Peruvian | Scottish
My parents met in Canada. My Mum works as an occupational therapist, at the time she met my Dad she was serving some of the more remote communities around Thunder Bay, Ontario. My Dad had emigrated from Peru to Canada as a pilot, at the time, there was a need for pilots in the country, and he simply applied for a visa that way, and found himself flying in the remote (and freezing) province. Mum was flying quite a bit, and had a strong desire to learn Spanish. She ran into my Dad, who was more than happy to provide the flights and the Spanish lessons. The rest is history.
I heard a few stories of how they combined their cultures, but it wasn't a major theme in the relationship. I believe that both sides were quite accepting, perhaps after a few hurdles. My Mother's family wanted the best for her, and my Father's family was very happy for him. There wasn't too much pressure from either side to 'culturally integrate'; e.g. I never saw my Peruvian Father in a kilt, although that would've been quite a sight.
I always felt closer to my Scottish lineage. I think this is primarily due to the fact that we would visit Scotland most summers growing up to visit my grandparents. However, the culture, at least what I was exposed to, was never that different from where I grew up, in Vancouver. It never felt foreign to me. Peru, on the other hand, never felt familiar. I think the proximity (or lack thereof) is what created this, even though we grew up with more 'cultural' items from the country (e.g. musical instruments, art, blankets, food), the familial connection wasn't as strong. I wouldn't say that this was a struggle for me per se, and my parents continually encouraged both my sister and I to be 'citizens of the world', embracing our mixed identity by not necessarily ascribing our identities to either country.
Growing up, I never felt mixed; it wasn't something that I actively thought about. Canada is a melting pot of cultures; even my high school was incredibly culturally rich, but it was something that was very rarely mentioned, or only appeared in the fringes (e.g. events, food, church). Only after moving to Europe did I realize how many diverse cultures, people and languages I had the privilege of being around. It always seemed to me that our shared Canadian identity was embraced and placed first.
I think the lack of a single ‘dominant’ cultural identity (and heavy multicultural upbringing) allowed me to mix and match with all different cultures, perhaps because I only ever visited Peru as a child, and never felt the burden or identity or the necessity to fit into a culture that was foreign to me (and a language that I couldn't understand at the time). I've had so many challenges and experiences, very rarely though, have these challenges related to my struggle with identity or culture (at least outwardly). I've always struggled with a sense of identity, but never found peace (or answers, yet) by looking inward at my own cultural background. I am who I am, and I feel that my own self-identity takes precedence and is the source of more struggle than the cultural background I have. I'm still open to the idea that I could find more personal answers by looking deeper into my mixed identity though.
Embrace the ambiguity. Part of your strength is your uniqueness, in perspective, experience, and adaptability. There will always be a pull to discover your identity, understand your background better. Embrace that, and remind yourself, you are able to self-determine where you fit, how you feel, and what you add into the world.
I've always found my uniqueness and cultural identity to be a strength and source of Pride I've had many role models, they've always taught me something; kindness, sensitivity, understanding, patience.
I am inspired by those who put others above themselves, who succeed in a world that favours individualism, and bring genuine kindness and empathy to others with no expectation of it returning.
I am so White presenting that no one really assumes I am mixed-race. Therefore, I keep the 'latino-mustache'. I admire any culture that highly values community and taking care of their own. I feel that more in ‘warm countries’ (e.g. LATAM, Spain, Turkey, Australia).
I connect through Peruvian food recipes, Scottish community and inclusivity, Canadian positivity and openness.