Embracing My Cultural Identity at the Liminal Spaces | Cindy Toh | TEDxCanadianIntlSchool

TL;DR

Growing up in multiple cultures, the author struggles to find acceptance but realizes they can define their identity on their own terms.

Transcript

unist and Chinese Singaporean Yes you heard it right and no it's not a proper word but none could adequately capture the junctures of the cultures that Define my life I grew up in the heart of yango yar's Chinese Burmese and Buddhist communities and have attended international schools with third culture kids my whole life I grew frequenting Buddhis... Read More

Key Insights

• 👾 Cultural identity is a complex and personal journey, especially for those living in liminal spaces between cultures.
• 🇲🇩 Acceptance and belonging can be difficult to find when individuals don't fit neatly into predefined cultural molds.
• 🥳 Introspection and self-reflection can help individuals discover the best parts of their cultures and faiths, while rejecting harmful norms.
• 👻 Embracing cultural identity on one's own terms allows for a sense of pride and belonging.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the author feel about their cultural identity growing up?

The author felt conflicted, not feeling Burmese or Chinese enough, and struggling with societal norms and expectations.

Q: How did the author reconcile their conflicting cultural identities?

Through introspection, they found that the values of loving kindness and compassion were shared by both cultures, allowing them to embrace the best parts while rejecting unkind norms.

Q: How did attending an international school impact the author's cultural identity?

Attending an international school exposed the author to peers with similar experiences, helping them realize that they were not alone in living in the junctures of different cultures.

Q: What does the author believe about cultural identity?

The author believes that individuals have the power to choose and define their own cultural identity, embracing the best parts of their cultures while rejecting harmful norms.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The author grew up in a multicultural environment, influenced by Chinese, Burmese, and Buddhist cultures.

• They faced challenges in being accepted and questioned their cultural identity.

• Through introspection, they realized that the best parts of their cultures and faiths intertwined and that they could define their identity on their own terms.