Exploring Intersectional Identity: Generational Reflections on Race, Culture and Belonging in Charlotte Gill’s Almost Brown: A Memoir

Abstract

This paper scrutinizes Charlotte Gill’s Almost Brown: A Memoirand delves into bigger conspiracies of intersectional identity focusing on strong collaboration between race, culture and the differentiation of first-generation and young generation in attitudes towards race and culture. Following the in-depth reading of the autobiographical work Almost Brown: A Memoir by Charlotte Gill,this study examines how these intersections play the influential role that provoked the character’s sense of belonging and cultural navigation. Based on Charlotte’s story, the exploration of identity is numerous. Observations into how people negotiate their sense of identity in a cultural environment where identity is fluid, broad and impacted by the interaction of race, culture, and generational views are provided by Gill’s work, which urges readers to contemplate the ambiguities of belonging. This paper indicates the various difficulties faced by each generation faces in blending their cultural inheritance with the culture in which they live. It sharply investigates how the younger generation’s attitudes differ from their parent generation in race and culture.By adding critical race theory, intersectionality theory and generational studies, this paper analyzes the changing angle regarding race and culture. Additionally, this paper explains how these developing attitudes create a sense of belonging and cultural navigation in the characters. It examines the family’s inner difficulties, conflicts, and discussions as generational attitudes on personal changes. The study emphasised the significance of literary narration in evaluating current identity and belonging issues, demonstrating the complex manner in which differences between generations influence identity formation. This research promotes the awareness of how multicultural interaction identities and intergenerational views influence people’s individual experiences in different cultures by showing the differences within the context of Almost Brown: A Memoir.