Exchanging not so Sweet Pleasantries?
Oh, we Indians. Why do we always have to ask about father mother brother and sister every time we are introduced to a person? Why don’t we realize that it is impolite, for these questions are an intrusion into the personal sphere which many would like to keep private? (blog source)
Indian culture is like that. Questions about family relations, educational and vocational status, and even spritual affiliation may barrage a newcomer to India by each person met on the street. How to handle this? These ‘breaking the ice’ questions are society’s formula and it’s habitual. No one means harm by it. But when the answer comes from a foreigner’s mouth, “My parents are divorced.” the face of the asker changes, and tone becomes sympathetic, full of pity.
Some foreigners knowing Indian culture may not reveal their parents are divorced, while others will only tell the truth, but as Ms. Cris and Kshare, sometimes its better if these questions are not asked in the first place, saving the askers the embarrassment and feelings of shame, pity or sadness for the other person.
2 comments
sri
July 18th, 2008, 1:57 am | #
Similarly, it would be good if the foreigners won’t impose their notions of sexuality on us and ask questions like if people of the same sex hold hands in public, whether they are gay, etc. It would also be good if they don’t equate arranged marriage with patriarchy or view things like bindis that women wear, as signs of suppression of women.
Each culture is different dudes. Learn to grow up and be accommodating.
Jennifer
July 19th, 2008, 8:36 am | #
I totally agree with you.
I admit as an American female who lived in India, it took me time to get used to holding hands with girls!
As human nature, I believe - we only know what we know, and therefore when anyone encounters something new- we may be tempted (or it comes without thought) to ask questions about it based on what we are used to, what we know or what we hold to be true- all culturally based!
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