Bicultural: Two Lives as One Whole

Bicultural was a term I didn’t hear of when I was younger, but this was an adjective that certainly described me. Hearing this term felt like an ‘aha moment’ for me. I’ve heard of multicultural, but not bicultural. For some reason, I thought being bicultural wasn’t valid enough because it consisted of being part of two distinct cultures. I thought multiculturalism was more valid because I interpreted it as being part of more than 2 cultures. This term ‘bicultural identity’ made me feel seen.

I am a proud child of immigrants, a second generation individual who feels deeply tied to my Indian identity although I was born and raised in America. Although deeply tied to my Indian culture, it was conflicting at moments, since Indian culture’s values and beliefs often clash with American culture even if you are assimilated to the dominant culture (in my case, American culture). 

At times, I feel like I was one version of myself at school in high school or college, and another version around my family. It became so oddly natural at some points to just be two different versions of myself, sometimes even within quick moments.

I find this is so true for so many individuals who are raised between two cultures. Whether it’s American and Indian, or American and another culture, or if you have parents who are from two different cultures. 

The conflicting messages you get, the confusion between having to be two different versions in one. The quick switch you make when hanging with friends vs. going back home to family. The guilt of being two different identities, fitting in but also wanting to be your own person, acceptance, feeling seen, codeswitching within yourself. Bicultural identities can come with emotional heaviness.  Bicultural identity is not talked about enough and I want to change that.

I want you to feel seen in this space whether you are bicultural, multicultural or feeling conflicted or confused about your cultural identity. We don’t talk enough about how confusing it can be to have to navigate these two identities. A lot of my work with clients involves working on that bicultural identity and figuring out their own identity and who they want to be. How empowering does that sound, right? You can be bicultural and be your own person. 

And I am here to help you get started. If you are interested in processing your bicultural experiences and exploring your identity while being bicultural, I am here for you. Please reach out to me at natasha@root-and-rise.org or contact me through the contact form. At this time, I am only licensed to work with clients in NJ and SC.