Indian Culture
Nov. 15th, 2006 12:26 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
piscesdreamsI have always been interested in other cultures and it is known that India is one of the main ones. India has a history that goes back thousands of years. It is a large country with numerous cultures within among its people and regions. While there is much to admire and celebrate, of course, there are also many atrocities and widespread poverty.
Misogyny and a caste system in Indian society are two injustices that also come to mind. However, I can easily bring to attention innumerable cases involving women who were abused, maimed and/or murdered by "Canadians". Christian belief also teaches that the "man" should be the only head of the household... followed by a woman. However, much of this occurs in much more rural and smaller communities. As India has an immense population and a greater proportion of rural areas, of course there would be more such cases there. And just as in western countries, India's government has attempted to pass and uphold laws to deal with such atrocities but has faced opposition from an ignorant portion of the population.
I would also like to point out that India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and even Pakistan have all had a number of female Prime Ministers/Leaders. In North America, only Canada has had one, Kim Campbell. And she did not even serve for more than half a year.
Yes, there has been a lot of cultural events locally. There are many factors involved. India has been growing economically at a high rate behind China. This enables many Indians to live overseas. As Chinese and Indo-Canadians make up a large part of the population in the Lower Mainland, there will be more visible events related to those cultures. India has about 50 festivals/holidays a year that are celebrated. This would account for the many Indian events. These celebrations are made open to the public and serve to help others learn and further understand Indian culture. Without these events, other cultures would likely view them with suspicion and link all Indo-Canadians with violence and whatever stereotype images they have been limited to.
The other likely reason for an interest for Indian (and Chinese) culture is the fact that the majority of Canadians have been taught and immersed in Canadian and North American history and culture for over ten years. They might be taught about other cultures for about a few months in comparison. It's really no wonder that so many would be so interested in something new and different. I have some friends in parts of the US that do not have any cultural diversity in their society. They have often expressed how they wished they had all these various events and restaurants that are available to those of us who are fortunate to have them.
Personally, I have been discouraged from learning about my Chinese background/heritage when I went to school... either by my peers or the educational system. Near the end of high school, I began to start learning about my own and other cultures. I haven't stopped since. Regretfully, I have lost much of my ability to speak Cantonese and some other dialects my family can speak.
With eastern religions and beliefs, there are some that believe it it the best thing out there. That's not suprising as many followers of any specific religion believe that their's is the best. Religion is a very personal thing that one is drawn to because it feels right for them. And of course, to them... it's the best. The ones who have it right respect this fact and accept others' choices of their belief systems. In my opinion, any religion that teaches compassion and respect for one's surroundings is a good thing.
Misogyny and a caste system in Indian society are two injustices that also come to mind. However, I can easily bring to attention innumerable cases involving women who were abused, maimed and/or murdered by "Canadians". Christian belief also teaches that the "man" should be the only head of the household... followed by a woman. However, much of this occurs in much more rural and smaller communities. As India has an immense population and a greater proportion of rural areas, of course there would be more such cases there. And just as in western countries, India's government has attempted to pass and uphold laws to deal with such atrocities but has faced opposition from an ignorant portion of the population.
I would also like to point out that India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and even Pakistan have all had a number of female Prime Ministers/Leaders. In North America, only Canada has had one, Kim Campbell. And she did not even serve for more than half a year.
Yes, there has been a lot of cultural events locally. There are many factors involved. India has been growing economically at a high rate behind China. This enables many Indians to live overseas. As Chinese and Indo-Canadians make up a large part of the population in the Lower Mainland, there will be more visible events related to those cultures. India has about 50 festivals/holidays a year that are celebrated. This would account for the many Indian events. These celebrations are made open to the public and serve to help others learn and further understand Indian culture. Without these events, other cultures would likely view them with suspicion and link all Indo-Canadians with violence and whatever stereotype images they have been limited to.
The other likely reason for an interest for Indian (and Chinese) culture is the fact that the majority of Canadians have been taught and immersed in Canadian and North American history and culture for over ten years. They might be taught about other cultures for about a few months in comparison. It's really no wonder that so many would be so interested in something new and different. I have some friends in parts of the US that do not have any cultural diversity in their society. They have often expressed how they wished they had all these various events and restaurants that are available to those of us who are fortunate to have them.
