I do not think it will be hyperbole to say that I am feeling at home in my host country right where I am typing this paper. Right now I am drinking an iced coffee — the temps here have been steadily over 100 degrees fahrenheit — at a Starbucks. There are very few places in India which truly offer free WIFi, Starbucks is one of them. In so many places around Bangalore I feel at least a little bit out of my comfort zone, being in innately American institutions like Starbucks is a very comfortable place to be. I feel like it is kind of my hood where I understand all of the formalities necessary to be in a Starbucks.
In terms of interpersonal relationships India’s middle class lies firmly at the crossroads between the individual and the communal. At home most people interact in a very communal fashion as tradition dictates, however in public and work settings people a the opposite. In such settings the environment is very much the standard fend for yourself attitude that you see in America.
India’s youth and older generations differ greatly on opinions of sexuality. In terms of sexuality, much of the younger generations of youth living in cities share similar perceptions of sexuality as would the average liberal American would. Older generations, however retain the traditional values that does not mesh well with homosexuality. One thing that is rather fascinating about India is the Indian perception of the Third Gender — or transgenderism as we would call it in the States. Third Gender Individuals are considered to be very close to god and therefore able to bless people. Often people hire Third Gender to appear at and bless wedding ceremonies. Sadly, though, the Third Gender is still a persecuted community in India and most cannot find housing or jobs. Therefore many are forced to beg on the streets for money. In Bangalore, and throughout India, it is not uncommon to see Third Genders either bless or curse people depending on whether you give them money or not.
Race does not play a big role in social interactions, what does determine status is caste, ethnicity, the language you speak, and religion. In that way status cannot be earned or lost, it is something you have which stays with you from birth.
It's interesting to hear that you feel at home at Starbucks, because I am also currently sitting in a Starbucks in Buenos Aires, Argentina while reading your blog post. It seems that we all find similar places to feel like home. Do you find that there is a big difference between genders in India? Are men and women treated equally? It is also very interesting that status is not something that can be earned or lost. Do you believe in this idea? In my opinion, in the United States one can definitely earn status. Do you think that this has to do with what attributes we find more important (ie. money)?
ReplyDeleteI connected with your post at the mention of Starbucks because I also flocked to them while in France if I found one. I felt more "at home" there than at any other little coffee shop here. I was also interested in the Third Gender that you mentioned is a part of Indian culture. It actually prompted me to look it up on Google and read a bit more about it.
ReplyDeleteThat's funny that all of you have found Starbucks in your host destination. I have yet to see a Starbucks or many familiar American restaurants/stores/shops. But I also see the generational difference in Australia on views such as sexuality. However, I had never heard of this Third Gender and find the concept very interesting. I am grateful that in America we can earn our status in each new generation.
ReplyDelete