Ours is a multi-cultural society. Actually it is a multi- lot of things. One of the major questions that pops up, especially for those who belong to one state and find themselves settling in another state because of economic-marriage, or whatever-else reason, is: Where are my roots? Each state is actually a different country, so it is not unnatural for those from one state, who have settled in another, to ask themselves this question. No matter how well you may have integrated into the new place, the deep difference is always there - it may be at different levels below the surface for different people, but it is always there.
So how does one reconcile this deep difference - to my mind there is only one way - to spend time with yourself and really get to know your roots, appreciate where you come from, no matter how many flaws there are, and accept your roots. Being ashamed of your roots, will forever cause discomfort to your soul. You may get angry with it, you may reject aspects of it, but you cannot deny it, for actually, that is the only place where you will be ever accepted wholly for yourself. If, you can be comfortable about your roots, with all the internal adjustments you make for yourself, then you will never ever be a confused person especially when exposed to cultures that are attractively different. You will learn to appreciate the very differences, maybe even accept some aspects of it, precisely because you are not confused about where you come from.
Thinking along these lines, a kind of theory popped up in my mind: If a person is comfortable in his culture, he will be accepting of others, and will never feel the pain and dissatisfaction of confusion. Such a person will be able to adapt to any environment, anywhere and in any situation and circumstance. A person who is not comfortable with his culture, is going to allow all kinds of winds to blow him all over the place with the result that there is nothing but confusion, and discontentment, leading to unhappiness and being disgruntled all the time. Of course, the ultimate would be to have roots within yourself, but even then, the faint perfume of what you are will always linger....that is something no amount of whitewashing will ever remove...