A Moment of Cultural Dissonance Sparks The Multicultural Man

Suraj Arshanapally

As I stepped into the grandiose Hindu temple, I was instantly captivated by its beauty. The grand pillars, which were intricately engraved with depictions of Hindu mythology, stood as a testament to centuries of rich cultural heritage. Being raised in the Hindu faith, I was curious to observe the ceremonies to come.

My family and I entered the main hall. The priest directed my father and me to sit in the front while instructing my mother and sister to take seats in the back. I immediately sensed a wave of discomfort flood my body. I questioned the reasoning behind this custom.

Why should they be relegated to the back, unable to see the ceremony clearly? If we must be separated by gender, why not have us seated on opposite sides of the room, equidistant from the front?

Now distracted from the ceremony, I couldn’t help but think about the privileges I received as a man and the cultural dissonance I was feeling.  

At that moment, this particular temple became more than just a place of worship. It became a catalyst for me to delve deeper into the intricate interplay between culture and masculinity.

I navigate the world as an American-born man raised by Indian immigrant parents. During my formative years, I grappled with the complexities of determining what it truly meant to ‘be a man’ within the contexts of both American and Indian cultures. The contrasting ideals and expectations left me confused, which only fueled my intellectual curiosity to learn why.

I would ask myself many questions: How does my multicultural identity mold my masculine identity? Which cultural values are important for me to embody as a man? Which values are important for society to thrive? How do others around me perceive and navigate their own culturally diverse versions of masculinity?

As I explore these questions, I aim to unravel the threads that connect masculinity and culture. I started a Substack newsletter to share personal stories and reflect on the values that I believe are essential to personal and societal well-being.

As a public health advocate, I found healthy masculinity, a form of masculinity that prioritizes the health and well-being of oneself and others, to be crucial. Through conversations and interviews, I began capturing culturally diverse stories of healthy masculinity from men who are making a positive impact on their communities.

Immersed in the process, I have found tremendous joy in connecting with diverse communities and exploring the complex nature of masculinity. As I continue this journey, I hope you will join me along for the ride. Together, we can envision a world where multiculturalism and healthy masculinity are celebrated.