The Disconnected American Kid

April honors military brats, the kids of those who serve in the armed forces. A distinct lifestyle, in fact, classified a subculture, the life of the military brat is unique, with both bad and good qualities that shape kids in both good and bad ways.

Researching this topic, I found so much more information than I had expected, starting with the origins of the term "military brat" and leading on to a related term, "third culture kid". I decided to look at what these two types of subcultures have in common.

Brat or TCK?
First, let's talk about the military brat. It's a common misconception that this term was one given by outsiders to the children of those serving in the armed forces and that it has negative connotations. The truth is that the term is one the brats chose for themselves and they hold it dear.

The TCK, or third culture kid, is a child who lives in a different culture from the one of their parents or the one of the country listed on their passport. These would include kids of American businessmen, expatriates, missionaries, and diplomats.

There are key differences between the two. While many military brats live in the US (they may or may not move a lot within them), by definition, TCKs do not. Military brats also have an extra layer of subculturism -- military life, wherever on the planet, is a subculture of its own, with issues on top of what we are talking about today. Those can be saved for later posts.

Chameleons
Now let's talk about one of the positive aspects about being a brat or TCK that I latched onto and got me thinking.  It seems to be tied to the ability to adjust to new environments and ways of thinking. They have the ability to blend in. These kids more easily adapt to new situations and are more open minded about and accepting of cultural differences.

In part, I believe this is a survival tactic.  They are the new kids from another country or state, they want to fit in and do it quickly. Also, they meet people they respect and if those people hold certain opinions, the brat/TCK figures there's merit to them and they are worth consideration.

Ironically, this strength leads in a way to a common weakness -- the lack of their own cultural identity. Some of these kids have never lived in the US. They haven't attended an average American school. They don't live everyday with the people of the country of which they are citizens.

Using social media to build community
I am wondering, and I will be researching it, if there are ways to use the Internet to address some of this lack of cultural connectedness.

Specifically, I'm wondering if there are social networking sites that are targeted directly at these subcultures, that help them keep friendships they make in the different places they live, where they can share strategies to cope with their unique situations, etc.

If you have experiences and ideas to share, please do. Be respectful.

I will wrap this up for now. I'm learning much about military life as I work with Circe Olson Woessner, Founder and Executive Director of the Museum of the American Military Family & Learning Center in Tijeras. Look for the next post in May.

You can see a military brat display at the museum this month if you are out in the east mountains and have a little time to learn something new or you want to honor the military life. Maybe soak up some of the local atmosphere at Molly's next door.  Then head up the road and buy a few goodies at a thrift store, one that supports a good cause, as many do. Go you!