I am (as I like to say) 75% Indian and 25% Pakistani, a mix of two seemingly similar but constantly conflicting cultures and countries, for that matter. Sometimes I feel like me being born was kind of a contradiction; the two countries have been in constant war since they were founded as independent countries, so it's a little weird that I exist (not that I'm complaining).
So my main concern here is the confusion between culture and religion many people have. If I haven't already said so, I don't mind when people ask me questions about my religion (or sometimes they mistake it with my culture), but at times I get really ridiculous questions that really have nothing to do with either. For example, people have asked if I "wear the scarf in the shower?" Like...what? No, I don't, just in case any of you were wondering. But that question doesn't really have anything to do with my culture versus religion dilemma; it was really just an example.
No, it's really a question for me. I've wondered if sometimes I disagree with my culture or religion. It's hard to distinguish sometimes, because they're so closely intertwined, but I've learned it's not really my religion that has so many negative aspects to it, it was mostly my culture.
My culture glorifies having a boy versus having a girl and it is my culture that tells women to get married early and have lots of kids. And it is my culture that requires women stay in the kitchen and cook for like everyone on the planet. And this is essential for everyone to know.
More on this later...it's really late.
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