the duffel
You are a product of your environment. We’ve all heard that before. Yet, none of us chose our environments. At least not as children. We were quite literally born into a family, society, race, that we didn’t actively choose. It’s all a thing of fate. As we age and experience life, our choices increase and somehow our willingness to make those choices decreases. It’s almost as if, the more comfortable we get, the less likely we are to shake things up. The older we get, the more our childlike wonder about the world fades.
I love that Pittsburgh is my hometown, and I truly don’t think I would have wanted to grow up anywhere else. It has always been my favorite city in the world. Not because I think it’s better than all the rest or offers things you can’t get elsewhere. But because it’s mine. I wouldn’t be who I am without Pittsburgh, without musicals at the Benedum, or pierogis at PNC Park, or eating haluski at the Wolvarena Stadium during high school football games. All these experiences are core memories for me and have shaped who I am and how I place myself in the world.
Allow me to ask you this. Are you protective of your hometown? When you look around and feel a sense of pride? Are there flaws in the infrastructure or planning? Do you question annual celebrations? What eccentricities of your town or city that a foreigner might pick up on?
For me, I never realized just how niche pierogis or haluski were. I grew up eating these dishes. It wasn’t until I met my friend of Polish descent that I was educated on exactly what those dishes were and where they came from. A Black American grew up feeling the comforts of home from traditional Polish cuisine.
If a friend visited me today, I would be able to explain the rich history of those dishes and how they’ve transformed to the style that we have here in the ‘burgh. I would be able to take them to a Pirates game and laugh at the Great Pierogy Race. We experience various cultures without even realizing it, especially in the melting pot of America.
During my grad program there was an event featuring cuisines from around the world. All international students participating were to bring a dish from their hometown. Immediately, my thought went to haluski. It is by far my favorite comfort food and the one that reminds me most of cold fall nights growing up. I was told I couldn’t bring haluski. “Angel, you’re not Polish.”
I’m not. Yet, this one aspect of Poland had found its way across the ocean and into the hearts of many. That was the moment I began questioning what it meant to be American. Most of our staples can be traced back to other cultures and countries. If I enjoyed Polish cuisine so much, how would I feel about Poland itself? (Well, at that point I had already visited the country and had my answer. But the question could be asked for all of the other cuisines I enjoy.)
Think about something that reminds you of your childhood home. Think of a favorite dish of yours or a favorite sport you loved to watch. Where exactly do they originate from? Is it possible that you’ve been experiencing and appreciating someone else’s heritage without even knowing?
Looking back on my childhood and my experiences, there are many things that I have been exposed to because of my city and its history. There are many aspects of various cultures that I have adopted without even realizing it. It became my culture and an important part of my personal history. Be sure to check out other the duffel articles here.
As ever,
Angelique Michelle
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