Summary and Response of Third Culture Kids（Third draft）

陳樂融 Laura Chen

哲學三 04113051

Professor Chen

2018／05／02

Summary and Response of Third Culture Kids（First draft）
     In Bilal Ahmed’s article, “Third Culture Kids,” he quoted sociologist David C. Pollock’s definition of Third Culture Kid that is “A person who has spent a significant part of his or her developmental years outside the parents’ culture. The TCK frequently builds relationships to all of the cultures, while not having full ownership in any. Although elements from each culture may be assimilated into the TCK’s life experience, the sense of belonging is in relationship to others of similar background.”

     The author Bilal Ahmed is personally a Third Culture Kid. He shared his own experience of being a Third Culture Kid. He has lived and grew up in many different countries. The author points out the most significant difference between TCK and other non-TCKs with cross-cultural experiences. TCKs are mostly from the middle class and they often play an important role in the society. 

     Bilal Ahmed indicates that Third Culture Kids are very suitable for this ever-changing world because of their flexibility and worldliness. Third culture Kids constantly move with their parents to various places, hence they can easily and quickly adjust to whatever culture they are in. They don’t need to worry about relocating and getting culture shocks. According to the author, this is one of the advantages of being a TCK.

     The author claims that although being a TCK do not have any financial problems, the trick part of moving around is having trouble connecting with their family. A strong family structure is crucial for TCKs. Being a TCK can be hard if you don’t embrace your special identity and it can lead to a bad result.

  To sum up, Bilal Ahmed thinks TCKs have their great characteristics for this constantly changing society but if they don’t make a good use of it and accept the uniqueness of being a TCK, it can also end up very badly.

     In my opinion, the author emphazises that the advantage of being a TCK is growing up in a middle class family and being wealthy. His views are all linked to their strong financial resources. As far as I can tell, you can be an ideal citizen in this risky international economy but not be a TCK. Take my friend for example, Henry is not a Third Culture Kid but his parents raised him up with care and taught him to see things with a global view. He is from Taiwan but he is now working for an international company, which locates in the United States. He is doing very well and not having any major problem with his new life living in America. Therefore, I don’t think the point that the author points out is strong enough to convince me.

     Also, the definition that the author quotes from the sociologist David C. Pollock is not matching the author’s definition of TCKs. In David C. Pollock’s definition, he does not say anything about financial state and social class. But Bilal Ahmed adds his own thoughts and confuses it with the definition of TCK. I personally think it is key not to mix our opinions with the original idea.