Cultural Mutt: What It’s Like Living Between Countries
Most of my life has been shaped by the cultures I come from. To this day, within a few minutes of talking to me people will hear about the places I call home. It’s a source of pride for me, in a way. Yes, I come from a foreign place. Yes, I’m well-traveled. Yes, I’m different . London born, I moved to the United States age five because of my father’s job. Young me adapted quite quickly to the dialect and accent, an ability that stays with me to this day. My mother often remarks about the time she walked past my kindergarten classroom and heard an American voice. Looking in the window, she saw the voice was mine. It both frightens and exhilarates me to know that I can switch accents just like that. On one hand, I can blend into almost any situation I find myself in. On the other hand, who’s the authentic me? Are any of them the real TJ or am I just an insincere shape shifter? My heritage makes it even more complex- my father is Glaswegian and my mother South African. Growing u...