tsefer
Facebook
First off, Eid Mubarak everyone.
Today marks a special day in my culture, but I wonder if my assimilation to American culture has decreased my appreciation for today.
I'm writing today because it is a special day for my family and I, as well as for any other people raised in a Muslim home or practicing Islam.
However, whenever Eid roles around, I tend to have some apprehentions. I've lived in North America for 16 of the 17 years of my life. My family first came to Canada as refugees from Bosnia and Hercegovina in the early-mid '90s. No matter how hard my parents tried to keep the Bosnian culture instilled in myself and my sister, assimilation was bound to occur.
As I've grown and matured, my relationship to my culture and religion has changed. I've become more of an American teenager than a Bosnian or Muslim teenager. Even though I completely appreciate my place in American society I wonder if this has resulted in my abandonement of my heritage.
I've tried for years to hold on to speaking the Bosnian language but in going to school here, I have to speak English 24/7. My proficiency frankly sucks. This creates not only a distance with my culture but also with my family. And nothing reminds me more of the fact that I'm not a true Bosnian or a true Muslim than a religious holiday.
The thing that worries me the most is passing on tradition to future generations. Will my children or grandchildren speak Bosnian? Will they even know what Eid is and why it is so important to their grandparents or great grandparents?
But nonetheless I feel prideful today. Despite growing up in a foreign country I still can hold on to some vague notions of my culture and where I'm from. I'm proud of my heritage. I'm proud of being raised Muslim even if I don't practice it today. And most importantly I'm proud that my parents have fought so hard for so many years to make sure that I understand why today matters.
Bajram Mubarak, Eid Mubarak, and have a good Sunday everyone.
smartmexboy
| 9/20/09 08:41 PM
| Reply
