I was recently interviewed for an article about third-culture kids, to be published in the Christian Science Monitor. In an hour,s taped phone conversation, Erik Olsen asked many questions, including: “Being an outsider in all cultures, how does that make you feel?” I thought for a moment, and said: “Superior.” No doubt that statement will… Continue reading Shut Up or Go Home – No Culture Likes a Kibitzer
Tag: TCKs
Born into It: Why You Can’t Become Italian
Most of the world’s major religions proselytize (for some, it’s a major facet of the faith), and eagerly accept converts. Except Hinduism. Hare Krishnas notwithstanding, you really can’t convert to Hinduism, because it is much more than a set of beliefs and practices. Hinduism is a system that you are born into, a fixed hierarchy… Continue reading Born into It: Why You Can’t Become Italian
Alienation
It’s 4:00 am. I’ve been awake since 2:00, thinking, and writing didn’t quite get everything off my chest. It’s partly about the concept of “home.” I don’t have one, you see. Well, yes, I have the type that you live in, and a very nice one it is; I’m very happy in it. But I don’t… Continue reading Alienation
Cultural Assumptions
What You Think You Might Know About Somebody… Might Be Wrong Years ago, before we were even living in Italy, Enrico and I spent a night in Courmayeur, on the French side of Mont Blanc, on our way to somewhere. Our hotel included breakfast (most of them do), eaten at large, bare wooden tables with… Continue reading Cultural Assumptions
Paul Hackney: Learning About India
filmed at the Woodstock Old Students’ Association (North America) 2003 reunion Paul reminisces about what he learned about Indian culture from Indian friends and neighbors. More Woodstock Videos Tenzing’s Monkey Tales Mussoorie Monsoon Melody Tibetan Prayer Wheels at Happy Valley Cicadas Jana Gana Mana You might also like: No related posts.