We all want to be identified as someone cool, and I have

"We all want to be identified as someone cool, and I have struggled with repping where I'm from and my heritage before. It's part of growing pains. But when people see me being proud of what I am - and they are what I am too - it makes them proud. That's why I try to represent my Asian and my black side." These words spoken by Saweetie reveal a deep, universal truth about the search for identity, belonging, and pride. In the struggle to be seen and valued, there is often a conflict between personal expression and the external pressures of fitting in with broader societal expectations. For Saweetie, like many, the path to embracing her heritage—both Asian and Black—has been one of self-discovery and growth, a journey that transforms internal conflict into a source of empowerment and pride.

The ancients were no strangers to the question of identity. In the Greek tradition, the concept of self and honor was central to the way individuals understood their place in the world. Aristotle believed that virtue and pride were essential elements of a flourishing life. He argued that to live well, one must embrace their identity with honor and act in a way that reflects their true self. Yet, the Greeks also understood that pride in one’s heritage could sometimes lead to hubris—excessive pride that blinded individuals to their place within the greater community. This tension between embracing one’s true nature and maintaining humility is something that Saweetie grapples with in her own journey. To be proud of where she’s from, to represent both sides of her heritage, is not an act of arrogance but an act of empowerment and inspiration.

Consider the great story of Hercules, the demi-god hero of Greek mythology, who struggled with his identity as the son of Zeus. While he had the strength of a god, he also faced the humiliation of his human side. His journey was one of reconciling these two halves of himself—his divine and mortal heritage—while seeking to prove his worth. In his Labors, he embraced his identity, both godly and human, showing that true strength lies not in denying parts of oneself, but in accepting and honoring them. Like Hercules, Saweetie’s journey is one of embracing both sides of her heritage—her Asian and Black roots—and using them as sources of strength rather than division.

The story of Queen Cleopatra of Egypt offers another powerful example of embracing one's heritage and identity. Born of Greek and Egyptian descent, Cleopatra famously navigated the complex identities of her lineage with pride and strategic awareness. Her ability to represent both the Greek and Egyptian sides of her heritage played a crucial role in her reign, allowing her to unite her people and command respect from various cultures and kingdoms. Cleopatra’s story teaches us that our identity—no matter how multifaceted—can be a source of power, as long as we embrace it fully and confidently, without allowing societal pressures to diminish our sense of self.

In Saweetie’s case, her struggle with representing her heritage reflects a common theme in the lives of many individuals from mixed backgrounds. Society often demands that one must choose a singular identity, particularly in environments that value uniformity over diversity. Yet, Saweetie’s words speak to the strength found in representation—in boldly claiming both her Asian and Black heritage. By doing so, she inspires others who share similar backgrounds to take pride in their own identities, no matter how complex or multifaceted they may be. As she says, when others see her proudly embracing her heritage, they are encouraged to do the same. In this way, her pride becomes a vehicle for empowerment and solidarity, showing the world that embracing one’s full identity is not a sign of division but a source of collective strength.

The lesson to be drawn from Saweetie’s words is one of self-acceptance and empowerment. Just as the ancients recognized the importance of understanding one’s true self and living in harmony with it, so too must we embrace all aspects of our identity, no matter how complex or challenging. By doing so, we not only empower ourselves but also inspire others to do the same. Pride in one’s heritage—whether it be racial, cultural, or otherwise—is not something to be hidden or apologized for, but something to be celebrated and shared with the world.

In practical terms, this means taking the time to reflect on and honor our heritages—whether through storytelling, art, or simply through daily actions that reflect our values and origins. It also means challenging societal expectations that seek to limit us to one narrow identity. We must be willing to speak up, to share our stories, and to celebrate the richness of our diverse backgrounds. By doing so, we can create a world where individuals are not forced to choose between parts of themselves, but are free to embrace their full identity and shine brightly as they are. Like Saweetie, we must recognize that our heritage is not a burden, but a source of strength that connects us to a larger community and helps us move forward with pride and confidence.