“Never forget what you are, for surely the world will not. Make it your strength. Then it can never be your weakness. Armour yourself in it, and it will never be used to hurt you” ― George R.R. Martin, Game of Thrones

Hey there! 🌟

In today’s fast-moving, interconnected world, it’s easy to feel like we’re all just blending into one big global melting pot. But here’s the thing: while globalization brings us closer, it’s crucial to hold on to our cultural and familial roots.

Your identity is more than just a label; it’s a dynamic foundation that supports your mental, emotional, and social well-being.

I’ve recently been chatting with friends and realized something eye-opening: many people from my generation, particularly those from developing countries, are grappling with identity crises…

Ever heard someone from a developing country say:

"I’ve never felt like I belong here"
"I was born in the wrong place"
"I don’t have anything in common with the people from my country"
"My country’s people embarrass me”
"I feel more at home abroad than in my own country”
"The culture here is so backward; I can’t relate”
"I wish I could just erase where I’m from"
"I cringe when I hear our traditional music"
"I’m embarrassed to say I’m from here"
"Everything about my culture feels outdated and irrelevant"
"I wish I had grown up in a more modern, progressive country"
"Our traditions are so old-fashioned; I prefer how things are done elsewhere"
"I avoid anything that reminds me of where I’m from"
"I can’t believe people still eat that kind of food; it’s so low-class"
"I don’t mingle with people who haven’t traveled outside the country"
"Only the uneducated hold on to those old traditions"
"I avoid events that attract the local crowd; it’s just not my scene."

I hope you did not identify with these type of comments, if you did it is very likely that you are from a developing country like mine (I’m from Colombia), and you are arrogant (sorry) and self-conscious at the same time, you have inferiority complex or white complex… so… THIS ARTICLE IS FOR U FRIEND…

There's this mindset where people assume that anything from the first world is superior, without a second thought. They put these societies on a pedestal, viewing them as the ultimate example, while overlooking the serious social and family value issues many of them face.

This often leads to them demeaning their own cultures, failing to appreciate the richness of their heritage. They dismiss their traditions as tacky or in poor taste, and instead, feel torn between their rich cultural roots and a desire to connect with the norms of wealthier countries.

This tendency to devalue their own backgrounds and aspire to the standards of affluent societies isn’t just a personal struggle; it’s a significant loss. It’s a tragedy that needs to be addressed.

I was chatting with a dear friend from Turkey who recently moved to Paris, and he told me how much he despises Turkey and how he never wants to go back. He’s so disconnected from his roots that he refuses to even visit his family, trying to erase his identity by adopting a French persona.

Then there’s my friend from Colombia, who not only thinks traditional food from small towns is disgusting and sees our traditional music as something only for poor, tacky people, but she even uses demeaning words to humiliate those who embrace their roots.

She mocks their skin color and social class, making fun of the very culture she comes from. It’s sad, and it really highlights a deep inferiority complex. This kind of insecurity and inability to embrace one’s roots reflects a deeper issue: feeling lost and not knowing where you truly belong in this world.

I can also tell you similar things about about my lovely Indian friends that are from the Brahman cast, my Brazilian friends that spent years in Portugal, my Egyptian friends that moved to America, my Whitexican (White Mexican) friends that live in Monterrey (North of Mexico close to the border with the U.S.), or my Nigerian friends that studied in the UK.

You don’t see this pattern of rejecting cultural identity in first-world countries. The French, the Germans, the Italians, the Koreans, or the Swedes; they embrace their heritage and culture without hesitation. They don’t struggle with wanting to be from another culture or pretending to be someone else. People from wealthy nations don’t go through cultural identity crises; they remain proudly European, with no shame in who they are, even if their countries have gone through tough history.

What’s Cultural Identity Anyway?

Alright, let’s break it down. Cultural identity is all about the sense of belonging you get from your culture. Think of it as your personal connection to your traditions, language, values, and the stories of your ancestors. It’s like the cool, unique mix that makes you, YOU.

