Denying we Are Indianz/other…?

anisha1129 thumbnail
19th Anniversary Thumbnail Voyager Thumbnail Engager Level 1 Thumbnail
Posted: 19 years ago
#1

Do u think itz appropriate if someone denys that they're an indian

,,,I personally feel thatz wrong,,nd that in a foreign society we deny our religion/culture just to adapt with the society,,,

What r ure opinions?

😊

Created

Last reply

Replies

3

Views

439

Users

4

Frequent Posters

usachick821 thumbnail
20th Anniversary Thumbnail Navigator Thumbnail
Posted: 19 years ago
#2

yes i do agree that we indians are particulary racists. I've had incidents where my own parents called a few african americans "kalu" and what not. Then when i questioned them about it they justified it with saying that they do it to us then why cant we do it with them. Its funny how our parents preach that two wrongs dont make a right yet do it anyway, it really disgusts me. Even i admit that growing up i have looked down to people who were darker than me, but it was all subconciously as i tend to be a very politically correct person at most times. When i was around six years old i refused to drink milk from our dark maid because i thought she was gross, (because of her skin color) and at that young age i didnt understand that i was being racist.

My mother and father often requests seats next to an indian or even a white person because they dont trust african americans, and usually stereotype them as people who steal (now this can come from us owning a few gas stations and motels)

Even some of my indian friends who have non indian friends have stereotyped certain groups, without even knowing that they have done so.

I think its our culture and our circumstances that lead us to be subconciously racist, and ofcourse this goes to our kids as well.

Edited by usachick821 - 19 years ago
Aparna_BD thumbnail
19th Anniversary Thumbnail Dazzler Thumbnail + 4
Posted: 19 years ago
#3

Originally posted by: usachick821

yes i do agree that we indians are particulary racists. I've had incidents where my own parents called a few african americans "kalu" and what not. Then when i questioned them about it they justified it with saying that they do it to us then why cant we do it with them. Its funny how our parents preach that two wrongs dont make a right yet do it anyway, it really disgusts me. Even i admit that growing up i have looked down to people who were darker than me, but it was all subconciously as i tend to be a very politically correct person at most times. When i was around six years old i refused to drink milk from our dark maid because i thought she was gross, (because of her skin color) and at that young age i didnt understand that i was being racist.

My mother and father often requests seats next to an indian or even a white person because they dont trust african americans, and usually stereotype them as people who steal (now this can come from us owning a few gas stations and motels)

Even some of my indian friends who have non indian friends have stereotyped certain groups, without even knowing that they have done so.

I think its our culture and our circumstances that lead us to be subconciously racist, and ofcourse this goes to our kids as well.



I think you posted this in the wrong section😆. It happens to me occasionaly and then i edit it. You may need to do the same.😳
Sand thumbnail
21st Anniversary Thumbnail Explorer Thumbnail
Posted: 19 years ago
#4
I don't agree with denying your cultural identity and nationality but I think It's a personal choice and some people probably have reasons why they opt to do it.

I like diversity especially in people. I love getting to know people's backgrounds, traditions, beliefs, etc. But not everyone welcomes a change into their life -- probably one of the reasons why Immigrants come under attack often and some "true" Americans (only very few, most are sooo nice and very accepting) feel threatened by other races assimilating into theirs. Especially after the advent of 9/11, some Indians are incorrectly perceived as "terrorists." No wonder, some would rather deny their nationality if such a grave danger is lurking in their heads.

But, Assimilation is actually not bad. It adds a new depth to your personality and a new way to perceive things. But I don't believe assimilation should go to the point that you forget your own heritage. After all, what's so wrong and shameful about being an Indian? Is it because we have extreme poverty in our nation (who doesn't?)? Is it because we look and sound a certain way (again who doesn't?) Is it because we are stereotyped a certain way (need I say, who isn't?) True, it does get tiring sometimes when people already have pre-conceived notions about you from the moment you step through the door. But that's their problem, not yours, and you don't need to let others define the terms of your life 😊.

I for one am truly proud to come from such a rich culture with people who have transformed the world, i.e. Gandhi, Deepak Chopra, Tagore, Mother Teresa. Just the other day I went to Univ and was speaking to one of the American teachers when out of nowhere she asks me, "Where are you from originally?" Taken back a bit, I just smiled a little and said "India." The teacher got this huge smile on her face and said "Thank you so much for coming, you know, Indian women are just so smart" 😳 Ofcourse I blushed and got a silly grin on my face, needless to say, making a total fool of myself 😆 😆

But my point is, we are all different. Some people feel more comfortable associating themselves with their ancestral nationality while others prefer to be defined by who they are now. What I mean is, if you were born and raised in US or any other foreign country and you feel a greater bond to that country then I don't see anything wrong if you'd rather be classified with their nationality. But if you came from India, but are ashamed of it and instead are faking an American identity and denying your background, then all I can say is -- that's very sad.

Okay, enough of my essay. 😆 😆

Edited by Sand - 19 years ago

Related Topics

Top

Stay Connected with IndiaForums!

Be the first to know about the latest news, updates, and exclusive content.

Add to Home Screen!

Install this web app on your iPhone for the best experience. It's easy, just tap and then "Add to Home Screen".