I realized a cultural trait about fellow Indians during my last trip to India. In my view, (many) Indians cannot deal well with 'different' opinions and perspectives to things. They always seek agreement and in the process there is often a lot of conflict. Each person seeks reassurance that their opinion is the right one and in some situations, people can get rather offended when there is a lack of such reassurance.
I bumped into a neighbor of mine. On learning that V and I live in Germany, he broached the topic of the European economic situation and had a rather negative view of Germany's situation. We tried to tell him that Germany was the strongest economy, putting a lot of effort into the whole issue. However, he continued to push his view. Information from two people who live in Germany, who follow the economic situation and are far more updated about this than him were no reasons to even give our information some thought. Getting into a fact based discussion did not seem worth it. To cut the conversation short, V and I started nodding our heads in agreement and we saw a smile on his face. Reassured!
On another occasion, a family friend was extremely skeptical of the services available in UK for someone like himself who has had a knee surgery and had trouble walking. He was full of contempt of the western 'DIY' ways of living. This coming from someone who lives in India where 'accessibility' is a real problem, I tried to tell him, these scenarios are quite well taken care of in countries like UK. Airlines offer help, many public buildings have wheelchair access etc. I could tell my words were falling to deaf ears.
In such occasions, people in India are often quick to question my nationalistic loyalties if I happen to say something good about the world outside of India :D (I feel sorry for such people)
Holding a different opinion or perspective is perceived as being disrespectful. Within family contexts, it is often hard for family members to fathom a scenario where there are differing opinions since the method of upbringing is supposed to ensure compliance and uniformity.
For me as an Indian, this cultural trait is very difficult to deal with because I see it as an oxymoronic situation - India as a country epitomizes diversity and secularism. One of the essential elements for diversity to survive is, an appreciation/acceptance/tolerance to differences.
Subconsciously, I may have traces of this Indian trait in me as well, however, having lived in different countries, interacting with people from different countries and different states within India, at a conscious level, I believe I am able to handle differences and most importantly, I do not expect everyone to agree to my views, I can respect a different opinion. I'm glad I can.
I bumped into a neighbor of mine. On learning that V and I live in Germany, he broached the topic of the European economic situation and had a rather negative view of Germany's situation. We tried to tell him that Germany was the strongest economy, putting a lot of effort into the whole issue. However, he continued to push his view. Information from two people who live in Germany, who follow the economic situation and are far more updated about this than him were no reasons to even give our information some thought. Getting into a fact based discussion did not seem worth it. To cut the conversation short, V and I started nodding our heads in agreement and we saw a smile on his face. Reassured!
On another occasion, a family friend was extremely skeptical of the services available in UK for someone like himself who has had a knee surgery and had trouble walking. He was full of contempt of the western 'DIY' ways of living. This coming from someone who lives in India where 'accessibility' is a real problem, I tried to tell him, these scenarios are quite well taken care of in countries like UK. Airlines offer help, many public buildings have wheelchair access etc. I could tell my words were falling to deaf ears.
In such occasions, people in India are often quick to question my nationalistic loyalties if I happen to say something good about the world outside of India :D (I feel sorry for such people)
Holding a different opinion or perspective is perceived as being disrespectful. Within family contexts, it is often hard for family members to fathom a scenario where there are differing opinions since the method of upbringing is supposed to ensure compliance and uniformity.
For me as an Indian, this cultural trait is very difficult to deal with because I see it as an oxymoronic situation - India as a country epitomizes diversity and secularism. One of the essential elements for diversity to survive is, an appreciation/acceptance/tolerance to differences.
Subconsciously, I may have traces of this Indian trait in me as well, however, having lived in different countries, interacting with people from different countries and different states within India, at a conscious level, I believe I am able to handle differences and most importantly, I do not expect everyone to agree to my views, I can respect a different opinion. I'm glad I can.
