[ArcheM]

I was born and live in Russia, but since my late teens I've almost exclusively consumed English-speaking and specifically US media, including news. I don't find Russian news or media interesting, and sometimes I even hate them. But at the same time I can't identify with American culture (perhaps due to not having been born into it) and a lot of political ideas. Of course, both these giant countries have people with different beliefs, but I'm speaking about what seems to be at the forefront of national discussion, if that makes sense.

Mind you, one might say, that's the least of my problems, but I have a feeling one might term "disenfranchised", and it's not fun. Or maybe I'm just lonely.

Almost makes me wish I were a obsessive fan of some fantasy world, to be able to "share" that fictional country with like-minded people.

[FallDuskTrain]

It seems like you are lonely and don’t feel comfortable with your surroundings.
I know people who lived in different countries and they say they have no home and that is actually the case for them

[Grath]

Originally Posted by ArcheM

I was born and live in Russia, but since my late teens I've almost exclusively consumed English-speaking and specifically US media, including news. I don't find Russian news or media interesting, and sometimes I even hate them. But at the same time I can't identify with American culture (perhaps due to not having been born into it) and a lot of political ideas. Of course, both these giant countries have people with different beliefs, but I'm speaking about what seems to be at the forefront of national discussion, if that makes sense.

Mind you, one might say, that's the least of my problems, but I have a feeling one might term "disenfranchised", and it's not fun. Or maybe I'm just lonely.

Almost makes me wish I were a obsessive fan of some fantasy world, to be able to "share" that fictional country with like-minded people.

I know that feeling very well. I'm originally from Germany, but went to study in the Netherlands last year, because I never really felt at home there. I've always had wanderlust all my life, never really felt at ease staying at one place over an extended period of time.
But now, after one year, I don't feel at home in the Netherlands either. I'd rather just venture somewhere else, search for "home" somewhere else.

It's weird to feel rootless. I feel for you and hope you find somewhere to strike roots.

[Skeezyks]

Well... I'm in the U.S. I HATE the American news media! I avoid it like the plague (which it is... in my opinion.) As a matter of fact, I pretty-much have no use for American popular culture in general. I read classical Chinese poetry (in translation since I don't read Chinese.) I also enjoy watching the British mysteries they show on our local public television station. I'm an older person & pretty-much a recluse...

[All Is Revealed]

Originally Posted by ArcheM

I don't find Russian news or media interesting, and sometimes I even hate them. But at the same time I can't identify with American culture (perhaps due to not having been born into it) and a lot of political ideas.

Ahhhh ... finally someone who feels like I've always felt. I was born in the U.S. My family is Hispanic. I don't identify with Hispanic culture since I don't like Hispanic food, music, nor anything Hispanic.

I also don't identify as American since I don't like American music, food, nor American politics.

I'm gay. I also don't identify with the LGBT community. I have no gay friends. And I will always keep it that way.

I've come to realize, I don't need to identify as anything. Be happy being YOU. And I'll be happy being ME.

[All Is Revealed]

Originally Posted by Skeezyks

Well... I'm in the U.S. I HATE the American news media! I avoid it like the plague (which it is... in my opinion.) As a matter of fact, I pretty-much have no use for American popular culture in general. I read classical Chinese poetry (in translation since I don't read Chinese.) I also enjoy watching the British mysteries they show on our local public television station. I'm an older person & pretty-much a recluse...

Awesome! The news and all of this social media can be a waste of time. We're not missing anything. We're doing ourselves a favor by avoiding these triggers. Everyday, I hear about someone having a heart attack because of the last post they read on FB or Twitter. No thanks, I'm good.

[ArcheM]

My problem is being absent from the discourse that influences my rights. Fortunately (in this context) I'm not gay, and I keep my religious views (which, I've heard, are non-standard here) to myself. So there's kind of an existential need to participate, but at the same time I don't want any part of Russian politics. Nor of American, but to a lesser extent, although there I really wouldn't be able to participate, even if I were eager.

Actually, at the same time, as far as making friends goes, both Russian and American people, in general, feel alien to me... I suppose as much as I do to them when/if they meet me, because my language skills in Russian have been steadily devolving, while in English I've barely ever spoken, outside of classrooms... Not to mention the cultural distance that I have from both.

[Marilyn2016]

Привет! You have no home country, dare I say, I have no home country either. I have bounced around from Europe to the USA my entire life. I've moved every few years since birth. I feel like gypsy, but everyone says it must be awesome and glamorous to jet set....Well, as you must know it's not. Being detached from any sense of global stability as far as geo location or recognizable friends or even knowing which street I need to get to the grocery....isn't exactly a bed of roses. I know our situations are very different, but I guess you are the closest person I have found that understands what it's like to feel rootless. When people ask where my hometown is, I just say, "London Heathrow: Terminal 5". I find breaking into social situations or social groups horrible and embarrassing. I'm educated, but from four separate universities in two countries. How can I possibly find universal common ground with others? Is there anyone else like us? Or will I forever be researching what Internations is doing this week in the city or town that I reside in presently? Oh well, best keep fighting to survive, since that always ranks above any complaints or unpleasantness life causes. If you're ever bored. Drop me a line.

Sincerely,

Marilyn

[Turtle_Rider]

I understand. I live in Southeast Asia, but my family is Chinese descendant. And.... I don't care about what happening in my country and the Chinese tradition. I don't share my view with the people in my area. This is why I feel more comfortable in this forum rather than same forum in my country despite my bad grammar. But, I can't fully join any discussion because I'm unaware with the cultures and customs. The best that I can do is saving lots of money, so I can move out.

I don't know how to solve this, but you're not alone. I hope we all could find the best.