Personally, I have been discouraged from learning about my Chinese background/heritage when I went to school... either by my peers or the educational system. Near the end of high school, I began to start learning about my own and other cultures. I haven't stopped since. Regretfully, I have lost much of my ability to speak Cantonese and some other dialects my family can speak.
With eastern religions and beliefs, there are some that believe it it the best thing out there. That's not suprising as many followers of any specific religion believe that their's is the best. Religion is a very personal thing that one is drawn to because it feels right for them. And of course, to them... it's the best. The ones who have it right respect this fact and accept others' choices of their belief systems. In my opinion, any religion that teaches compassion and respect for one's surroundings is a good thing.
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no subject
Date: 2006-11-15 08:42 am (UTC)That's an interesting observation - because I personally have never really perceived you as being Chinese.
It seems now that when people speak of someone being Chinese, Indian, Russian, African, etc. they are almost always refering to first-generation fresh off the boat.
But those people of second- and more so third-generation decendants have become so integrated into general mainstream society that any issue of one's race or ethnic background disappears because were all the same common identity... which if you ask me, is a great thing.
no subject
Date: 2006-11-15 08:56 am (UTC)I'm not so sure about that. I agree with conforming to Canadian laws and adapting to the lifestyle but I know some Asians specifically who have no interest or knowledge in their ethnic background at all. The unfortunate part of that is anyone of a visible ethnic background is never fully integrated in a mainstream society here at the present. Having a connection to that background instills a stronger sense of history and identity. And it could benefit by assisting such an individual relate and understand people from the originating country a lot more.
no subject
Date: 2006-11-15 09:23 am (UTC)That's where I'd disagree with you, as I think that those who are minorities that haven't integrated well are those whose do try to retain first and foremost the ways of the old country.
no subject
Date: 2006-11-15 09:36 am (UTC)However, I believe one can still celebrate, embrace and acknowledge one's background without separating themself from the general society.
In my original statement, I am noting that those of a visible ethnic background will never be fully integrated into the mainstream populace. I am not being fatalistic... it's simply what happens because in certain situations, people are treated differently because of their appearance.
no subject
Date: 2006-11-15 09:59 am (UTC)But those people of second- and more so third-generation decendants have become so integrated into general mainstream society that any issue of one's race or ethnic background disappears because were all the same common identity... which if you ask me, is a great thing.
I agree with Nimrod on this. I think it's better to celebrate our similarities than our differences. Sure, being aware of your ethnic origins is good but it isn't manditory.
The unfortunate part of that is anyone of a visible ethnic background is never fully integrated in a mainstream society here at the present.
I can't say I agree with that statement. It really depends on the person who's "judging". I view Norma the same as I view my Italian-Canadian friend, Nadia. The physical differences are meaningless. They are just two friends of mine. IMO Norma is just as integrated as me or Nadia.
no subject
Date: 2006-11-15 04:32 pm (UTC)It appears that much of our debates about multi-culturalism derives from our perception of what it means. I believe that it is also essential to adopt and integrate into Canadian society. I believe it is important to accept Canadian laws. Many of these cultural events, ethnic specialty services and stores are organised and run by people who are also proud to be Canadians... who take pride in their background and celebrate it.
> It really depends on the person who's "judging". I view Norma the same as I view my Italian-Canadian friend, Nadia. The physical differences are meaningless. They are just two friends of mine. IMO Norma is just as integrated as me or Nadia.
As you have stated, it "depends on the person". Many Canadians of an European backgraound have not had as much as a problem as other visible ethnic groups.
When there have been public reactions to events in other countries... such as wars, violence and terrorism... visible ethnic groups associated with that country have more often viewed with suspicion than with people associated with European countries. The Irish, during the height of IRA activities, and Russians, during the Cold War, have never had to endure what the Japanese, Indian and Middle Eastern populations of Canada had to.
no subject
Date: 2006-11-17 07:26 am (UTC)I think that's because for the most part the Irish and Russians, to use your examples, didn't bring their problems to Canada - or if they did, didn't make their problems our problems as well. However, between Irish and English - yes there was a lot of suspicion but it just wasn't seen outside of the context of Irish and English social interaction. Almost all Russians in North America were hostile to the Soviet Union, so their loyalty by and large was known. We cannot say the same about Arabs and other islamic types. However I personally feel the deportation of the Japanese was justified under the circumstances.
no subject
Date: 2006-11-17 07:40 am (UTC)That would mean the same for the Germans and Italians too then.