It’s more than just the festivals you celebrate or the food you eat; it’s the deep, often unspoken ways your culture influences who you are and how you see the world.

Why a Cultural Identity Crisis Is a Big Deal

1. Loss of Self-Worth

When someone turns away from their cultural roots, it’s like they’re cutting off a piece of who they are. This can lead to a serious dip in self-worth, making them feel inadequate or even ashamed of their background. It’s hard to have strong self-esteem when you’re rejecting the very things that make you, you.

2. Emotional Distress

Denying your cultural identity can stir up a lot of inner turmoil. This internal conflict often leads to anxiety, depression, and a sense of disconnection from yourself. It’s like a constant battle inside, leaving you feeling unsettled and far from content.

3. Social Isolation

People going through a cultural identity crisis might find themselves caught between two worlds. They don’t fully belong to their native culture, but they don’t fit perfectly into the culture they aspire to either. This can leave them feeling isolated and lonely, without a solid community to lean on.

4. Loss of Heritage and Traditions

When you push away your cultural identity, you’re also distancing yourself from the traditions, languages, and practices that have been passed down through generations. This isn’t just a personal loss; it’s a loss of your cultural heritage, erasing unique aspects of your identity and family history.

5. Relationship Struggles

Relationships can take a hit when you’re not at peace with who you are. This discomfort can lead to strained family ties, a lack of authenticity in friendships, and difficulty forming deep, meaningful connections. It’s tough to build strong relationships when you’re not fully embracing yourself.

6. Identity Confusion

Without a solid cultural foundation, it’s easy to fall into identity confusion. You might struggle to understand who you are, what you value, or where you truly belong. This can lead to indecision, lack of direction, and a constant need for external validation.

7. Vulnerability to External Influences

When you’re not secure in your cultural identity, it’s easier to be swayed by outside pressures. You might find yourself chasing trends or living according to others’ expectations rather than your own values, losing touch with your true self.

8. Generational Disconnect

A cultural identity crisis can create a rift between generations in a family. Younger generations might reject their cultural roots, leading to misunderstandings and resentment, weakening the bonds that hold families together.

A cultural identity crisis strips individuals of the stability and confidence that comes from embracing who they are. It leaves them adrift, searching for a sense of belonging in a world where they feel increasingly lost.

If this is your first time reading one of my articles, welcome! I'm Natalia, a proud Colombian. I come from a developing country that has 8 social classes. Almost 60% of our population lives in poverty, and my country has endured 70 years of conflict.

You might know Colombia from the stories of Pablo Escobar (thanks, Netflix) or hear about the actions of some individuals abroad that do crime or even the fact that some of our women practice the prostitution. But Colombia is so much more than its struggles.

This is a land of deep traditions, incredible resilience, and warm, loving people. If you’re looking to heal your heart, this is the place to be. We’ve got stunning beaches, lush jungles, and towering mountains. Our fruits are the most flavorful you’ll ever taste, and I promise you’ll find happiness and friendship here. We’re also hardworking and honest, and that’s something I’m immensely proud of.

I am who I am because of my parents and because I was born and raised in this beautiful country. I love my hometown, I love my people, and I fully embrace my origins and culture. I have indigenous blood running through my veins, and I’m not ashamed of that, in fact, I’m incredibly proud of it.

This is me. I can’t change my country’s history, economy, or reputation, but instead of complaining about it, I’m choosing to do my part to change how the world sees us.

YOUR HERITAGE, CULTURE, AND AUTHENTICITY ARE YOUR SUPERPOWERS🌍✨ There’s nothing more captivating than owning who you are and where you come, and there is nothing sexier than someone rocking their traditional dress with pride. When you own your culture and where you come from, it’s not just attractive, it radiates confidence. Embrace your roots and let that authenticity shine, it’s the ultimate flex!

Thank you for reading…

Natalia Cortes. August 2024, Bogotá.

IDENTITY crisis in DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

What’s Cultural Identity Anyway?

Why a Cultural Identity Crisis Is a Big Deal

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