It has been an interesting journey to share my thoughts and feelings with all of you about being in a bi-cultural relationship. I’ve talked about the ups and downs, mis-communications, spiritual diversity and the yearnings that we all share for a clearer understanding about how those of us who are in bi-cultural partnerships can succeed and continue to have long lasting and fulfilling relationships.
While many of us have felt that we’ve chosen a path not often traveled by the majority, in the not too distant future, bi-cultural couples may be few and far between as more and more cultures begin to merge together. Soon we will find that bi-cultural relationships will be a phenomena of the past, as multi-cultural relationships take the lead in setting the trend. This is unavoidable considering that our children are the product of two or more cultures. My own boys are Puerto Rican, Spanish and Indonesian and if they choose to marry a woman outside of Indonesia, then they will continue to expand their future children’s cultural identities.
The world is becoming global, and while there are certainly some bad aspects of globalization, the positive side is that people are evolving and becoming more tolerant towards the incredible diversity of races that exist on our planet today. Racism can’t continue to survive in people’s minds and hearts when nearly all of us are more than one race.
A great example of people’s attitudes changing towards race was the recent U.S. presidential election in which an overwhelming majority of Americans voted for Barrack Obama to be the new president. Yes, times are truly changing for the better, and it is clear that our children will be fortunate enough to be around for the even greater transformations that will occur on this planet. Their multi-cultural perspective will give them the tools to understand how to deal with serious issues such as global warming, hunger and poverty. They will easily be able to form healthy and enduring relationships, and low self-esteem will become an outdated psychological term used to describe past generations.
This is the wonderful gift that we’ve all been hoping for – a world where people no longer see what color you are, but only who you are.
Today when I think about my relationship with Dewa, the fact that we are from different cultures doesn’t really matter. What matters is that we appreciate that each of us brings something truly special to our relationship. Our differences are less about our cultures and more about the dissimilarities between men and women. We are still finding are way through the clouds of confusion that arise from time to time, but that’s what makes life interesting.
I want to thank all the readers of ‘Love in the Tropics’. My intention for writing this column has always been to offer insights about bi-cultural relationships and how to overcome some of the challenges that may arise when you are in a relationship with someone from a different culture. I hope some of the suggestions and ideas that I have put forth have been helpful for you. My wish for all of you is that you will continue to find happiness and peace in your current relationships. This is my last column.
Editors note: Bali Advertiser wishes to thank Ibu Lina Rose for her contribution to Bali Advertiser over the past year. Best wishes for your personal journey.
