"هناك فرق كبير بين العرق والثقافة. لأنني من الناحية العرقية، رجل هندي. ثقافيًا، لا على الإطلاق."

The core idea here is that race and culture aren't the same thing. They can sometimes overlap, but they're not interchangeable. The quote is getting at the idea that your race is about your physical characteristics and ancestry, while your culture is more about the customs, traditions, and social behaviors you practice.

This idea is something a lot of people can relate to, especially those in multicultural societies or those who have moved away from their place of origin. The quote seems to come from someone who wants to highlight their multicultural identity. It’s like saying, "I might look Indian, but I grew up differently, and my day-to-day life is shaped more by the culture where I live now."

Imagine a friend of ours named Raj. Raj was born in India, but he moved to Canada when he was just a baby. He looks Indian, sure. People see his skin color, his facial features, and they might assume a lot about him based on that. But Raj grew up playing hockey, eating poutine, and celebrating Christmas. When someone asks him if he celebrates Diwali, he might feel a little awkward because he’s more familiar with Canadian holidays. This is what the quote is getting at—Raj’s race is Indian, but culturally, he’s more Canadian.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your life? First, it’s about recognizing and respecting the difference in others. Don’t assume you know someone’s culture just because of how they look. Ask questions, be curious, learn about their individual experiences. Secondly, it’s about being honest with yourself and others about your own identity. If you feel like you don’t fit the cultural mold people expect of you, that’s okay. Own your unique blend.

Let's say you’re at a party, and you meet someone new. Instead of making assumptions based on their race, get to know them as an individual. Maybe ask, "What’s your favorite holiday?" or "What traditions do you have with your family?" This opens up a space for sharing without putting them in a box.

Here's a relatable story: Think about a woman named Maria. She’s Latina by race, born to Mexican parents, but she was raised in Germany. At home, she’s got a mix of both worlds—she speaks Spanish with her mom and dad, but everything else about her life is German. She loves bratwurst, she has a fondness for German literature, and she’s more comfortable with German social norms. Sometimes people expect her to know everything about Mexican culture, and while she knows some, she often feels like an outsider in either world. Maria’s story shows us the importance of understanding that culture is personal and can be different from what people expect just by looking at someone.

So next time you meet someone, remember Raj and Maria. Think beyond the surface. Ask about their favorite traditions or foods. You might be surprised by the rich, unique stories you’ll uncover. And if you ever feel like you don’t fit neatly into one cultural box, that’s okay. Embrace your personal tapestry—it’s what makes you, you.