Evaluating My Identity
Recently, I had a conversation with a friend about the various sub-cultures in America. I asked him which groups he would consider me part of. In a very kind way, he said, “You’re just a white, American woman.” There’s nothing particular about me that is identified outside of that statement. I keep thinking about that conversation and wonder if my cultural identity is just that simple…
I have German ancestry, but my relatives have lived in the U.S. for many generations. I’m a happy divorcee, but that’s not really a cultural group, is it? I am entering middle-age, which is certainly a group, according to the targeted advertising I have been getting on Facebook. According to 23andMe, I am .2% Jewish, but I can’t say I identify with the Jewish community, ethnically or religiously. And… I am a millennial.
My Choice to be an Outsider
Maybe the reason I enjoy being an outsider is truly because I am part of a large, ordinary group of people and I strongly value the uniqueness of people unlike myself. I love getting to know people from other countries – especially if they have a fancy accent. I like being nervous when I head into different places of worship to experience the congregants’ version of god while learning their unique point of view on faith. I am fascinated by different social groups and subcultures. I want to explore all the beautiful differences amongst people that creates the human race – and I want to tell you about it so you can also be inspired to explore people unlike yourself.
I do believe that coexistence in peace and harmony is possible for people from all walks of life. I do believe people can choose to love and understand instead of hate and judge. I do believe in tolerance, kindness, grace, compassion, empathy, acceptance, and understanding. All we have to do is choose it.
Join My Journey
You might be thinking that I am just an idealist, with a vision for the world half-baked in utopian fantasy. And maybe that’s true… but, if there is one thing I know about living it’s that we can be the change we want to see in the world. With change comes progress, and with progress comes a different, and usually improved, way of existing.
Come join me on my journey! Feel free to share an experience of your personal journey in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear your stories!
Until next time…
Peace and love,
Jessica ❤️
