Growing Up in a Diverse Community: Cultural Exposure and Identity

As a child, I was surrounded by various cultural groups in my community, which provided a unique environment that shaped my identity. While my hometown in a small town might seem stereotypical, it was a melting pot of different subcultures, each with its own distinct characteristics. This article explores the various communities I was exposed to, as well as the impact of growing up in a diverse environment in the United States.

The Community Cliches and Subcultures

My hometown, like many small towns, often fits into the stereotypical 'small town cliches'. We lived near a surf haven, and the town was known for several distinct subcultures:

1. The "Bros"

These were the familiar 'stoned, nominally employed teens' who often took extended 'gap years' before going to work or even getting a haircut. They were a common sight in the town, embodying the relaxed and carefree lifestyle often associated with small town America.

2. The 'Old Heads'

Former hippies who never worked 'straight' jobs, often living off minimal means but maintaining a countercultural lifestyle. Despite their unconventional choices, they were respected within the community for their values and beliefs.

3. The Metal Heads

These were the youngsters eagerly awaiting graduation to join a huge Pulp and Paper/Logging corporation known as 'Mac-Blo'. They were passionate about their interests, often found at gigs or discussing their future careers.

4. The Preptoids

The Preptoids were not a common sight in my town, but they existed. They were youth with a bit of cash, often from family businesses, that allowed them to live a little more opulent lifestyle, invested in their appearances and education.

5. The 'John Boys'

These were the typical car or truck owners, often driving large vehicles like F150s or Jeeps. They were seen as working-class and often carried a certain sense of pride in their vehicles.

Growing Up as a Nigerian-American

Despite the diverse subcultures, my own identity was shaped by growing up in a Nigerian home. I would identify as 'Nigerian-American', in contrast to pure Nigerians, because I did not speak Yoruba and had never been to Nigeria, even though my family is Yoruba. This unique perspective influenced how I perceived cultural diversity.

1. The Three Major Ethnic Groups in Nigeria

According to my upbringing, Nigeria was primarily composed of three ethnic groups: the Hausa in the north, mostly Muslim; the Yoruba in the diverse south, predominantly Christian; and the Igbo. This framing was simplistic but prevalent.

2. The Reality of Cultural Diversity

As I grew older, I learned that Nigeria had many more ethnic groups than I originally thought. My father mentioned the Fulani, a group of pastoralists in northern Nigeria. This added another layer to the cultural tapestry I had grown up with.

The Impact of Community Diversity on Education and Mindset

While my hometown was predominantly black, there was a mix of white, Hispanic, and other ethnicities. In school, we were more diverse, particularly in high school. The International Baccalaureate (IB) program allowed me to meet students from various backgrounds, each with their unique cultures and experiences.

1. Ethnic Diversity in Schools

Not only was the student body diverse, but the teachers were also predominantly white. This diversity in the classroom was obvious, and it was a point of conversation. However, there were nuances to the discussions, often influenced by the backgrounds of both students and teachers.

Conclusion: Diversity as Reality

Growing up in this diverse environment made me acutely aware of the cultural diversity that is a defining characteristic of America. My experience has taught me that diversity is not just an ideology but a lived reality. This perspective has made me resistant to ideas that suggest 'forced diversity' or 'push for homogeneity', as I believe that diversity is the norm in the United States.