Do you have a strong cultural identity??

Question

I ask because I think I am a pretty typical American-mutt...that is the only way I can think of to describe my ethnicity.
My dad is half German, half Irish...but my mom is English, Scottish, Dutch, French, Syrian and Native Mohawk....
Many times I envy those who were raised with a strong cultural identity...
Anyways...just curious...

Answer 1

That's a very good question but what you described as an "American mutt" is in itself exactly a cultural identity by itself! Hence, you conform totally to such a cultural identity.

I think that the answer to your question varies with different Lebanese groups since we have different separate norms here.

When it comes to me, the answer is obviously NO.

Cultural identity is related to religious beliefs, race, nationality and gender.

There are many different Lebanese norms, and I do not conform to ANY of them.

I do not act Lebanese at all and I have serious problems in conforming to any of its standards.

EDIT: I don't think many of the answerers really know what a "Cultural Identity" is. It's not related to being pure blooded! This is what it means.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultural_identity

Answer 2

I am 100% pure Portuguese but I spent the second half of my life in Australia, the best country in the UNIVERSE. I feel very much like a universal citizen with roots in Africa, America, Asia, Europe, Oceania, Antarctida, Moon, Sun, Mars and so on. Strong cultural identities are dangerous sometimes. The Germans had a very strong cultural identity and that was the main reason for trying to impose their supposedly "superior race complex" upon others and trigger as a result the beggining of a war the lasted 6 years and killed more than 50 millions of people. We should beware of strong cultural identities.

Answer 3

I am only half Lebanese and up to recently did not know much about this side of my culture. When my gramps came over, he wanted to quickly be assimilated into his new land. My dad says they only spoke english at home so I don't even know any of the language. Most of my cousins are the same. I realize that not all do this but it was my familys choice. So my main cultural identity I have is as an American. I have been trying to learn about the Lebanese half for the last several months and have really appreciated the insights and information I get from this category.

Answer 4

I agree with Smutty on a number of issues. The above answers took the term "cultural identity" to be linked to nationalism or pan-nationalism. Cultural identity, which is continuously constructed and negotiated, is an intersection of several group belongings (gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, and others). It is also fluid (as a a result of it being negotiated) and never rigid as proposed in the question. Intersection, fluidity, and negotiation, are three factors that render "cultural identity" a very personal and individual issue rather than an issue of whole groups. This also makes it an area of tension between individual agency and societal structures. The term has been historically manipulated to assert the superiority of some groups over others, which resulted in genocides. In one word, what I mean to say, is that each of us is unique with his/her perception, experiences, wants, desires, and ideas.

Answer 5

Yes, I do. My dad is of Turkish origins, and my mother is from origins going back to Upper Egypt. However, I see myself as Egyptian 100% and am very proud of my culture and my heritage. I would never dream of immigrating or living somewhere else on a permanent basis.

My husband is half Egyptian, half Hungarian. I am trying to raise my daughter in a typical Egyptian manner, proud of her country and her identity too.

Answer 6

I am 100% Egyptian and 100% Proud of it
Couldnt wich for onother culture Identity

Answer 7

I'm Egyptian Arabian , all my family were either Egyptians , or Arabians , it's wonderful , but also handful , you have to bear the responsibility of being a knight looool , which I can't .

Answer 8

Yes I do ...I am of British / Lebanese heritage with some Armenian in there for good measure.

Though Iwas born inthe U K & have lived in Australia nearly all of my life , it is the Lebanese side of my heritage that I choose to identify with .

Don't you just LOVE the freedom to choose your cultural identity .

Answer 9

I do.
I'm Lebanese.

I have lived in Australia for over 20 years now, I'm fully at home, settled, assimilated and so on...
But if you ask me, I'll say I'm Lebanese.

Answer 10

no, i am 1/2 Filipino and 1/2 African American. I have no identity i am "other". I'm not black enough for black people but my mom's side which is the Filipino side are more accepting but i feel sorry for my daughter who is Filipino, black and Caucasian. so i dint really think i have one.