INDIANS FROM LENS OF WESTERNERS (FLOP SIDE)

Westerners, who visit India or interact with educated, well-heeled Indians or relatively less educated blue-collar workers in their own country, have FAQs about Indians. Those Indians who have settled in USA or Europe are excluded here! Westerners, who have traveled to different parts of globe, are mature enough not to straight away stamp Indians as wrong; they say- they are different! However, they cannot understand some general traits found with Indians, which are difficult to explain during personal observation. In spite of mentally prepared to face a cultural shock after entering the third world in general and India in particular- few things are beyond their understanding! The flop and flip side are discussed in two separate blogs. Why they cannot get wine in a wine shop? Why in spite of clear written instruction- No separate queue for women, there is a different line of women near ticket counter? Why MAY I HELP YOU counter at public places is without I? Following are FAQs about Indians.

1-      First question that is often raised by them is- Why Indians, when visiting Rome, Paris cannot be a Roman or a Parisian for few days.  In today’s connected world, it is not that an Indian visiting these places has a shock due to lack of knowledge. Enough information is available on net and he is expected to understand the culture backdrop there.

2-      With due respect to vegetarian habits of many of Indians, question asked is- barring few exceptions, why Indians do not experiment with local cuisine which is vegetarian? They are comfortable with chocolates, ice creams, bakery products; but what about other items on the main course. Indians on a short stay of 3/5 days on luxury cruise ask for Indian food only. Many Indians carry with them frozen food packets during their Europe or US tour. However, when given a chance, why do not they experiment with local cuisine?

3-      Why Indians (barring Sikh & Parsee community) in general cannot laugh at themselves.

4-      A strong comment on lack of discipline in a queue. Letter Q is missing in Indian English.

5-      During important business meetings or even in friendly social conversation, if an Indian has not understood a point raised by his western counterpart- either due to pronunciation or due to technical jargon, why he just nods and not ask to clarify.

6-      Westerners always express concern over human safety in India. Be it wearing of helmet, or putting a belt while driving a car, why Indians generally do not follow the simple rules. Why a scooter rider with helmet on removes it after crossing Delhi border?

7-      Indians’ priority to education is respected throughout the world. In fact, Indian Professors today can be found throughout world. What worries them is- poor priority given to sports? The question raised by them is –Why Indians have this or that (education or sports) instead of this + that?

8-      In spite of detailed information available on LED display, announcements, maps available, why Indians need a human interface? Tourists visiting Dubai Mall get a free Map in different languages at all entry gates. Why Indians after picking the map and pocketing it, start asking questions about directions to strangers?

9-      Indians largely depend upon two Gs. One is God and second is Government. The issue raised by westerners is- why Indians bring every now and then Government in discussion. India is a democratic society and Indians only have chosen the government; then how are they different from it?

10-   Are Indians a very busy lot who are always in a hurry? If chaos at a square after traffic signal getting green is any indication, they must be!  This is contradictory to respecting time of appointment.

11-   Barring metros and larger cities, why foreigners in general and white skin tourists in particular are stared as if they are from a different planet?

12-   In a group with different nationalities and languages, why two Indians talk to each other in Hindi and not in English?

13-   On a tour to U S A or Europe, why well-to-do Indians also go for mental calculation of Indian Rupee to Dollar in case of minor purchases ?

14-   Why doors of a car, gate of a lift, receiver of a landline phone are banged harshly.

15-   Indians are a sentimental lot is accepted throughout world. Question raised is- why Indians cannot control emotions while condoling death.

The other ( flip) side shall be discussed in next blog.