Concept of The OTHER

The concept of the Other is a philosophical concept opposed to the concept of Same. It attempts to refer to something other than the norm, something different.

It's funny how in one location you belong to the majority and in another you belong to the minority. If only every one has the opportunity to taste both sides, then we truly can know how it feels and not lord it over those who fall into that category under any circumstance.

While at home, I never saw myself as different, I did not have to bother about my race, not usually about my religion and seldom about my ethnic group. But living in a different country has brought me face-to-face with more of what makes me different. Not only do I (and others who share my skin color) stand out in a crowd but reference is made to my different accent, clothings, culture of respect etc.

Previously, like fish in the water, I was in my comfort zone and I blended well; now I have to either embrace the difference or calculate the days that will see me back to my sweet home country where again I can enjoy and definitely now place a value on the class I came to without price – the class of the majority.

For every immigrant (how I dislike the word alien with a passion), peace corp traveler, every study abroad student, every global worker etc; the concept of the Other has become more alive with crossing borders.