Cultural Assimilation

For individuals who are Third Culture Kids (TCKs; e.g., individuals who grew up in a culture different than their parents). Feeling in-between cultures was a popular theme.

This led to a lack of belonging, identity “crises”, and being unsure how to behave when roles from each culture were in conflict.

The question of correcting the mispronunciation of words came up as part of cultural assimilation. Folks questioned the idea that it was essential to speak English words with a North American accent when they were understood as they were.

The question of the appropriateness of being present in these discussions due to feeling “White guilt” came up. The group felt that it was very important for White allies to join these discussions so that learning could be tracked down to other generations as well as for situations where BIPOC cannot or do not feel safe to speak up.