Identity is how you
view the world and the way you think the world views you. Factors that
influence my identity include my family, race, religion and gender. As a
daughter of two Caribbean parents I was raised with strong religious values in
Christianity, a respect for authority, and the importance of family.
Due to my upbringing, I understand not everyone share my worldview and
therefore compromise, compassion, and open mindedness are just as essential in
the make-up of my identity. As a resident of Brooklyn,
New York I have been shaped by my environment growing up in low middle class
socioeconomic climate. Lastly as an African American woman I understand that some people
in every society that are put more at a disadvantage than others.
For example, I was once asked by my soccer coach in high school
what I wanted to be when I grew up. I answered “a pediatrician.” He then
responded “Great! As long as you know you have to work twice as hard because
first you’re black and you’re a woman.” His statement was so explicit, so blunt
and so true. Even though everyone struggles at some point, the truth is that
some will always have to struggle more than others whether because of their
gender, race, environment, health status and or socioeconomic status
Examining
my identity in the context of Zambia is being aware of some privileges I possess
being an American citizen. Having the chance to pursue a higher education and
enjoy certain common amenities are things that I sometimes take for granted,
yet are not always an option for others.
Coming from a more developed country it is easy to take on a superior complex
when visiting regions of the world like Zambia, however as I am evolving as a global
citizen it is important to keep in mind that just because our lifestyles differ
it does not make one better than the other. Also, being African American It
would be interesting to experience living in a country where my skin tone is a
part of the majority population. Hopefully this will allow me to assimilate
better in this new society which is advantageous. All in all as I embark on
this experience I am looking forward to making global citizenship a more
integral part of my identity.
