Where is my Native Land?

What do you think of when you hear the term "Native Land"?

In today's society, people are often categorised based on various visual and cultural factors, such as ethnicity, skin colour, and religion. The word native can refer to someone or something that is original to a particular place or environment, or to a person who has been born and raised in a particular place. The term "native land" refers to the place or region where a person or group of people were born or have lived for a long time and to which they have a strong cultural and emotional connection. Is it possible for an individual to have multiple native lands? If someone has mixed ethnicities, can they choose the land of their ancestors and identify as a native of that land without having lived or visit the region? Maybe the issue with our society is that we often assign labels and categories too frequently. However, it is important to understand who you are and how you came to exist.

For those with parents from different or contrasting cultures, it's common to wonder which side they identify with more, they may even feel torn between the two. But why? One could argue that society places pressure on individuals to conform to a binary way of thinking because it is easy to view the world as simply "black or white," so to speak.

As a society, we tend to label and idealise certain concepts. If you don't feel welcome in your "native land" by definition due to prejudice, stereotypes or racism, it can be difficult to identify with it as your own. The innate human impulse to belong to a group or community can accentuate this feeling.

For instance, some individuals of African descent express a desire to return to their ancestral homes or native lands. This desire can stem from a longing to reconnect with their roots and the cultures of their ancestors, as well as a desire to contribute to the development of their home countries. A growing number of people are committed to making the return journey and rebuilding their lives in Africa, fuelled by a sense of pride and connection to their heritage.

Have you asked yourself where your native land is? If you don't have a particular place in mind, take some time to reflect on yourself and identify the cultures or communities you have a connection with. You can learn about these cultures from your family, elders, or through research.

“Know From Whence You Came” - James Baldwin