In the book "Middlesex" by Jeffrey Eugenides, the author reflects on how immigration has changed the way we perceive nationality. In the past, one could often identify a person's nationality simply by their physical appearance, particularly their facial features. This ability to recognize nationality was significantly disrupted by the influx of diverse immigrants.

As globalization progressed, the markers of nationality became even more elusive. Eugenides points out that even something as simple as shoes, which could once hint at a person's cultural background, have lost their significance due to the homogenization brought about by global market trends. This evolution illustrates the profound impact of immigration and globalization on identity and cultural perception.