I really enjoyed your "What it Means" post. You get the "over-confident American tourist" part just right, along with that tinge of sadness.
It's such a funny thing to be an immigrant, isn't it? So, I'm 2nd generation with 3 of my grandparents born there, probably the same as you. It absolutely shaped my childhood, but now? Yes, it's a hobby. We get the cuteness of being Dutch, and the bonket at Christmas. What a different thing it must be to be a first- generation immigrant not living in the enclave, who no longer fits in any world.
And I too get teary at the Kinder Parade, but for me it’s because I have that stab of wondering if maybe THIS is what the beloved community looks like? And it’s such a relief from the blandness and uniformity of all blondes and blue eyes that we grew up with. And because it is so deliciously funny.
I really enjoyed your "What it Means" post. You get the "over-confident American tourist" part just right, along with that tinge of sadness.
It's such a funny thing to be an immigrant, isn't it? So, I'm 2nd generation with 3 of my grandparents born there, probably the same as you. It absolutely shaped my childhood, but now? Yes, it's a hobby. We get the cuteness of being Dutch, and the bonket at Christmas. What a different thing it must be to be a first- generation immigrant not living in the enclave, who no longer fits in any world.
And I too get teary at the Kinder Parade, but for me it’s because I have that stab of wondering if maybe THIS is what the beloved community looks like? And it’s such a relief from the blandness and uniformity of all blondes and blue eyes that we grew up with. And because it is so deliciously funny.