Since she came home to the United States from India in 2003, Holt adoptee Malini Baker has learned that it’s important to keep a foot firmly planted in both her American and Indian cultures. When you’re young, you are told to always stay on the right side of the road when driving, walking or riding a bike. That way, the flow of people will always stay the same — causing the traffic to run more smoothly. What if in life, staying on one side or the other wouldn’t help you in the long run, but would instead make you more confused as to what direction you’re heading? For me, life is a busy Indian road and I am standing in the middle of it. I think people will go one way and keep the flow going, but then something happens to disrupt this traffic. Cars get off course and change directions, and I'm just standing in the middle watching others as they pass by, confused and clueless. Culture is like that sometimes. It can begin one way when you’re little, but as you grow up your cultural identity switches directions, leaving you confused. I chose, however, to stand in the middle of that busy Indian road. I won’t let my cultural identity switch directions. (more…)