Send us Fan MailWhat happens when a first generation is told “you’re not Jamaican” in one but never fully seen as American either? In this episode, I explore Lens 6 of the Caribbean Diaspora Experience Model (CDEM): "You're Not Either Or, You're Both And".  Through stories from podcast guests, family experiences, and  observations over more than a decade of podcasting, I unpack the emotional complexity of Caribbean identity in the diaspora for first generation Caribbean Americans. This conversation explores what it means to navigate layered identities when your heritage, upbringing, geography, and community experiences don’t always align neatly. From being called a “Yankee” by family members to reconnecting with culture later in adulthood, this episode validates the experiences of people who have spent years trying to prove they are “Caribbean enough.”The episode also explores:Why some immigrant parents distanced their children from cultureThe role of fear, assimilation, and survival in shaping identityWhy accents and language don’t determine belongingThe emotional impact of cultural gatekeepingHow Caribbean identity evolves across generationsAt the heart of this episode is a reminder: you do not have to choose between identities. You can be Caribbean and American. Jamaican and Canadian. Guyanese and Brooklyn-born. Identity is layered, lived, and evolving.Resources MentionedCaribbean Diaspora Experience Model (CDEM)Previous Lens Episodes:Lens 1: Where You Start Shapes the JourneyLens 2: Where You Live + What You Seek = How You Connect Lens 3: Cultural Anchors Keep Us RootedLens 4: Your Identity Will ShiftLens 5: Culture Influences How We Show Up At WorkSubscribe to the NewsletterSupport How to Support Carry On FriendsDonate: If you believe in our mission and want to help amplify Caribbean voices, consider making a donation. Get Merch: Support Carry On Friends by purchasing merchandise from our store. Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube A Breadfruit Media Production