The topic of Identity is becoming more and more complex for young people born and raised in the west. One explanation put forward is that the young Diaspora wherever they come from become more integrated into host countries and gradually lose connection with their countries of origin. Unlike their parents who have direct emotional connections back home, young people find that their emotional demands are within easy reach, from within their immediate environment.

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In the UK, more black people are identifying with the terms ‘black’ and ‘Afro-Caribbean’ ahead of ‘African’. Those who call themselves ‘Africans’ (not just via the ethnic minority sections of various university and job application forms) as an affirmative portrait of one’s identity highlights a recognised affirmation of connection to the continent. So the terms ‘Black is Beautiful’ and ‘Black and Proud’ (which dominate some of the discussions within some of the Afro-Caribbean barber shops and hairdressers) means one thing; but to be ‘African’ and proud can mean another. The question of Culture and Identity remains both a blessing and burden with regards to the question of ‘Where is home?’ for many young people of African origin living within the UK. Whilst travelling between London and Brussels, I have met more and more young blacks insisting to me that though they are Black and their parents are of African origin; they don’t feel inclined to help Africa since the host country is now their home. ‘Home is where you lay your head’ according to some brethren; a statement I personally do not fully disagree with. As a result; ‘Africa’ is compartmentalised into the box of ‘Where I am from’ and not necessarily ‘Where I belong’ or ‘Where I am going’.

**yawn**