Overcoming Cultural Imposter Syndrome | Leilani Faaiuaso | TEDxYouth@Paparangi

Summary

This powerful narrative explores the journey of a New Zealand-born Samoan grappling with cultural imposter syndrome. The speaker reflects on their struggles with identity, feeling disconnected from both Samoan and mainstream cultures due to language barriers and stereotypes. Despite these challenges, they embrace their cultural heritage by learning more about their language and history, ultimately rejecting the idea of being an 'imposter.' The story emphasizes the importance of unlearning stereotypes, making space for understanding, and celebrating one's authentic cultural identity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cultural imposter syndrome is the feeling of not belonging to one's culture due to a lack of shared experiences and understandings.
• 😀 The speaker struggled with cultural identity as a mixed New Zealand-born Samoan, balancing societal expectations and personal experiences.
• 😀 Negative stereotypes and labels about Samoans, such as being defined by skin color or educational background, shaped the speaker's sense of identity.
• 😀 Despite working hard to fit into a private school environment, the speaker faced judgment based on the color of their skin and their scholarship status.
• 😀 The speaker felt pressured to speak the Samoan language and understand the culture but struggled with both, leading to feelings of isolation.
• 😀 The desire to be accepted by others often led the speaker to question their Samoan identity, feeling inadequate and 'not enough' to belong.
• 😀 The speaker initially distanced themselves from their cultural identity, calling themselves a 'plastic Samoan' to cope with the shame of not meeting expectations.
• 😀 Overcoming cultural imposter syndrome requires unlearning internalized stereotypes, making space for forgiveness and healing, and learning about one's culture.
• 😀 The speaker began to embrace their Samoan heritage by enrolling in a Samoan language course, which helped deepen their understanding of their culture.
• 😀 True cultural identity isn't defined by outward appearances or external expectations but by one's connection to their heritage, family, and history.
• 😀 The speaker proudly embraces their Samoan identity, stating that their cultural identity is rooted in their family, lineage, and the intergenerational stories passed down through their ancestors.

Q & A

What is cultural imposter syndrome?

Cultural imposter syndrome refers to the feeling of not belonging to one's own culture due to a perceived lack of understanding or experience with cultural practices, language, or traditions. Individuals experiencing it may feel disconnected or inadequate compared to others within the same culture.

How did the speaker feel about their Samoan identity growing up?

The speaker felt disconnected from their Samoan identity growing up. They experienced cultural imposter syndrome, feeling like they didn't meet the cultural standards of being Samoan, such as speaking the language or fully understanding the culture.

What role did the speaker’s education play in their cultural identity struggle?

The speaker’s education, particularly attending a private school, was seen as an opportunity to break negative stereotypes about Samoans. However, despite excelling academically, the speaker was often judged by the color of their skin and labeled as a 'Pacific scholarship student,' leading to a sense of inadequacy about their cultural identity.

What expectations did the speaker face from others about their Samoan identity?

The speaker faced pressure from both Samoans and non-Samoans to conform to certain expectations. Samoans expected the speaker to speak the language and fully understand the culture, while others judged the speaker based on their appearance or academic status, perpetuating the feeling of not being 'Samoan enough.'

What does the speaker mean by calling themselves a 'plastic Samoan'?

The term 'plastic Samoan' is used by the speaker to describe their attempt to distance themselves from feeling inadequate about their cultural identity. The speaker believed that by labeling themselves this way, they could avoid the embarrassment of not meeting cultural expectations, but it also created a barrier to deeper engagement with their heritage.

What does the speaker suggest is key to overcoming cultural imposter syndrome?

The speaker suggests three key actions to overcome cultural imposter syndrome: unlearning stereotypes and unrealistic standards, making space for forgiveness and healing, and learning more about one’s own culture to gain a deeper understanding of self and community.

What was the speaker's turning point in embracing their Samoan identity?

The turning point occurred when the speaker decided to stop viewing themselves as a 'plastic Samoan' and took steps to learn more about their culture, including completing a Samoan language course. This allowed the speaker to better understand and connect with their Samoan heritage.

How does the speaker define a 'true' Samoan?

According to the speaker, a 'true' Samoan is not defined solely by language fluency or cultural knowledge, but by their connection to their 'aina' (land) and family, and the way they carry themselves, walk, and speak. The speaker emphasizes that true cultural identity transcends outward appearances and is rooted in family and heritage.

What is the significance of the Samoan proverb shared at the end of the speech?

The Samoan proverb shared at the end of the speech emphasizes that a Samoan’s true identity is revealed by their behavior, how they carry themselves, and how they engage with others. It reinforces the idea that identity is not solely based on external factors like language or skin color, but on personal integrity and conduct.

What does the speaker ultimately learn about their Samoan cultural identity?

The speaker learns that their Samoan cultural identity is not defined by external validation, stereotypes, or language fluency. It is deeply connected to their family, heritage, and the intergenerational stories of their ancestors. The speaker concludes that they are proud to be Samoan, regardless of the pressures to conform.