A Cuban American writer on her identity

Both Cuban and American, Achy Obejas says she still has a firm sense of identity.

And countries, as well as people, need to reconcile contradicting images of themselves, she says.

The writer spoke yesterday afternoon at the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center in the Carriage House about identity and its implications in society.

Obejas told an audience of about 40 people that identity was her personal obsession, and that people, particularly college students, need to learn about their own identity and its affect on their perception of the world.

"In the midst of a war that is killing thousands, identity may seem a superficial topic," Obejas said, referring to the war in Iraq. But, she added, the "way we see our ourselves is essential" to understanding how political issues unfold.

Americans' perception of their own identity lies in stark contrast to the identity reflected back by other nations, she said.

Other nations "look at us with envy and fear, anger and admiration," Obejas said.

Cuban Americans, she said, are many things, but they cannot pick and choose whether to identify as Cubans or Americans.

"The fact is, we're Americans," Obejas said. "We're not Americans too."

Many people instinctively use their minority status in order not to be blamed for mainstream American politics, she added.

But there are many Cuban Americans serving in Iraq today, not only because they want a salary and health care but because they identify strongly with America, Obejas said.

"Some of us are [in Iraq] proudly wearing our green fatigues and our stars and stripes."

Obejas said it is important for college students to study history in order to see why Americans identify themselves so differently from the way that other nations perceive them.

"The most important thing to do now is to ask questions, especially questions that make us all uncomfortable."

College freshman Yaritza Hernandez said Obejas gave a very good presentation about an important topic.

"Identity is important because you need to feel like you're not alone, and you need to feel proud of something that makes you stand out," Hernandez said. "I'm Puerto Rican, I'm Dominican, and I'm also an American. And that's not going to change."

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.