Saratoga has long been a microcosm of the “melting pot” that is America, evidenced by the diverse mingling of cultures. The many students who are multiracial are symbols of the racial tolerance that has become integral to the school’s open-minded culture. But what does it really mean to be multiracial?
Junior Nadya Shahin, whose mother is Ethiopian and father is Jordanian, says her lifestyle is predominantly American with the occasional intermingling of the cultures, through language, and ethnic cuisine, such as enjera, a spongy brown bread that is not only eaten but also used to pick up other food, and watt, which is red spicy stew with pieces of meat.
“At home I guess you would say it is a typical American household, but we’ll have traditional Ethiopian dishes,” Shahin said. “During the Ethiopian holidays, my mom will also have a bunch of her Ethiopian friends over and they all speak their [native] language.”
Junior Tyler Bakke, who is of half Caucasian and half Iranian descent, says that his lifestyle is mainly American. For example, he plays soccer and video games with his family and friends in his downtime. However, holidays such as Novrooz, the Persian New Year, allow him to immerse himself in his Persian culture through eating food like chelo kabab, which is skewered and roasted meat with rice, and bamieh, honey-covered Persian donuts.
“I identify most with my dad’s American culture because my mom’s Iranian culture only influences me when we celebrate holidays with her side of the family, which is infrequent,” Bakke said.
Junior Cori Posadas, whose father is Caucasian and mother is Chinese, experiences a hybrid approach from her parents with regard to work ethic.
“My work ethic is a mix between Chinese and American because I don’t have that constant pressure from my mom to get A+’s all the time like some Asian parents, but my parents, of course, want me to try my best and get good grades,” Posadas said.
Though different cultures may often carry contrasting beliefs, Shahin claims that the different cultural beliefs of their parents have not led to conflict.
“My parents do have different religions, my mom being Christian and my dad being Muslim, but that doesn’t really affect anyone in the family,” Shahin said. “My parents are fine with me being whatever I want to be.”
Posadas also has not experienced any culture clash in her household.
“There are no conflicting values because Chinese [people] eat everything so there are no diet issues. We aren’t religious, so we have no religious issues either,” Posadas said.
Students of mixed ethnicity have the chance to experience the best of both cultures.
“There are lots of holidays to celebrate, delicious Chinese food whenever I visit my grandparents and Texas-style football games when my dad’s father comes over. Basically, there’s lots of yelling and food,” Posadas said.
However, Shahin and Bakke both admit that a downside to being multiracial is that they are not as knowledgeable about their cultures as students of a sole ethnicity would typically be. For example, Shahin wishes she spoke more Arabic, her father’s native language.
“I wish I spoke more Arabic because it’s a really pretty language and if I spoke it, it’d be easier to communicate with my dad’s side of the family,” Shahin said.
Ultimately, Shahin, Bakke and Posadas identify most with the American culture and way of life, but also embrace and take pride in their ethnic backgrounds.
“I like that being multiracial is different and unique,” Shahin said. “It’s a cool conversation starter to tell people about my different races.”