Cultural Identity
The Cultural Identity
In addition to facing discrimination and economic disadvantages, the cultural identity of urban indigenous people is also a significant issue. Urban indigenous individuals often struggle with their sense of identity and ethnicity during cultural connections. The uncertainty of their ethnic identity, coupled with external perceptions and internal feelings of loss, leads these urban indigenous people to frequently lose themselves between their rural origins and urban lifestyles, prompting questions about their true identity.
When confronted with external scrutiny, many find themselves caught in a struggle to either conceal their identity or embrace it. Some choose to deliberately hide or deny their indigenous identity in a bid to seamlessly integrate into Han Chinese society.
Although there has been a recent trend of urban indigenous people returning to their hometowns, they often face rejection and criticism from members of their tribal communities. This greatly undermines the confidence and determination of urban indigenous people, casting doubt on the true significance of reconnecting with their ancestral lands and reintegrating into their tribes.
▲The tribal member talked about the old days.
▲Xizhou Amis Tribe Living Cultural Park