Belonging to Two Cultures: The Impact of Contrasting Values
Belonging to two cultures with opposing values brings more than just diversity into one’s life; it also brings anxiety, confusion, joy, and frustration. It’s a complicated dance between traditions and expectations, a journey filled with poetry, stories, sleepless nights, and self-discovery. When you live within two contrasting worlds, it’s inevitable to encounter conflicting beliefs. Some values make sense and can be embraced, while others remain illogical, stirring questions that linger for years.
There are countless others like me—those of us who search for answers that resonate with our unique experiences. Yet, for too long, we have lacked representation. For Arab Americans, for instance, the mainstream media’s portrayal has often been limited to stereotypes or worse, cast in a shadow of terrorism. Even if the “T-word” wasn’t used explicitly, the associations were often just as alienating, suggesting something barbaric or unlawful. Professor Moustafa Bayoumi has highlighted these misrepresentations in his works, bringing to light the complexities of Arab American lives that extend far beyond reductive media portrayals.
The Search for Stories That Reflect Us
In my own journey, I sought understanding through nonfiction, political science, and academic discussions on culture and identity. Yet, these sources offered little reflection of the inner struggles and emotional questions that so many of us experience. There were few stories capturing the nuanced challenges of belonging to two worlds—particularly the internal conflicts, the search for an identity that feels authentic, and the delicate balance of being true to oneself while honoring both cultures.
This gap led me to create Osama’s Jihad, a novel that brings forth the many questions, conflicts, and aspirations a fellow Arab American might face, particularly around the theme of identity. I wanted to capture those inner debates, the silent wrestling with oneself, and the search for a place to call “home” amid a complex cultural landscape.
The Quest for Identity and Belonging
Cultural identity shapes how we experience life, connect with others, and find meaning in our existence. For those of us who straddle two cultures, it’s a lifelong journey to make sense of these influences. Living in dual worlds reveals that cultural identity is not only about fitting in or standing out but about integrating aspects of both worlds into a cohesive self. And while this journey may be painful at times, it also offers a unique vantage point on life, one that ultimately leads to a richer understanding of identity and belonging.
