Growing up in diverse community often leaves them confused
Ayla Marisse G Ginete
Contributor
Working migrant parents are facing a new problem: Their children are developing a sense of altered identities and perceptions of themselves.
In Bahrain, expatriates constitute more than half the population and their children are growing up with a hybrid of beliefs, attitudes, and culture – and in some cases religion.
For Yauvapa Siriwattasit, Bahrain has been her home for over 18 years. “As I grew older, it became apparent that I was the complicated version of being a Thai. I’m Thai of Chinese descent, grew up in Bahrain, mingled with all nationalities and studied in an Indian school. That’s fruit salad for you,” she smiles.
Growing up in diverse community often leaves them confused
Ayla Marisse G Ginete
Contributor
Working migrant parents are facing a new problem: Their children are developing a sense of altered identities and perceptions of themselves.
In Bahrain, expatriates constitute more than half the population and their children are growing up with a hybrid of beliefs, attitudes, and culture – and in some cases religion.
For Yauvapa Siriwattasit, Bahrain has been her home for over 18 years. “As I grew older, it became apparent that I was the complicated version of being a Thai. I’m Thai of Chinese descent, grew up in Bahrain, mingled with all nationalities and studied in an Indian school. That’s fruit salad for you,” she smiles.
“When I go to Thailand, it’s startling to find my relatives having distorted ideas about the Middle East. I don’t blame them, they’ve never been out of Thailand. It’s then when I defend the country I’ve been living in, saying every positive aspect of Bahrain,” Yauvapa told the Tribune yesterday.
“I admit there are times that I get confused, it is more like an identity crisis. It’s uncanny, there’s often a long explanation to the question ‘Where are you from?’ Now when someone asks me I simply say ‘I’m Thai, born and brought up in Bahrain.’”
Zubaida M.’s father is Bahraini and mother is Filipina. There were some difficulties in adjustment between the couple as Zubaida was growing up.
“I believe I’m luckier than most because my father gave me the freedom to choose my religion and follow Christianity. Baba has learnt to embrace it also.
“My case isn’t unique, with so many other children in the same situation. But I do feel different; I’m neither Bahraini nor Filipina, though I’m influenced by the Filipino culture.”
James C. sees himself as a byproduct of direct “cultural naturalisation”, an unconscious effect of growing up in a diverse community.
“I don’t think it’s anything bad, really. In many ways we are unique, having seen and exposed to a diverse community that we would’ve never experienced if we were in the Philippines. I’m Filipino by nationality and birth; but I see myself as an international citizen.
“Filipinos back home have no ‘clue’ to the real situation in the Middle east. A cousin asked me once if we rode on camels or had oil pumps in our backyards! It goes to show how much we would’ve missed, it really broadens your perspective and gives you an understanding why things are the way they are in the Middle East.”
Article from: Bahrain Tribune Newspaper
http://www.bahraintribune.com/PrintPage.asp