How to Embrace Your Multicultural Identity
In Third Culture Kids, the authors discuss the effects of globalization on children's upbringings. Families and jobs are no longer stationary. Now that companies span continents, a family may have to move at a moment's notice. The transitions can shock unprepared children. In one case, a family moved from Ecuador to Singapore. The authors define these particular youths as "third culture kids," or "TCKs." The perspective TCKs get by being in contrasting environments is a two-edged blessing. Their experience may serve them well as adults. But loneliness can set in while young because few to none can identify with their background. The book shares examples of kids who find themselves frustrated after relocating. They have nothing in common with peers who have limited, local perspectives. Now that technology connects anyone in the world, TCKs can have their own community. They realize they're not alone, and that the number of people like them can only trend upward. The book concludes for TCKs to use their adaptability and adventurousness as strengths. Doing so allows them to celebrate the joy of a unique upbringing. Now they can share insights on how to adjust to the world's increased diversification.
If you are a TCK, what tips would be helpful?
Play the long game. The ugly duckling becomes a beautiful swan plenty of times. Everyone has flaws, but what may cause alienation as kids becomes attractive later. Rui Hachimura has a Benin father and Japanese mother. When he was growing up in Japan, his classmates chided him for his appearance due to his mixed heritage. But he became great at basketball. Japan was proud to claim him as one of their own when the NBA drafted him.
Embrace your ability and willingness to adapt. If you are a TCK, you didn't have a choice in becoming one. Your background might feel like a burden, but you can see it as an opportunity to grow. Ciera is an American woman who grew up in Columbia as the daughter of missionaries. She doesn't feel like the experience robbed her of the ideal suburban childhood. After all, her upbringing made her fluent in Spanish. Her multicultural perspective also helps her build relationships in diverse places like Houston.
Keep and share perspective. In line with tip #1, TCKs may feel isolated since no one else may share their views and experiences. As a TCK, you can assess and adjust to each new environment in the same way. If you seek first to understand, then others may better understand you. You can then invite helping others appreciate a world they may never know.
Through my teenage years, I grew up in cities which had a small Asian population. I was grateful what Chinese community I had available. But having to be friends with others only because they were like me wasn't ideal. But going to college in a city with a larger Asian population didn't change things. I never had a big Asian community, so I did nothing to engage it, even when the opportunity was available. I didn't feel like I belonged until I joined a international community. Here, everyone could share his culture for others to enjoy. If you are a TCK or interact with one, this book will encourage you to embrace who you are and share it with the world.
