Some people after reading this post may swallow my thoughts with a pinch of salt.
I am in a country which can proudly call itself being truly global and secular with the highest acceptance level of hundreds nationalities and several religion.OK lets for once ignore the comments made by the President about middle-class Indians -which has drawn enough criticism for the lousiest comment made by a world leader- and some psychic fanatics whom i chose to ignore too.I am talking about people generally.I have neighbours from Mexico,Puerto Rico,Kenya,Tanzania,Pakistan,Iran,China,Japan,Korea, and probably more whom I haven't yet got introduced.Its amazing how every nationality acknowledge and accept each others presence so graciously even if it is on a non-personal level.But my spirits most of the times really fall low, when I see some of my fellow Indians who somehow are so much in awe of being in the West that they practically start feeling that they are "a little above the other".No I am not saying all are like this but a sizable number of Indians do have this unnecessary "snooty attitude".When I walk into a Walmart I have more non-Indians wishing an extremely enthusiastic Hello than my fellow Indians.In fact there isn't even a single Indian who has ever smiled back to me when I have given them an acknowledging smile- forget about saying hello.And other times, my smile or hello is received and responded with a doubtful smile or look.
I want to ask them at that point if there is something wrong with my smile or you don't like my face maybe!
A few months back I went out for lunch with my class mate whom I met after 12 years.Incidentally her room-mate a fellow Indian turned up in the same restaurant, and we were introduced.Guess what response I got - a shabby and disinterested Hi and a face turned away.I was aghast!If this was the kind of room-mate she has, God save my simple hearted friend.Well later I overheard the "roomie"chattering away with her American friend in a funny accented yankee English which made me laugh.By the way I later got to know that she apparently considers herself an American since she has been in US for about 6 years- post her college, and she finds it degrading to make Indian friends.And she has moulded herself completely into the American lifestyle.Congrats!Another Indian Born Confused whatever....Now there are certain typically Indian womanly traits in her which I should not be discussing which somehow contradicts her American moulding.On the other hand my friend later had a new American room mate who came all the way to see her perform Kathak dance in an Indian Community festival, and sat with us for long to discuss the dance,food and culture of India.
Similarly I was out with lunch with a common friend who is an American and she was too keen to learn the art of wearing a Saree.But to my dismay there was an Indian woman in the group who proudly claimed she didn't know to wear one.
I wonder what is the thought process that goes behind this kind of a psyche?What is it that my friends from India achieve by trying to ignore associations with their roots, specially before their American friends?Its amazing how most nationalities looks up to India- for its traditions,art,culture- and how my dear friends choose to ignore their existence in order to fit in.I do understand people who may have been born and brought up in this country may not be able to associate themselves,but these are people who have strong roots in India, and are completely different people when they are among their families back home.Don't they ever question - "who am I " and "Shouldn't I be respected for what I am - instead of faking to fit in"?Why is that the pressure of fitting in makes them lose their self-identity?Why is it that the other nationalities have succesfully fitted into this country keeping their identities intact?I am probably the nth person to ask these questions.
Will a pleasant smile and a genuine "Hi How are you" cost them their dollars?I have gathered that there are two groups of Indians here.The ones I am talking about, and the ones who are still the same people in spite of being here for ages and citizens of this country.The saddest part is the second category of rooted people often are advised by the first category to change themselves!
Its really sad that a chunk of Indians choose not to define India to be their roots.The irony on the other hand is being from India and following the Indian ways, and culture- is considered pretty cool.Trust me my neighbour and my common friend and lot many people I met- from this country have showed deep interest in Indian recipes,yoga, the art of wearing Saree, festivals and many other things.
Our country today is a global brand, and I feel pity for these people who are yet to update themselves with this fact!
People,open your eyes,soon your condition may be like the Dhobi's....let me not say more.
As it is people don't like my face to even give a grin,and if someone happens to read this- would probably not digest my presence!
God save them, and me!
..till my next post- take care and Jai Hind!
-CHATS
2 comments:
very interesting post...but is'nt it true for some people even in india, they behave like they wish they were not from here. They are ready to run at the drop of a hat to be a part of western world. Their identity & self respect comes from the things like what they wear, where they go to eat, which car they drive, who they go out with, where they work and from who they truely are,how they love & live their lives,how they respect people & world around them...you see they not just two type of Indians they are just two kinds of people...one who needs expensive labels and approvals of others to consider their life worthy and others who are completly in love with the existance and everything which comes with it and they dont need a second opinion from somebody... for them just being part of this life process makes their life worthy.
I agree with you Vyks.I wonder why is it that most people try so hard to fit in with the vogue.But what hit me here most was that the Indians lack the simple courtesy towards fellow Indians.Its not the same with the other nationalities- its sad that our friends from India emulate the West lifestyle within short span of time but the good aspects and nature of the common people here like-courtesy,professionalism,respect for every human being and culture- no matter who they are-are hardly ever adopted by these same people.All I want to say is that -there is nothing wrong in trying to be a Roman while in Rome,but do not forget your essence,roots and your courtesies in that process,and even if not that atleast do not degrade your nation in another nation this way!
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