teachers. Yes, it is true that some parents do push their kids to be a doctor or an engineer, but not everyone's. For example; my dad always tells me "I don't care what you end up being as long as you're dedicated, are trying, and giving it your fullest effort. That's all that matters."

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

85857
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

51746
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments