Why do Ethiopians have children in America, raise them here, and then criticize them for not being Ethiopian enough or being too American? I find it difficult to figure out why I get condemned for not speaking fluent Amharic. I had no say as a child as to where I wanted to be raised. Neither could I help the fact that I grew up in a predominantly English-speaking society. I cannot perceive why Ethiopians would shake their heads in dismay or gossip about the way I dress, talk, and act. They challenge my being and conclude that I am a disgrace to Ethiopians and Ethiopian culture. Can I really help being a product of my environment? Where does the audacity of Ethiopians to call me Ferenj come from simply because I was born and raised in America? Let me settle the issue by stating that both of my parents are full-blooded Ethiopians.

Of course some may say that I am being a little too sensitive, but at times I find it frustrating and tiring to hear my Habesha people tell me that I am not a real Ethiopian. They should not judge me by my looks or assume that I have dismissed my Ethiopian heritage and accepted the American way of life before they know what occupies my mind and heart. The older I get, the more deprived I feel of Ethiopian culture while growing up in the United States. I don't need to receive more scrutiny by my own people and be reminded with their looks, stares. I do not need to hear stereotypical comments such as, me sounding like a Nech Set [white female] when I speak Amharic, or acting like Tikuroch [black people]. The question is, how can this generation of Ethiopians born in the U.S. keep our culture strong and alive here in the diaspora? Certainly not by talking behind each other backs, laughing at each other's weaknesses, or insisting that those who grew up outside of Ethiopia are not Ethiopians. These are all self-defeating views.

Instead of making fun of my Amharic, Ethiopian-born individuals should offer to take time to teach it to me. Instead of gossiping about how 'Americanized' I am, let us sit over a cup of Buna [coffee] so I can hear your stories of what it was like to grow up in Ethiopia. Rather than chit-chatting about the way I dress, can you teach me how to sew like my grandma or make Habesha Kemis [Ethiopian traditional dresses]? Instead of wasting time treating me like a disgrace and an outcast, can you tell me everything about the way of life in our country?

I am Ethiopian, and I care very little for anyone who tells me I'm otherwise. I love my culture and my roots. I am so proud to be from Ethiopia and if I had the choice, I would never be from any other country in the world. There is not set definition to being Ethiopian, American, Black, or White. These are just human-made social constructs which have been accepted without hesitation. I was not born in Ethiopia nor did I get the opportunity to grow up there, but that in no way makes me any less of an Ethiopian. Amharic is not my first language but that does not make my Ethiopian blood, inherited from my two parents, any thinner. I adore the Ethiopian community in America and want to be involved in all things going on with my people. Today, my life revolves around trying to immerse myself in Ethiopian culture and traditions, until the day that I am able to go back to the country that I come from.

Regardless of what anybody says, I am Ethiopian. Not Ethiopian-American, not American, but ETHIOPIAN. I do not claim America to be my home simply because I reside here. Ethiopia is my roots and my parents raised me with as much awareness of my heritage as they possibly could. I am conscious of the privileges, resources and freedom I have been given in this country, but I am not and will never claim to be an American. I am Ethiopian at my core, and I don't want to be stripped of my cultural rights any more than I already have been.

If there were one set way for Ethiopians to look and act it would have taken away from our diversity and the beauty that we Ethiopians are known for. Imagine if all people talked, walked and dressed the same this world would be a very boring place. This is yet another reason why I love my heritage, because we come in so many different varieties yet we all look good. I should not be considered any less of an Ethiopian. I am one individual and each person is unique. Ultimately, this is what makes life so interesting.

Opinions expressed are those of individual authors.