Freedom or belonging?

[Ganbare!]

Is belonging part of a larger ensemble be it ethnic/national/regional more important to you than freedom of particular social expectations? Though the two are not necessarily incompatible depending on your personal situation however they often can be.

Many immigrants motivate their decision to move because of the weight of etiquette, class or other sociolcultural phenomenon. This is true for Japanese with growing unconventional or individualistic mindsets that are frowned upon in most Asian societies. Face also seems to be a big issue.

A foreigner by exiling himself is freed of his country cultural particularisms but it always comes at the cost of being excluded of his group.

[Ganbare!]

I bet some of you who did prolonged stays abroad experienced having more freedom being a foreigner in said countries. Visitors, migrants or expats are less expected to conform, are freed from the weight of caste or pedigree.

Enlighting article about freeters escaping to the States: travel2.nytimes.com/2006/10/15/fashion/15miho.html

[nealtse]

I've never really felt like I "belonged" in any geographic sense. I used to feel that lack, but I've moved so much that it feels like I can internalize that and just be okay with myself wherever I am. It's an interesting thing. And there are definite benefits to having a homebase where you have old roots, but for me, I feel like I can go anywhere because I'm used to new starts.