English | Indian
My Mother is from England, was born here but was brought up in several different countries. My Father is from India, but he came over to the UK when he was 3 months old. I think I’ve always been aware I was mixed-race, and because my upbringing meant I was around a lot of different people from all walks of life, I never thought anything of it. I think I only ever realised that it was a ‘thing’ when we moved to New Zealand and some of my classmates asked ‘where I was really from’ when I told them I was English. I grew up all around the world, my Dad’s job moved us every three years or so. I’m what you call a ‘Third Culture Kid’, a child that has been brought up in a culture or cultures that is not that of their parents. I got to experience so many different cultures, food, and people at such a young age and now I have an easy acceptance of whoever I meet regardless of where they are from because of this. I’ve met so many amazing people who are mixed-race and we’ve instantly bonded over the stupid things people say to you. It’s also crazy empowering when you see someone succeeding and they’re mixed-race. But mainly, it’s my cousins who make up the most of my positive experiences. There are 6 of us in total, 5 in London and 1 in Manchester. We’re all half English, Half Indian and all completely different human beings but the love and support and understanding I get from them is literally the best thing about being me. We go for Cousin Curry Club every month or so, and after my Grandmother’s funeral we sat on the train home drinking red wine and eating Samosas. They’re my sisters (and brother), it’s incredible. I think I think about blending into society too much, I’m slowly coming to the conclusion and mindset that not blending in is far, far better than doing so. Being mixed-race helps me feel more connected to people, I have two cultures I can say I’m a part of. I’m pretty happy with being me, I don’t really want anyone else’s life. Coming back as a Whale would be cool though, cruising the Oceans would be a calm life I reckon.
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