Finding Harmony Between Two Worlds: Navigating A Bicultural Identity

This undergraduate thesis explores the complexities and richness of navigating a bicultural identity between Indian and American cultures. Through personal narratives and broader societal analysis, it delves into the intricate landscape of living as an American-born Indian, examining the joys, challenges, and profound learnings that arise from straddling two worlds. The work opens with an intimate account of the author's experiences growing up bicultural in America, highlighting the pressures to conform to expectations from both Indian and mainstream American society. It examines issues of racism, cultural traditions, generational divides, and the quest to forge an authentic, hybrid identity. Expanding from the personal, the thesis investigates the impacts of globalization on cultural integration, the importance of community support systems, and the evolving nature of the Indian-American experience across generations. It celebrates the invaluable contributions of the Indian diaspora in enriching the tapestry of American multiculturalism. Ultimately, this exploration is a celebration of the resilience and strength fostered by embracing one's full, multicultural self. It is a call for greater inclusivity, empathy, and respect for the complexities of identity in our increasingly interconnected world. Through sharing this journey, the work empowers others navigating bicultural realities to take pride in their hybrid identities as a source of power rather than compromise.