Third Culture Kids

"Which do you like better - Japan or America?"

I always hated that question. It was asked by Japanese and Americans alike. How can you answer a question like that? You like them both, each in their own unique way.

"A Third Culture Kid (TCK) is a person who has spent a significant part of his or her developmental years outside the parents' culture. The TCK builds relationships to all of the cultures, while not having full ownership in any. Although elements from each culture are assimilated into the TCK'S life experience, the sense of belonging is in relationship to others of similar background." ¹

Phil and I are both Third Culture Kids. And it occured to me lately that Barack Obama is also a Third Culture Kid. No wonder I sense a kindred spirit.



1 "The TCK Profile" seminar material, Interaction, Inc., 1989, 1.