Critique my revised DS?
Posted: Sun Jan 09, 2011 7:23 pm
Here it is:
Growing up, I did not know what it meant to be African American. These identities were mutually exclusive to my childhood friends. The daughter of a Nigerian man and an American woman, I fit neatly into neither category. My Nigerian friends claimed that I was not truly Naija because I had never eaten moimoi and could speak no native tongue. But because of my strict religious upbringing, I was unable to exhibit what my American friends considered characteristic American behavior, like recite the lyrics of Biggie’s “Warning” or explain how to “ice grill” someone.
I felt alienated since my alleged deficiencies precluded full acceptance from either group. In this unbound state, I saw the conflict between these groups unravel. My Nigerian counterparts contended that American culture was bland and touted the superiority of their African customs. My American peers countered that Africans were “wild and dirty” and asserted that it was better to be from the United States.
Both camps settled stubbornly on the issue and refused to consider other perspectives. Instead of ascribing to either skewed view, I decided to synthesize both cultures and embrace my own identity. I began taking pride in my Nigerian American heritage and enjoying activities that integrated features of both cultures, such as speaking Nigerian Pidgin English.
I appreciate this childhood experience for teaching me the value of independent thought. Whereas in my youth I took an objective role because of circumstance, as an adult I do so out of choice.
Growing up, I did not know what it meant to be African American. These identities were mutually exclusive to my childhood friends. The daughter of a Nigerian man and an American woman, I fit neatly into neither category. My Nigerian friends claimed that I was not truly Naija because I had never eaten moimoi and could speak no native tongue. But because of my strict religious upbringing, I was unable to exhibit what my American friends considered characteristic American behavior, like recite the lyrics of Biggie’s “Warning” or explain how to “ice grill” someone.
I felt alienated since my alleged deficiencies precluded full acceptance from either group. In this unbound state, I saw the conflict between these groups unravel. My Nigerian counterparts contended that American culture was bland and touted the superiority of their African customs. My American peers countered that Africans were “wild and dirty” and asserted that it was better to be from the United States.
Both camps settled stubbornly on the issue and refused to consider other perspectives. Instead of ascribing to either skewed view, I decided to synthesize both cultures and embrace my own identity. I began taking pride in my Nigerian American heritage and enjoying activities that integrated features of both cultures, such as speaking Nigerian Pidgin English.
I appreciate this childhood experience for teaching me the value of independent thought. Whereas in my youth I took an objective role because of circumstance, as an adult I do so out of choice.