I've been going to India every other year to visit family ever since I can remember. And as I grew older and began to notice my surroundings more and more, I realized how different India was to the U.S. Be it the way people dressed, spoke, or acted in particular situations. The first two are obvious, however the cultural and social traditions of India are extremely different from ours.
For instance, when you go into someone's home in India, it is very normal to take your shoes off at the door. In fact, if you don't it can even be considered rude and disrespectful towards the home you're entering. Another cultural difference is that a lot of times, instead of greeting someone with a handshake, you fold your hands together and say, "Namaste." When invited to someone's home, it is almost impossible leaving without having something to eat. If not an actual meal, one MUST have a cup of tea. Tea seems to be the national drink of India, while coffee is the winner here in the U.S.
Also, while Americans respect their elders, Indians hold their elders at a complete other level. Especially in joint families, whatever the eldest of the family decides is what goes, even if it may not be everyone else's decision. The way girl's are looked at in society is also an aspect to observe in India. While they are legally equal to men and are given all the opportunities men are, they are still treated extremely differently from men. For instance, if the curfew of a son is 12am, the curfew of the daughter will be 9pm. If asked why, "that's just how it's supposed to be."
It is true that India has been developing and modernizing rapidly throughout the years, however where certain aspects are concerned, it continues to sustain it's unique culture.
A former friend of mine was Indian and I do recall all these differences that i also abide to out of respect for her, her family and culture. Although I am not Indian some tendencies like taking off your shoes upon entrance of my home and the love of tea are also important in my home. It may not always be routine because some may bypass it but it's interesting that our cultures share some similarities. By the way Im second generation American-Dominican not to be confused with the Spanish-speaking island Dominican Republic. We are a French speaking Carib Indian island.
ReplyDeleteso, were you born in U.S?
ReplyDeletewow that is so interesting. i don't think i ever taken off my shoes to enter some ones home. I do understand what you mean about not leaving some ones house without have something to eat or drink. I think tea is the most popular drink in the world except for the United States. funny how the United States culture is so different just when it comes to some thing simple as tea.
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