I always appreciate reading your words! I think part of the problem is that writers are encouraged to "niche down," to pick a topic and become known for that topic. But we are complex beings with lots of interests (and many parts to our identity, which I know you understand!) I hope you keep writing about whatever it is that stirs your heart!
The idea of someone telling you that you're "too assimilated" makes me angry. I guess, if they are putting it in some kind of context - like you're too assimilated to write about being a new immigrant in 2026 - MAYBE I could try to understand what they were saying, but I still don't like it. I can relate so much to the wondering what to do with all of my thoughts and ideas. Starting to take seminary courses has been delightful, but your post made me pause and think about after. I think I've realized I'm uninterested these days in writing or posting for the faceless masses (only accessible with the Algorithm's blessing). Not that those people don't matter, but I feel much more drawn to people I can see and hear and touch in my own community. It's hard to completely shut out the Algorithm's voice calling me to come back, though.
Oh friend, thank you for your comment! I am SO glad you are taking Seminary classes! Seminary is great, good and worthy of your time and investment. Really helps to know how better we can read the Bible and learn the OT history ! I loved Bible Exposition and Historical Theological classes. Now as far are being too assimilated - yeah I processed a bit of my feelings in this essay and I am been surprised at the feedback I have received. It has been deeply encouraging and convicting. I suppose what I am feeling is - I don’t want my story to be a single note. There is more to me than being Indian and for some reason the Christian publishing and media world like it better ( or the algorithm) does when I talk about my woes as a person of color. To be honest that is not my lived experience and for some it might be and I applaud them. But there is no room at the table for people like me- or limited room. That is where the “too assimilated” part comes in. I do not fit the formula. I do believe there are those who have been treated badly as immigrants and people of color but there are also many who have moved past the hurt and have moved forward. So when someone else of color tells me I am too assimilated - I wonder - what is it they want me to be? Should I be complaining and wringing my hands all the time?
But you have a lot of tell the world and we want to hear it! So keep writing! Your audience will find you. Don’t stop just because of the silly algorithm. Ignore it and write because you love to write and it will encourage the people who read your work! Looking forward to reading more of your words! Hang in there friend! Love ya!
Thank you for your heartfelt thoughts about who you are as a writer and what you want to say. You have so much to contribute. Praying that you will sense the Holy Spirit leading you to the message he's given you. I love the analogy of writing as a workout. Most of us are reluctant to go to the gym, but when we do, we almost always leave refreshed. May the Spirit refresh your soul through these words you've shared with us.
I'm sorry if you have felt hemmed in (if that's accurate) as you write for others. I'm curious. Have you felt folks were asking you to write more on assimilation because they were seeing you as an expert or bcz they wanted you to "stay in a particular lane"?
Thank you Dorothy! I have felt folks asking me to write more on the woes I have suffered as an Indian Immigrant and speaking more about my Indian identity and focus more on the color of my skin. Writing on assimilation would rather be much avoided.
I always appreciate reading your words! I think part of the problem is that writers are encouraged to "niche down," to pick a topic and become known for that topic. But we are complex beings with lots of interests (and many parts to our identity, which I know you understand!) I hope you keep writing about whatever it is that stirs your heart!
thank you @Sarah K. Butterfield
I agree Sarah.
The idea of someone telling you that you're "too assimilated" makes me angry. I guess, if they are putting it in some kind of context - like you're too assimilated to write about being a new immigrant in 2026 - MAYBE I could try to understand what they were saying, but I still don't like it. I can relate so much to the wondering what to do with all of my thoughts and ideas. Starting to take seminary courses has been delightful, but your post made me pause and think about after. I think I've realized I'm uninterested these days in writing or posting for the faceless masses (only accessible with the Algorithm's blessing). Not that those people don't matter, but I feel much more drawn to people I can see and hear and touch in my own community. It's hard to completely shut out the Algorithm's voice calling me to come back, though.
Oh friend, thank you for your comment! I am SO glad you are taking Seminary classes! Seminary is great, good and worthy of your time and investment. Really helps to know how better we can read the Bible and learn the OT history ! I loved Bible Exposition and Historical Theological classes. Now as far are being too assimilated - yeah I processed a bit of my feelings in this essay and I am been surprised at the feedback I have received. It has been deeply encouraging and convicting. I suppose what I am feeling is - I don’t want my story to be a single note. There is more to me than being Indian and for some reason the Christian publishing and media world like it better ( or the algorithm) does when I talk about my woes as a person of color. To be honest that is not my lived experience and for some it might be and I applaud them. But there is no room at the table for people like me- or limited room. That is where the “too assimilated” part comes in. I do not fit the formula. I do believe there are those who have been treated badly as immigrants and people of color but there are also many who have moved past the hurt and have moved forward. So when someone else of color tells me I am too assimilated - I wonder - what is it they want me to be? Should I be complaining and wringing my hands all the time?
But you have a lot of tell the world and we want to hear it! So keep writing! Your audience will find you. Don’t stop just because of the silly algorithm. Ignore it and write because you love to write and it will encourage the people who read your work! Looking forward to reading more of your words! Hang in there friend! Love ya!
Thank you for your heartfelt thoughts about who you are as a writer and what you want to say. You have so much to contribute. Praying that you will sense the Holy Spirit leading you to the message he's given you. I love the analogy of writing as a workout. Most of us are reluctant to go to the gym, but when we do, we almost always leave refreshed. May the Spirit refresh your soul through these words you've shared with us.
Thank you for your kind words Millie! It is has lovely getting to know you. Cannot wait for the last discussion.
I'm sorry if you have felt hemmed in (if that's accurate) as you write for others. I'm curious. Have you felt folks were asking you to write more on assimilation because they were seeing you as an expert or bcz they wanted you to "stay in a particular lane"?
Thank you Dorothy! I have felt folks asking me to write more on the woes I have suffered as an Indian Immigrant and speaking more about my Indian identity and focus more on the color of my skin. Writing on assimilation would rather be much avoided.