Many children in today's society scream for independence. They spend their entire lives fighting their parents, just itching to be their own being. Is that such a good thing though? In some ways yes, but in others no. Shouldn't we celebrate where our ancestors came from? After all if it wasn't for them, we wouldn't be here today, right? So we must find a mix of the two options...a "third option" where celebration of your past and celebration of your own roots balance perfectly.
I am 50/50 mixed with Polish and Irish. But I am also from Houston, Texas. But born in Paris, France. These places couldn't be more spread out and different. I admit, I am mostly independent from my parents culture, but , to be fair, they never really pushed their childhood and roots onto my brother and I. I've never been to Poland, nor have I been to Ireland, yet my blonde hair screams Poland and my last name, Sullivan, practically means Irish men in Kilts. Living in our generation, things are so different from our parents it's nearly impossible to even try to understand the world they lived in.
Though there are many ways I show my roots, there are some in which I show my parents. In Ireland it is custom to wear a ring called a Clauddagh ring, so ever since I was little I have worn it. My dad got it for me when I was little, and I've had it ever since. We also toast all of our meals in Polish with a Polish proverb that means "Bless us for we are grateful".
Now that I'm thinking about it I don't celebrate my parent's culture enough. I really have never put that much thought into it, though I really should. From now on I will be prouder of my ancestors roots, and wear them loud.
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