Tell me where you're from, and I'll tell you who you are

“Do you know who you are?” This is the one repetitive line of the song Lights Up by Harry Styles.

But, do you? It’s a question I’ve asked myself often. Is identity just our name, our hobbies, our job titles? Or is it something more? I’d argue it’s deeply linked to culture: our traditions, our people, and the places we’ve lived in that shape us.

Because beyond our interests, personalities and ideas.... We are also our surroundings. Where did you grow up? What do the people there believe? What traditions did you celebrate? Even the shape of the city where you lived impacts how you think and perceive the world. 

Do you know who you are?😉

I grew up in a small town on Colombia's Caribbean coast. That single detail says a lot about me. If you had the pleasure to meet my mom and dad, you would understand even more about me. So, in these terms if we were to dive into "the rich connections between culture and identity in the modern world" we would swim into a deep sea, some parts light and shimmering while others dark, full of sharks and some not-so-friendly jellyfish. Anyway, let’s do it!

The lighter side of the sea:

When there’s a soccer match with your country’s team, you feel like their victory would be your victory too, right? And why does the smell of your grandma’s cooking transport you to a place of comfort and warmth? These little moments are what tie us to our culture and, by extension, our identity. 

For me, it’s the sound of vallenato and boleros music, the sweetness of “bollos” or “bolis” in my kitchen, and the vibrant celebrations during Carnaval. These moments don’t just remind me of home—they are home. They shape how I see the world, and they’re my connection to others who’ve experienced the same. We find pieces of ourselves in the sweet smells of the kitchen, the loud sound of laughter, music, and food. 

Just as there are other thin but strong threads throughout our lives and upbringing that connect us as Colombians and our collective identity. 

Even the shape of the city you grew up in can influence the way you think. Was it sprawling or small? Was it bustling or quiet? My hometown is small, with an open sky and ever-present sunshine everywhere you look. It taught me about freedom and endless horizons.

For example: One of the most beautiful things is being anywhere in the world and finding someone who understands your language, the music you love, and the flavors you miss. It’s like speaking a secret language only certain people understand. When I meet someone who loves arepa e’ huevo as much as I do, it’s an instant connection.

As John Joseph said "The ability to perceive and interpret the indices is itself part of shared culture." 

But what happens when we don’t fit the script? When our culture doesn’t reflect who we are? That’s where this sea gets darker.

The darker side of the sea:

This above was all flowers and colors, but what if your culture doesn't make you feel at home? What if you don't identify yourself that way?

Because I am me, apart from my culture, right? (Do you know who you are? Asks Harry Styles again.) What happens when we don’t feel a sense of belonging to the culture where you were born? 

It can feel isolating when your surroundings don’t align with your values or sense of self. It can feel "imposed" or “pushed”. Not belonging and not feeling accepted can make you question who you are even more deeply, and finding the answer becomes a journey requiring a profound connection with yourself. 

Thankfully, with the internet, culture isn’t confined to your hometown anymore. You can explore ideas, traditions, and values from across the globe. It’s a universal human right that extends beyond geography. Now you can find whatever suits you best! 

So, in the end culture and identity are inseparable, yet fluid. They’re the result of where we come from, the people we meet, and the choices we make. 

Think about the songs that make you cry, the foods that make you nostalgic, and the values that guide you. That’s your culture. That’s your identity.

Carl Jung once said: “Life really does begin at 40. Up until then you are just doing research.”

And as Laura pointed out, this means that until then you're just trying to figure out your real-authentic self. (Shoutout to Laura! Thanks!)

Cheers to the next 20 years of figuring it out. Hope you enjoy diving in that sea: sometimes calm, sometimes stormy, but always worth exploring! As far as things are going in the world, we'll see... 

Sarah María