When visiting my friend’s Georgian relatives, they were all quick to ask me “where are you from?” A few days later, another Georgian man asked me the same question. Immediately, I answered with the truth, American. Both my grandparents and parents are from America; thus, it is the only right answer. In both instances, the Georgians asked for clarification- “where are your relatives from?” Saying I’m American wasn’t enough. I clarified and said “well, my great grandparents are from Poland, but that was ages ago!” However, in both instances, they replied with “oh, ok. That makes more sense!” Even my friend from Nepal, who has Chinese roots, was constantly asked where she was really from. Interestingly, it seems that Georgians care a lot about nationality and ethnicity. Even though I am American, it is more telling about me that I am Polish.
Since I was confused why this topic was brought up so often, I asked the Georgian man, Alex, why this question is asked so often. He explained that because Georgia is such an old country, dating back to even 1.8 million years ago, people find nationality and ethnicity important. Georgians are very positively nationalistic and take a lot of pride in their country. Especially since the population of Georgia is only 4.9 million, the people seem to keep their roots and family close. These ideas make sense, and the history of Georgia is very telling. Georgia has been invaded many times because of its strategic location, and these invasions have been dated back to the Iberian War in 526. Because Georgia has been invaded and occupied many times, the people identify closely with their ancestors. Thus, their explanation on why people’s true roots and ancestry is so important to them.
In America, on the other hand, because the country is a melting pot, we have several different ethnicities. But, through birthright citizenship or some form of naturalization, you can truly become an American. Thus, although your ethnicity and ancestry are still important, you can identify with Americans without being questioned. I think that this difference between the countries is very interesting, and I am curious about this same topic in regard to other countries, as well.
