Have you been exposed to different culture when travelling? Are you curious about the fascinating and complex topic of identity and nationality?
Join me on an eye-opening journey of self-discovery as we explore how our unique experiences shape who we are and where we belong in this world. Get ready for an empowering and thought-provoking adventure that will challenge your perspectives and leave you feeling inspired. Let's dive in!
Three passports for the explorers under the sky
Seven visa stamps for the adventurers in their hall of maps
Nine plane tickets for travelers doomed to fly
One for the captain on his cockpit throne
In the Land of Border Control where the queues lie.
(Lord of the Rings reference for those who don't get it)
Identity is a multifaceted concept that can encompass many different factors, such as nationality, ethnicity, culture, and personal experiences. Nationality is often tied to a person's identity and can be an important source of pride and belonging. This feeling can even be stronger when people belong to a strong regional identity. That’s the case of my brother: he will introduce himself as Breton (regional), Taiwanese (national), and omit the French identity.
However, people can feel a strong sense of belonging to a group even if they do not share the same nationality. Identity is a deeply personal and individual concept that can be shaped by many different factors, and it's important to recognize and embrace the complexities and diversity of individual experiences.
Through my own journey to explore nationality and identity, I understood that everyone has their unique journey in discovering their identity and that's what makes us all special.
I. Nationality and Identity
Often when you travel one of the very first question that can be asked to you is, What’s your name and Where are you from? And this is simply because nationality is often tied to identity.
Nationality = Identity?
This can be a source of pride and belonging (national or regional). I believe this is the case because the nationality can shape your identity through common food, language, behaviours, culture, history, traditions, etc. (Want to know more? Click here)
Identity is deeply personal (for example how many people got upset when someone assumed the wrong nationality about them. My Canadian friend gets annoyed when she is being mistaken for being American) and the concept of identity can be shaped by many different factors. and it's important to recognize and embrace the complexities and diversity of individual experiences.
II. Identity Beyond Nationality
However, people can feel a strong sense of belonging to a group even if they do not share the same nationality! That is actually often the case when someone from another nationality migrates to a new country and embraces the culture of the new country.
Another example of identity beyond nationality could be someone with a certain cultural heritage (example Chinese culture) but born and raised in another country (ex. USA). This person (ABC, American-born Chinese) may feel more American than Chinese.
An additional element of identity beyond nationality, is through which lenses people are viewing you. This could be based on your accent, facial features, skin colour, where your are born, values, etc.
So the other day, as I was near Taipei 101 at a bar. I was chatting with my friend and a man sitting near me asked me if I was British national. He asked if I was British because he overheard me speaking English with a modern RP British accent ☕🫖👑🏰. (An accent that I gained naturally after living more in England for more than 7 years). For this person, I am British, because he used the language/accent lens.
For other people, it might be a different lens. I find this really facinating, how people view you, which criteria they use to consider your from which country, etc.
III. Exploring Identity, Nationality, and Belonging
I personally think that with the globalisation, and countries opening borders, the world is becoming increasingly more diverse.
I like to follow this Japanese YouTuber who was born in Japan to a Japanese mom and raised in Japan. He speaks perfect Japanese, understands and respects Japan culture and traditions, eats Japanese food, yet he is often mistaken as a foreigner because he is Black (African American dad).
I believe it is a beautiful example of diversity and very inspirational.
Another example I have is this French Bulgarian couple who met in China, and have two adorable daughters who speak fluent Chinese and English.
I think in few years this will become a norm and there will be even more beautiful stories to be told.
Of course, I can only highlight the importance of understanding one's own identity, and for parents to support and encourage the journey of their mixed kids.
Option 1: 🇹🇼 Option 2: 🇫🇷 Option 3: 🇬🇧
I am often asked, “Do you feel more Taiwanese, French, or British?”
I will be honest, I hate this question. I am not upset at people asking it, but I find the question extremely binary. “Do you prefer Chocolate or Vanilla Ice cream?” Can I not like the two equally?
I usually answer that it really depends. It depends, are they asking about personal values, culinary tastes, genetic background, which lenses are they using? I am aware that physically I look more European, yet my heart, my blood is Taiwanese, as well as French and British now. And I don’t want to pick only one.
This would not give justice to who I am really, the sum of my genetic background, life experiences, and personality.
Conclusion
I really encourage everyone to embrace their own identity and accept others for who they are.Identity is a complex concept, yet I firmly believe in the importance of understanding and embracing it. We are all part of a large world, and of course it is important of respect and celebrate diversity around us.
References:
Baumeister, R. F., & Bushman, B. J. (2014). Social psychology and human nature. Cengage Learning. DOI: 10.1037/14323-000
Berry, J. W. (2017). Mutual intercultural relations. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781316875032
Bhugra, D. (2017). Migration, distress and cultural identity. British Journal of Psychiatry, 211(4), 223-225. https://doi.org/10.1093/bmb/ldh007
Erikson, E. (1968). Identity, youth and crisis. WW Norton & Company. https://doi.org/10.1002/bs.3830140209
Harper, G. W., & Schneider, M. (2003). Oppression and discrimination among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered people and communities: A challenge for community psychology. American Journal of Community Psychology, 31(3-4), 243-252. DOI: 10.1023/A:1023954118349
Jenkins, R. (2014). Social identity. Routledge. https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B0_FjdluRK7uOGFmYzUxYjktOGNjZi00YmQ2LWI3ZWQtMDRiMTYwZmQ0YWIw/edit?resourcekey=0-H8gOj1ZpfzPBS2jh0haWlg
Tajfel, H., & Turner, J. C. (1979). An integrative theory of intergroup conflict. The social psychology of intergroup relations, 33-47. DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-657410-6.50006-4
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