AboutAnil Expertise Indian culture could be a subject for a lifetime, but I can answer general questions regarding the Indian culture. I can answer questions relating to relationships, family, religion, and education in the context of the Indian culture.I have lived in the US for about 10 years and therefore can answer some cross-culture type questions.
Experience I was born and raised in India. I lived in India for about 25 years before I came to the US. I lived in the US for 10 years, but in those ten years, I had closed ties in India, so I am quite familiar with the Indian culture and the mainstream Indian society. I have always been fascinated by culture and diversity, so I can give a critical analysis of some of the cross cultural issues. I have conducted culture related training programs to educate visitors to India.
Expert: Anil Date: 3/23/2008 Subject: Indians view of Americans
Question Hello,
I am doing research to find out what are India's peoples view of Americans? Do they have a stereotype of the average American> where do you think this stereotype comes from?
Thank-you very much for a speedy response.
~Shirley
Answer Hi Shirley,
The people from India living in the US have somewhat different views of Americans than the people of India not living in the US. I am going to presume that you mean people of India who actually live in India.
Yes, I think there are certain stereotypes of the average American. Generally people in India perceive that
- Americans are generally rich. There is no such a thing as a poor American. Poor Americans lead a much better life than most Indians who live in abject poverty.
- Americans don’t have a culture and don't have strong family relationships. American parents disown (let free) their children after they are 18. Americans don't care for their elderly parents and leave them at centers for the elderly care. In my opinion, lot of these impressions are a product of the upper class elite in India who somehow strongly believe that culture and respect/love for elders exists only in India, and that the west has no culture.
- Stereotype of American political leadership is that they are very dominating, have double standards in the foreign policy, not credible, and like war to test their weapons (and boast economy)
- Lot of the stereotypes of Americans is shaped by hollywood, Mtv, Reality Shows, Newspapers, and other mass media. The Stereotype of American political leadership is shaped by the cold-war era, and the role of American leadership in the recent geo-political situations.
I could write more, but I am short of time at the moment. I might add more later.