I believe a better screening process should be established that can bar many suspicious individuals from gaining entry for our present problems.
no subject
Date: 2006-11-17 09:22 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-11-15 05:16 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-11-15 04:12 pm (UTC)life itself is about diversity...and diversity of humans is also a part of that
I enjoy learning about different cultures and traditions (and yes, they aren't always "magical")...
having so many different kinds of people makes life colourful and not monochrome
on a policitical level, I agree that if you immigrate to a country you should try and adapt to their laws and customs...when in Rome blahblah...however I find most human beings like to relate to "where they came from", family, history...and celebrating what their ancestors have celebrated for eons is understandable...especially when it is enjoyable and positive
I am interested in my background, and when I went to England and go to see some of it...well, I don't know, you just feel connected to your own personal family history
I think you must know what I mean Chris, you have a family tree on your wall...
I do agree with Chris that I don't "judge" race/colour/etc...however, I wouldn't say the majority of the population is like that
no subject
Date: 2006-11-15 04:55 pm (UTC)> I do agree with Chris that I don't "judge" race/colour/etc...however, I wouldn't say the majority of the population is like that
The majority of the public isn't like that but it still exists and is much more likely that those of a visible ethnic minority would experience it more. (For example, I have met/know some women who would never have a relationship an Asian.) Luckily, Canadians are much more accepting and understanding in comparison to our neighbors south of our borders.
no subject
Date: 2006-11-17 07:19 am (UTC)Agreed, to me it's pretty illogical to judge someone by something they cannot change about themselves, like their race, colour - and realistically-speaking, gender as well.
However I will not deny that I do judge and am prejudiced towards things like religions and cultures - these are social aspects which can be changed.
no subject
Date: 2006-11-17 07:24 am (UTC)I think the older people in our society are a little more jaded when it comes to acceptance of different races. It doesn't seem to be as big a deal to the younger generations. In our parents' younger days, an inter-racial marriage stood out like Paris Hilton would at a Mensa meeting. Now there's lots of inter-racial marriages and most people couldn't care less. (Hell, now there's even gay marriages.) I think once the older generations fade away and the upcoming generations take their place, a person's actual physical race won't matter. I hope :)
no subject
Date: 2006-11-17 07:34 am (UTC)Agreed, my parents have never fully adjusted to former colonials as being equals. I know my parents are still pretty terrified and uncomfortable by and large by turbaned East Indians. I think they still regard those who haven't intergrated fully into Western society as being as smelly colonials. The handful of non-whites my parents have known have all been whiter than whites.
When some "Mexicans or Phillipinos, I cannot tell..." moved in next door to them earlier this year, it was a huge crisis for them to deal with.
Now what's interesting is my grandmother (father's side) back during the time of the Second World War, from what I have heard, was quite friendly towards those East Indians and made efforts to help them when in need when most other English wouldn't have social interaction with them or give them the time of day.
no subject
Date: 2006-11-17 07:33 am (UTC)When I was in my early 20s I learned quite a bit of Cantonese from a Chinese-Canadian couple I worked for. I was able to have a basic conversation in Cantonese. I built upon this with a night school course. (I thought it would come in handy as Hong Kong was one of the places I would be visiting in upcoming travels.) Unfortunately, like the French I was also good at, it faded away in time due to lack of use.
But I will never forget one important phrase... Lay fong peh!! bahahahahaaa!!
no subject
Date: 2006-11-17 07:41 am (UTC)Why does that not suprise me?!
no subject
Date: 2006-11-17 08:01 am (UTC)"Ping goh fong peh?!"
"Hi lay! Ho chow!!"
"M'sy ha hay! Hi lay!!"
"M'ho, mo lo!!"
no subject
Date: 2006-11-17 06:41 pm (UTC)"Sai lo" is "little brother".