Identity Reflection | Nauseda

Ethnically: I am 100% Caucasian, but not 100% of anything. I am Italian, Irish, Lithuanian, German, Polish, with possible ties to more Slavic countries further back. I get most of my ethnic background, Lithuanian, from my father's/grandfather's side. Most of my family is Italian, being on both sides quite heavily, but the features of my Lithuanian side (my last name, facial features, etc.) are much more prominent.

Religiously: My family is historically Roman Catholic, and I was raised as such. However, my views have since shifted to more of a Unitarian/Agnostic view. I wouldn't necessarily say I identify with any specific religion, rather I tend to see the value in each individual religion for what it is and not necessarily as a universal truth. So, in short, I'm not a religious person any more.

Holidays Celebrated: Christmas, New Years, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, Mother's/Father's Day, Fourth of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, birthdays. The various religious holidays were never celebrated with the original religious meaning, but more of an excuse for the family to get together.

Victimizing: To my knowledge, no one in my family has ever been victimized due to racial/ethnic identity. However, the Italian side of my family, within the last century, has had multiple incidents of violence due to their affiliation with the Italian mob here in Chicago. As far as I'm told, I had a cousin named "Jimmy the Bomber" who was an expert at controlled explosives for entering safes, etc., who was "wacked" as they say.

Chosen Cultures: I would say I identify strongly with the gamer culture. Video games have been a part of my life from very early on, pretty much since I could hold an NES controller. They have been the primary way I've created and maintained friendships, as I was never into sports, drugs, the same kind of music as everyone else, etc. Musically, I go from 20's swing to 80's funk to modern punk. I don't necessarily identify with any of those music movements in particular as I don't really live out any of their professed lifestyles, though.
I also identify with musicians in general because I've been one since fifth grade, starting with the clarinet and ending up at over seven instruments. Nowadays, I mostly stick to Baritone Sax and bass guitar.

Friends: I certainly have friends from various ethnic backgrounds, including black, white, Mexican, and even second generation Russian. As far as crossing ethnic borders, my best friend, who is black, is dating a girl from Korea. My other best friend, who is white and specifically Irish from Canaryville, is dating a black girl. This is significant due to the known racial tension of my friend's neighborhood, which he does not subscribe to in the least.