Multiculturalism is hardly new. It's as old as time, beginning with human migrations and continuing stronger then ever today.Multiculturalism involves the ability to see the world through global lenses. It's about going beyond your home country to seeing the world objectively on a global scale. Sometimes it's a choice. For other people, it's inevitable. We all have our loyalties, but with globalization we have American insurance companies connecting to Bangalore telephone operators. Multiculturalism is free from bias and prejudice with it's very foundation rooted in respect for other cultures and people groups.
Kids who've grown up overseas are described as multicultural. They look like you, may speak like you, but they can be different inside. They've grown up learning to respect people from different parts of the world and incorporating diversity into their own lives. American boys play rugby, German kids study US history, kids enjoy music in languages they don't understand, and debate the name for the container holding unwanted items (the "bin" vs. "trash can" argument). They marry people from other parts of the world, attend universities c
ontinents away from "home" and keep books in foreign languages on their nightstands. Without even trying, their worlds incorporate diversity which becomes completely normal, even fundamental to their lives.
Kids who've grown up overseas are described as multicultural. They look like you, may speak like you, but they can be different inside. They've grown up learning to respect people from different parts of the world and incorporating diversity into their own lives. American boys play rugby, German kids study US history, kids enjoy music in languages they don't understand, and debate the name for the container holding unwanted items (the "bin" vs. "trash can" argument). They marry people from other parts of the world, attend universities c
ontinents away from "home" and keep books in foreign languages on their nightstands. Without even trying, their worlds incorporate diversity which becomes completely normal, even fundamental to their lives. Because of their multiculturalism, there comes the nasty awakening to how they don't fit in just anywhere because of their intrinsically different views. It's not a conscience decision. I've met little 8 and 10 year old TCKs who sadly tell me how their friends back "home" don't understand them and they don't understand why. For most TCKs they eventually sit down and decide what they want to do in life and what they're going to do with their multiculturalism. Questions like "where is home?" 'where do I belong?" and "will I always be different?" are just a few they're forced to work though. Some TCKs stay overseas after varsity, letting their innate international knowledge soar in it's home environment. They're more comfortable in overseas settings. A majority of TCKs move back to their home countries and apply their adaptability skills to becoming citizens of the countries they're from.
As a TCKs, I discovered multiculturalism the hard way. In some circles it's appreciated, in others I'm expected to be "normal." In our modern world of globalization, multiculturalism is increasingly valued. In the world of overseas life, you're required to respect and wholeheartedly attempt to understand other cultures. These attributes would serve anyone well in life! Multiculturalism is a gift. We don't always know what to do with it, but it's not a waste of time.
If you want to help us, express genuine interest in our overseas lives. We'd love to tell you about our lives and understand yours. It makes us feel more a part of your world.
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