Exploring Racial Culture: An Individual’s Perspective

Individuals often find themselves drawn to understanding and connecting with their racial and cultural backgrounds. This article explores the personal journey of an individual who has delved into African and African American history through DNA testing and how this understanding shapes their perspective on racial culture.

Connecting to African and African American History

Long before the advent of DNA testing, the author turned to the study of African and African American history. This journey is deeply personal, as revealed through their DNA test results which showed a genetic connection to several African nations, with 89% of their ancestry deriving from different African countries.

The author shares an anecdote from their childhood, where they would proudly declare, “I couldn’t help it; that’s how I was born,” when faced with comments about their differences. This response now holds new meaning as others recognize and accept the genetic truth of their heritage.

Explorations and Discoveries

The author's diverse cultural experiences are a testament to the interconnectedness of humanity. A noted exposure to Norwegian culture shaped their view of "race" differently from many Americans. This perspective is a blend of understanding and acceptance that color and phenotype are not defining factors of culture, but character and human worth are.

Migration and Cultural Exposure in India

The narrative continues with a personal account of migrating to India and the unexpected challenges encountered. The author moved there primarily to learn the Punjabi language, but their experiences were marred by harassment and violence from locals from Bengali, Haryana, and Maharashtra regions. These incidents significantly influenced the author's decision to seek refuge in the southern part of India.

The move southward marked a new chapter for the author, who now enjoys a peaceful and unbothered life. They emphasize the cultural diversity and the coexistence in their new location, highlighting the positive aspects of a multicultural setting that respects and values different cultural identities.

Navigating the Concept of Racial Culture

Throughout their journeys, the author questions the very concept of "racial culture." They view themselves as a Canadian first and foremost, transcending phenotypes to embrace a shared human identity. The author's belief in the equal worth of all humans, irrespective of their visual traits, forms the foundation of their cultural perspective.

The question of race itself is explored through a critical lens. The author expresses indifference towards skin color, advocating for character and human worth as the true metrics of personal and cultural value.

Conclusion

The journey of connecting with one's racial and cultural heritage is a personal yet profound exploration. For the author, it has led to a broader, more inclusive understanding of identity and belonging. This article invites readers to reflect on their own journeys and the importance of accepting and celebrating cultural diversity.