The panel discussion was useless. I respect the people who spoke, as individuals, but I was not able to follow any of the discussion points because there were technical difficulties (the microphone’s volume was put on low) and the moderator had distracting mannerisms (he had his hand on his face when the other panelists spoke). Furthermore, the discussion was unrehearsed since some panelists had more time to speak than others and the professor of Black and Hispanic studies repeated the story she told us on convocation day.
On that note, I learn more about identity in my introduction to anthropology course. Being Filipino, I find it hard to identify myself with a particular culture. The Philippines is as diverse as Baruch College. I look like a blend of Spanish and Chinese, but I was born in New York, raised in Australia and Papua New Guinea, and went back to the city when I was seven. While living in Papua New Guinea, I attended an international school full of ex-patriots. By “ex-patriots,” I am referring to people who have left their motherland. Therefore, when asked, I am hesitant to say that I am Filipino since I do not know the language nor am I familiar with the culture.
I identify myself as an individual who can adapt. I do not want to be defined by culture, race, sex, or religion, but as a thinking being.
