Growing up with parents from two different countries has given me a unique view of the world. My father’s family comes from Africa, while my mother’s family lives in Canada, where I live. Both sides of my family have different traditions, ways of living and ways of thinking. Living between these two cultures has sometimes been interesting, helping me understand who I am and teaching me to be more open to different cultures.
Family and community are highly important to my father’s side of the family. Families live near one another, even in the same place. Almost everything is shared among people, including food, clothing and other things. Traditionally, everyone uses their hands to eat from the same dish. Like if the meal is rice and chicken, the whole meal will be put in the middle, and everybody will use their hands to eat it, and we will all share.
The family lived close to one another, and you usually saw a mother correcting another child, even if it wasn’t hers. It was the norm. It’s like she’s correcting her own child. Also, when I went at a young age, I usually slept with my cousins every time, in the same big bed.
Through all the different approaches, you develop a sense of community because everyone in the family is there to help one another and share, and no one feels alone.
Going there twice and seeing the way of living and tradition taught me how important it is to be generous and to share.
My mother’s side of the family, who are from Canada, live very differently. Here, people value independence and privacy. Families often live in separate houses, each with its own space and routine. Meals are usually eaten alone or with just the immediate family.
People are more focused on their work and goals, and life moves more quickly. It has advantages, but sometimes makes me feel less connected than my father’s culture. It teaches or creates an environment that promotes more autonomy and having personal boundaries.
Being part of both cultures has not always been easy. When I visit my father’s family, I feel like I don’t really have privacy or time for myself. From where I am from, Canada, it’s different because people don’t have the same sense of community and sharing.
I can take the best parts from both. From my father’s culture, I’ve learned about togetherness and the importance of community. I’m not saying I don’t know it in Canada, but the way teaching is done and the approach are totally different.
My background is a gift that allows me to live and see different cultures. Having parents from two very different cultures has opened my mind to the world and taught me that there isn’t only one right way to live. Every culture has beauty in its traditions and lessons to teach.
When people from different backgrounds meet, there’s a chance to share ideas and learn something new. I believe that understanding and respecting our differences can bring people closer. My two cultures may seem opposite, but together they make me who I am.