Why I don’t identify as a citizen of any country
I'm from China.
It's the answer I use conveniently to answer questions regarding my nationality and cultural origin.
After almost a decade of traveling and living abroad, I found it overwhelming to associate myself with a political entity.
Living in the US surfaced that feeling when the media never got tired of playing around the conflicts between two different ideologies. It confronts me with anger and ignorance.
I used to label myself with my nationality. I had to when living in a foreign country with a complicated immigrant policy. Then it became part of my self-identity psychologically. On one side, I became more patriotic as all my peers did. On the other hand, I feel self-rejection when facing contradictory opinions from media and conversations.
That feeling didn't fade away as I start traveling worldwide. But as I connect with more diverse cultures, I realize that my nationality can barely represent my true self.
My country, as its current political entity form, has only been established for 70 years.
However, as integration of culture, mindsets, philosophies, history, etc., China originated more than 3000 years ago. Those essentials passed through generations of descendants and were deep-rooted in our minds and behavior.
How can 2.33% of China's grand history represent all of myself?
I can't be defined only as a citizen from a socialist country. My philosophy is fluid among ancient wisdom and religions. My belief isn't in a single labeled state. My language system is bilingual. My thoughts are influenced both East and West. My behaviors evolve after traveling to more than 20 countries.
Every political entity has its own merits and issues. As I strive to avoid bias, I feel relieved stepping out of citizenship and look at China only as a system that functions itself. It nurtures me for more than 20 years, but it doesn't define me. I can objectively look at it and form independent opinions without feeling denied.
Eventually, I am more proud of how China's history transcends in the self. The magnificent wisdom, the sophisticated philosophies, and diverse cultures through such an extended period. I'm a spirit under the influences of those through my parents, grandparents, and ancestors.
Where I live now doesn't matter. What's my nationality doesn't matter. I am one descendant of all cultures in the world. I am one part of the unity.
If you resonate with the ideas I express to the world here, why not follow up for the whole story?