Identity?

I had this conversation with a few of my friends recently. They were surprised by the fact that I still use bindi and mangal sutra, even after beginning to work in a multi national environment on a 9-5 job. I don't know if they were trying to imply I am a conservative or so tight on my "old" practices etc. Though I need not have explained why i do all that, I did on the peripheral level. I do not know what everyone believes in and I do not plan to change any body's practice.

But as person, as an Indian from Tamilnadu, I have some beliefs and practices that has given me the identity. I value that identity and I am at Peace with who I am. I do not feel the need to change myself and my faith to live in America and respect this country. Do the women from middle east remove their head scarf just to mingle in "society"? We do not question them. It's totally agant personal law. And I respect them for not loosing their identity and still valuing this diverse nation.

I do not feel the need to stop using bindi or mangal sutra, to feel one among the citizens of America. The feeling does not come from external modifications. It comes from within. I care for my community, I take care of my surroundings, I do not litter, do not waste electricity or water, donate for good causes, I volunteer for my school, I do what I can for the society I live in. I think that makes me more of an American than not using Bindi or taking off my mangal Sutra.

Anybody with me?