Not really sure how to phrase this one, but does anyone ever not really identify with their nationality and instead really identify with the classic culture/ways of another place or of another culture?

I think I phrased that badly but just something I was curious about. Hope this doesn't offend.

[(JD)]

I think I know what you are talking about... maybe embracing a culture that you want to belong to, because you enjoy the community itself, and it's customs, rather than sticking to your own culture or nationality's "norm?"

[Wants2Fly]

Hi Griffe --

Yes, I think I know what you mean. I always identified with the French-American culture of New Orleans, even though I was raised in a polka-dancing Slavic culture.

A lot of young people identified with rasta culture in the 1970s, and some African-American feel closer to the culture of the Black Muslim culture than anything American.

Is that what you mean?

[Timgt5]

One can imerese oneself in any culture they choose to do so, you should do what brings you peace and contentment. If there is a lifestyle you enjoy, partake of it. The great thing about this country is that no matter what cultural norms you follow you can always find a community to share it with?

Follow your dreams G, do what you feel comes right to you my friend and let not others judge you for it!

TJ

[Doh2007]

I used to want to be English and have a cool accent and everything. I even majored in English. I get the feeling that a lot of people in other countries identify with "Western" culture.

How about you?

Griffe: a culture is simply a group of social practices and rules that a certian group of people have established as their accepted life ways. It does not tie in with location of birth or genetic relations to the group. If you identify with the ways of a certain group, whether that be an organization like the Shriners, or a regional group like in New Orleans, then you can associate with that group. The only challenge is that those groups identify the local symbols of their area which influence the language they speak and the meanings behind it. To truly grasp the culture, you have to live amongst them to associate the symbols and communication. otherwise, if there is a specific part of the culture that appeals to you but not all of it, you can adapt to that aspect of it as much as you wish, like the food or the clothing or written works by authors in the area. You have freedom to dientify with any group you wish.