Biculturalism and more

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 Reading the play English by Sanaz Toossi this week made me think of a few things. Firstly, in the play, English is viewed differently by each character, and thus it acts as a lens into deeper meaning. For example, Marjan and Elham are learning English for career purposes, while Omid and Goli are in the class for personal reasons. The English language is powerful in the play in that it is a open door. Learning it may provide many new opportunities, but it also requires sacrifices as one enters the door. 

The play really made me think about assimilating into a new culture and society and the effects that has on one's identity. As a child of immigrant parents, oftentimes I think my behavior may not be American enough, or Chinese enough to satisfy the "crowd". Although for the most part, I can participate and reside with both sides of my cultural identity, for some aspects you have to choose a side. Having to constantly flip-flop between these creates some personal identity conflicts and discontent with not being able to be fully one side or the other. 

Overall, I think being bicultural is a great thing and allows for exposure and knowledge. It may create problems for one's identity, but it is also enriching it and creating useful complexity. People that live with multiple cultures shouldn't force themselves to fall more in line with one or another, but instead it should be a natural process of creating your own unique identity.

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