Friday, January 29, 1999Speaks Out
Many of us often hear questions that shed doubt on our
identities – "So, what are you?" or sometimes, "Where are you
from?" This week we decided to find out how people answer these
questions. How do you define, identify and see yourself?
"I’d first define myself as a Muslim. And then anything else
after that. Yeah, I’m from Pakistan. Then it would be that I’m
American. I was born here, even though a lot of people don’t see
that when they see me. But I identify myself by my religion first
because it means everything to me. It’s my way of life."
Saima Ahmed
First-Year
Undeclared
"I am American, but I’m of Mexican background. My parents are
from Mexico. When I say I’m Mexican, people don’t believe me
because I’m not dark-skinned. They think if you’re white, you can’t
be Mexican. But I have dual citizenship – from Mexico and America.
Plus, I’m Jewish. That’s my religious identity."
Eytan Elterman
Second-year
Sociology
"I’m African American. But I’m a human being, too. I’m NaTina
Gurley. I don’t necessarily need race to define me, but I won’t
ever forget where I came from or what my heritage is. I’m not from
Africa, wasn’t born there, never been there, but my people were
from Africa. I was born in America, though. So, I’m African
American."
NaTina Gurley
First-year
Physiological science
"I don’t define myself in terms of race or religion or anything
like that.
I never really think of it. I just see myself as a student here,
trying to do well – nothing really physical. Race and ethnicity
just don’t play an important role in my life."
Dory Schachner
Second-year
Psychology
"I’m really proud of being Vietnamese. I’m an immigrant. I’ve
lived here most of my life, so I consider myself basically
American. But I’m still proud of my roots. My nationality is
probably most important to me, more than being a Californian, or
being from Orange County, or anything like that."
Peter Pham
Second-year
Physiological science
"My father is black.
My mother is Latina. I say, though, that I’m a minority. Either
way I go – black or Mexican – I’m a minority. I grew up with my
mom, so I have a lot of Mexican tradition in me, but my father is
black, so I also consider myself being black."
Earl Watson
Second-year
Undeclared
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© 1998 ASUCLA Communications Board