Sometimes my behavior does get changed by the norms of my environment. I actually hope that when I choose to follow the norms, it's done voluntarily based on consideration of my own benefits and willingness, without feeling inner conflict.
As a third-culture kid, shifting my behaviour depending on the environment and norms was inevitable. A lot of third-culture kids become chameleons. They can shift their behaviour depending on where they are but still make it authentic to their character. For me, these behaviours are on a dimension. I might pay more attention to how I handle my utensils in Belgium or a fancy restaurant than I do in a Canadian home setting, but overall, how I eat is so ingrained that it doesn't change much. However, how much I curse can change completely. In Belgium, I rarely swear; in Spain, I only do with expressions, and in Canada, I can sound like a truck driver once I have a few beers in me. Okay, not quite, but that dimension is more dramatic. Sometimes, these shifts in behaviour feel authentic to my character. I feel like those changes are part of me. I'm adaptable. However, there are some norms I won’t adapt to because it doesn't feel like part of who I am or my values. For instance, in countries where men directed all questions at me and expected me to be the boss, they soon realized who really was the boss in my relationship, and it sure wasn't me.
Chameleon is a great way to think about it. We are no single thing, and sometimes being in a foreign culture allows us to access facets of our character that lay under the surface. It can be a boon to be authentic to, and to share in, multiple cultures. But I know it can be difficult as well!
Hi Nishant! I love what you’re doing with Sneaky Art. I’m new to Substack and new to your world of art, stories & more.
As a storyteller, I do pretty much the same as you do. You can say that our modus operandi is the same! I observe, I eavesdrop, I capture random materials through photographs & notes and tell stories around them.
I doodle too…sometimes. But I’m not as prolific as you. And watching you sketch, my fingers itch.
Capturing the world in a sketchbook / notebook is all about slowing down. I like the process behind this art.
Great to hear from you, Rituparna. It is such a great thing to slow down, to seek, and to find beauty in our environment. Glad to know you are doing it as a storyteller!
So wonderful to see your work combined with 49th parallel coffee. It’s a ‘must go’ stop when we visit Vancouver. Looking forward to seeing your work the next time I visit
I just want to say that everytime you pay it inspired other artists to just do something. Thank you
I'm happy to hear that, Salina. 😊
I'm a new subscriber and so excited to hear about the Vancouver events!! Fingers crossed I take a bit time off work to go 🤞
Hope to see you soon!
I believe that I have changed because my environment has not changed, and I am less able to navigate due to my need to make changes.
Fascinating, Jack. Care to elaborate?
Age has a way of altering your actual reality versus your perveived reality. Our mind believes we can, but our bodies tell us different as we age.
I'm only edging to 37, but my left knee and lower back just voiced agreement with this!
Getting older is not for the faint of heart. But the alternative is worse. 😀
True! 😂😂
Sometimes my behavior does get changed by the norms of my environment. I actually hope that when I choose to follow the norms, it's done voluntarily based on consideration of my own benefits and willingness, without feeling inner conflict.
That's the hope! It's difficult to know sometimes, because it can be easy to fall into a comfort zone when we take cues from others.
Yes, but not by much. I obey the principle more than the rule.
As a third-culture kid, shifting my behaviour depending on the environment and norms was inevitable. A lot of third-culture kids become chameleons. They can shift their behaviour depending on where they are but still make it authentic to their character. For me, these behaviours are on a dimension. I might pay more attention to how I handle my utensils in Belgium or a fancy restaurant than I do in a Canadian home setting, but overall, how I eat is so ingrained that it doesn't change much. However, how much I curse can change completely. In Belgium, I rarely swear; in Spain, I only do with expressions, and in Canada, I can sound like a truck driver once I have a few beers in me. Okay, not quite, but that dimension is more dramatic. Sometimes, these shifts in behaviour feel authentic to my character. I feel like those changes are part of me. I'm adaptable. However, there are some norms I won’t adapt to because it doesn't feel like part of who I am or my values. For instance, in countries where men directed all questions at me and expected me to be the boss, they soon realized who really was the boss in my relationship, and it sure wasn't me.
Chameleon is a great way to think about it. We are no single thing, and sometimes being in a foreign culture allows us to access facets of our character that lay under the surface. It can be a boon to be authentic to, and to share in, multiple cultures. But I know it can be difficult as well!
Hi Nishant! I love what you’re doing with Sneaky Art. I’m new to Substack and new to your world of art, stories & more.
As a storyteller, I do pretty much the same as you do. You can say that our modus operandi is the same! I observe, I eavesdrop, I capture random materials through photographs & notes and tell stories around them.
I doodle too…sometimes. But I’m not as prolific as you. And watching you sketch, my fingers itch.
Capturing the world in a sketchbook / notebook is all about slowing down. I like the process behind this art.
Great to hear from you, Rituparna. It is such a great thing to slow down, to seek, and to find beauty in our environment. Glad to know you are doing it as a storyteller!
Love your work here!
Thank you very much!
So wonderful to see your work combined with 49th parallel coffee. It’s a ‘must go’ stop when we visit Vancouver. Looking forward to seeing your work the next time I visit
I hope you find it!
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