My CUltural Characteristics
My roots originate in India because my parents, grandparents, and ancestors are all from India. My parents and grandparents were born in Punjab and they follow the religion of Sikhism. I would describe myself as my race being Asian, my ethnicity being Indian, my gender as a woman, my religion as Sikhism, and my nationality as an American.
Sikhism is a religion that was founded in 1469 by Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Punjab. The main message of Sikhism focuses on providing selfless service, living a true and honest life, mediating on Gods name, and treating everyone equally and with respect. Sikhism has guided me a lot through tough times and has taught me many great lessons. I would describe my heritage as being truthful and helping and treating everyone with equality and same respect no matter their race, gender, caste, etc.
Indian cultural stereotypes
There are many stereotypes about Indians that have been generalized and many people tend to believe. One stereotype is that all Indians are smart and want to become doctors, engineers, or work in IT. This can be characterized as a negative stereotype because not all Indians want to go into the computer or STEM fields. Many Indians get pressured into working in these fields because the overall idea is that every Indian should have a job in these fields. The next stereotype is that Indians do not use deodorant or they smell like curry. This is characterized as a big misconception and many people tend to see this statement as true. This statement is known by everyone and can be taken as a joke at times but it is negatively characterized overall because all Indians do use deodorant and do not smell like curry. The final stereotype is that all Indians use natural remedies to cure their illnesses or diseases. This statement can be characterized as being very broad because everyone has natural remedies they go by when they are sick. Many people think that Indians only use natural remedies because most of India does but that is not true for everyone.
Advantages and disadvantages of Indian cultural sterotypes
Advantages
- Advantages of the stereotypes made about Indians pushes me to work harder in my professional life. Since it is characterized that many Indians are smart and get specialized jobs, this pushes me to work to my full potential to get a job I will honor and enjoy. It is also characterized that many Indians use natural remedies to heal their sickness or disease. This allows me to be healthier and choose options that are more friendly to my body instead of seeking medications as a first source for pain.
Disadvantages
- Trying to work hard everyday and fulfill the idea of every Indian being smart can be very exhausting and draining. This is true for everyone because no one can give their 100% everyday. This leads me to think I am not good enough for some classes or tasks in my personal and professional life and causes me to overthink and burn myself out. This has taken a toll on my mental health as I see other Indians are doing well and I can not live up to the high expectations put in place for me. The fear of smelling like spices or curry has had a negative impact on my personal and professional life because it makes me self conscious of the way I present myself in a professional and everyday setting.
STerotypes: Truthful or Hurtful?
I would say many of the stereotypes are hurtful towards Indians. Smelling like curry is the biggest one that is misunderstood and it is the one that many people tend to believe. This is hurtful because it is a big statement that is implied to all Indians even though some can not help smelling like curry. The smell from the food tends to stick to their clothes and instead of pointing it out to them, people make fun of them for it which can be hurtful in the long run. This can have on toll on the way other portray themselves outside of the home and affect their professional life.
Indians working in the medical, IT, and engineering fields is true because there are the fields that are most interesting for many of them. It can be characterized that all Indians want to work in these fields. Many Indians have passion in art, sculpting, business, etc fields which can get often overlooked. Indians using natural healing remedies is one that is true because much of the natural remedies, such as yoga, did originate in India. To say that all Indians follow natural remedies is broad because many do not use it to cure their illness or diseases.
CULTURE VS STEREOTYPES
Although there are many stereotypes said about Indians I feel like the values my culture and religion have taught me help me handle negative stereotypes in a positive way. It can be hurtful when someone makes a statement about you off of what they believe, but the important part is to look at the bigger picture and treat with them respect. Spreading kindness and politely addressing issues is one thing my religion has taught me and I have applied it to many cases.
Credits:
Created with images by Alexandra Scotcher - "bright white snow abstract texture background and shadow" • Alexandra - "Senior sikh man reading holy book with golden temple in background" • Anna Polishchuk - "map" • WONG SZE FEI - "Indian doctors." • Jon Anders Wiken - "kindness changes everything text on wooden signpost outdoors in landscape scenery during blue hour. Sunset light, lake and snow capped mountains in the back."