A Moment of Cultural Dissonance Sparks The Multicultural Man

As I stepped into the grandiose Hindu temple, I was instantly captivated by its beauty. The grand pillars, which were intricately engraved with depictions of Hindu mythology, stood as a testament to centuries of rich cultural heritage. Being raised in the Hindu faith, I was curious to observe the ceremonies to come.

My family and I entered the main hall. The priest directed my father and me to sit in the front while instructing my mother and sister to take seats in the back. I immediately sensed a wave of discomfort flood my body. I questioned the reasoning behind this custom.

Why should they be relegated to the back, unable to see the ceremony clearly? If we must be separated by gender, why not have us seated on opposite sides of the room, equidistant from the front?

Now distracted from the ceremony, I couldn’t help but think about the privileges I received as a man and the cultural dissonance I was feeling.  

At that moment, this particular temple became more than just a place of worship. It became a catalyst for me to delve deeper into the intricate interplay between culture and masculinity.

I navigate the world as an American-born man raised by Indian immigrant parents. During my formative years, I grappled with the complexities of determining what it truly meant to ‘be a man’ within the contexts of both American and Indian cultures. The contrasting ideals and expectations left me confused, which only fueled my intellectual curiosity to learn why.

I would ask myself many questions: How does my cultural heritage mold my masculine identity? How does my masculinity influence my cultural expression? How do individuals from diverse cultures perceive and navigate their own versions of masculinity?

As I explore these questions, I aim to unravel the threads that connect masculinity and culture. Through introspection and dialogue, I seek to uncover insights and stories that shed light on the diverse experiences of men and those who embody masculine traits across different cultural backgrounds.

A few years ago, I conducted an interview series delving into the various ways in which men from different cultural backgrounds navigate and express their masculinity. Immersed in the process, I found tremendous joy in connecting with individuals and exploring the complex nature of masculinity. Eager to expand on this project’s reach, I decided to launch this newsletter to continue my exploration of these topics.

Within the pages of this newsletter, expect an engaging blend of personal reflections, interviews, and posts dedicated to the rich tapestry of masculinity and its intersection with culture.

And with that, I welcome you to The Multicultural Man. I hope you enjoy it.

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