Monday, October 28, 2013

start with why

More than a few weekends ago, I received an email from a reader: "I want to say thank you for being such an inspiration and role model not to just young women but to the Hispanic community as well." She went on to be so genuine and appreciative, I was nearly brought to tears. This is what makes blogging worth it, I thought to myself. And I was especially touched at her highlighting my role in the Hispanic community. We must both have checked that little box on standardized tests and administration forms...
I haven't disregarded my heritage (Mexican, Colombian, Irish, Scottish) here, but I also haven't broadcasted it. In so many ways, this part of my identity has caused me anguish throughout the years. Americans are proud of our "melting pot" yet don't welcome all people and cultures with the same enthusiasm. Multiple admissions essays, as a result, have illuminated how 'dirty Mexicans' have driven me to learn, experience, and connect at every opportunity. It's why I was so provoked to discover Irish prejudices. It's also why I'm so concerned about stereotypes. I know words are powerful, understanding is imperative, communication matters.
Sometimes, I get a little intense on here. It may keep some readers quiet. A few might prefer I focus on photographic stories about food and travel without the societal critique entirely. "Hey, Danielle, why so serious?" And here's the thing, to an extent, I'd rather not be. Beneath my analytical exterior, I'm just a fun-loving 25-y/o aware of how lucky she is (and how hard she's worked) to be living in Paris. I have so few things "figured out", it's completely humorous. So, in an attempt to sleep sounder, I strive to be light-hearted like my little bro. Then again, I can't imagine only sharing that feel-good fluff. This other "stuff" is too important to me.
I recall a weekend brunch, many Sundays in New York ago, when I revealed to Anna how nervous I was about being accepted into a masters program. Although it might be less conventional than most, your resume still seems to have intentionally directed you towards a degree like this, she told me. And she was/is right. That Anna is a wise one, in addition to being a wonderful friend. Months later, as I discussed my thesis with multiple accomplished men and women at the Media Evolution Conference, I kept returning to these concepts. Countless conversational 'a-ha' moments took place, even without having a specific topic in mind.
And suddenly, there it was, my thesis topic--at the culmination of personal experience and seasoned passion. I cannot express to you how excited I am to dedicate six months of research to it. It makes so such sense, I don't know how I didn't realize it sooner; especially as I finally had the chance to read Simon Sinek's Start with Why this past summer. Though I must admit the book was a bit repetitive, the takeaway is worth repeating daily: inspire people to do the things that inspire them. I'd recommend his TED talk, too. In the words of Mahatma Ghandi, “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”
I was recently interviewed for an NPR article on how I wasn't raised speaking Spanish. In a self-inflicted sense, this one linguistic factor has made my role in the Hispanic community (whatever that really means) confusing. I've more so embraced global citizenship, as a result. And it's with all this that I intend to study the communicative relationship between diversity issues and 'ethnic' food scenes in notably international cities: New York, London, Paris. You won't mind joining me as I explore, will you?

Photos from the Square des Batignolle

14 comments:

  1. That sounds like a fascinating thesis topic! Please do keep us abreast of how it develops :)

    (And I like the deep stuff with the fluff, too.)

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    1. Thanks for your enthusiasm and support! I definitely will.

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  2. You know I'm all about the deep and serious stuff. I think that's why I love reading your blog. It's so thoughtful! You can be a fun person while also being a thinker. I am interested in seeing how your thesis develops! Proud of you.

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    1. Thanks so much, darling :) I so appreciate you being here throughout the years of thought!

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  3. I for one do not mind joining you at all, in fact, I'm looking forward to it :)

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  4. Oh how I dislike the words 'Latino' and 'Hispanic', what do they even mean? it's obviously not a colour nor a culture so, is it only because of the language then? I should also say that the only countries where I've seen/heard those words being used are Canada (rarely used though, and mostly only in uni/job applications, in the name of 'diversity' but it was never mandatory) and USA (seems heaps more common there?).

    Looking forward to read more about your thesis, sounds quite interesting!

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    1. Ditto. It's overly-common in the U.S. I imagine it will be! I'm looking forward to sharing bits and pieces along the way :)

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  5. Woo! This is exciting. I agree with Rose that your blog is a great mix of light and dark. Diversity issues- hmm! Interesting. Different from the wine topic, I think? I've recently become stuck (in a good way) on the civil movement term, 'food sovereignty'. Food sovereignty is in some domestic constitutions and now recognised by the FAO. You should check it out. I always find it so logical and interesting that traditional food cultures revolve around food prep that is the best way to enhance food safety and nutrition.

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    1. It is! Yes, the topic had to evolve because chatting with my advisor about it, she pointed out how challenging (impossible) it'd be for me to gather data on my original idea. I tried to incorporate the elements I was most passionate about into this one. Thank you for sharing that term! Such a good one. I'm going to geek out and look into it more now :)

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  6. Danielle, this is the first blog post of yours that I have read and I love your honesty. Life is not all fun and games, nor is it all serious all the time - it's a mix of all of it. That's what I find it funny that people are constantly seeking "happiness" when happiness is only fleeting - it happens in moments. Happiness wouldn't be so happy if it were so all the time. We need a mix of ups and downs, dark and light in our lives to enjoy the contrast. Thanks for pointing that out...I will be back!

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    1. Thanks for your support and encouragement, Renee! I'm so glad you found me and I couldn't agree more.

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  7. Thank so so so much for writing me back it meant alot to me you are so inspirational! and your thesis sounds wonderful and so interesting! and as Blanca said those words are mostly commonly used in the states, sadly I think the system here sometimes creates cleavages and alienates or isolates certain people making it a little harder to attain that sense of belonging to that amazing melting pot that the US is.! Im actually doing an independent study on that but thats a different topic lol! I will have to keep up with your posts more often! school has been really hectic but as always your posts are so deep and honest thank you! I can only imagine how different things would be if we were to embrace our global citizenship in a more meaningful way, as always your posts invite me to ponder i love it!

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    1. Of course!!! I couldn't imagine not have. Best of luck with your independent study! I am excited to dive into my own. Oh, and I appreciate you checking in here period - no need to stop by everyday :)

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