My Duo-National Citizenship

Over this past week, I have been introduced to the theme of globalization. Although not having a concrete definition that properly highlights all of its values, globalization can best be described as the growing interconnectivity of a global community. It’s so-called counterpart, nationalism, focuses on the identification within a nation for its interests. Coming from a multi-national background since my birth in the U.S. to obtaining my Mexican citizenship, one would expect me to identify as a global citizen; but that is not the case.

Having a unique blend of multicultural experiences while living in two border towns- one which was in Mexico, where I spent the majority of my life being part of a Mexican household to crossing every day to go to school in El Paso, Texas- I can confidently identify myself both as a national citizen of the United States and Mexico. This is because I, like every other human, need a sense of identity. Being a national citizen fulfills this need, as I can find at least one similarity with every other American citizen I encounter; that is, we are American. The same applies to my Mexican counterpart; I have found that belonging to a nation gives you and your fellow citizens a bond that has the potential to unite a community through its culture and individual commonalities.

By stating the prior, I am not disregarding the potential a global community may have. It is believed that the most valuable characteristic of a global community is that of empathy, a feeling with is built around the sense of community. I am proud of being part of both the American and Mexican communities through my national citizenship; I believe it makes my identity and strengthens my moral values to be a better person.