Stereotypically speaking, I'm now to believe that world does live on what sounds & looks familiar to them. It is very hard to accept that sometimes, especially if you are involved in it. Or your country is.
What one associates with a place and its people are directly related to what has been shown to them. Once an Indian, always an Indian. Its difficult to explain to someone how India is more than Bollywood, snake charmers and the evil act of Sati. Its probably a two way deal , because all I ever knew of Germany was Volkswagen and Adolf. But there is way more beyond it. I knew that and I wasn't surprised. In a way, I was prepared for it.
People are not what you think, or whats been told to you. Its indeed important that as ambassadors of the country, we promote whats more than just stereotypical. Its a way of identification though, and works a lot of times. its a tug of war in my head as I fight to say what we are and who we are.
Shreya your blog is not just about beautiful writing but also about wonderful feelings and it's heartening to see that you have already begun toughening up to suit the new place while also enjoying yourself, that's a really cool news! and regarding this particular post i couldn't help but respond since i found it personally very touching. i can imagine the situation when all you require to be stereotyped is just be physically visible! but the fact that you are actually asking yourself these questions really tells one about your thoughtfulness and sensitivity.
ReplyDeletei am sure your are trying your best at being and also conveying the idea of an Indian that you would like to be known as while also broadening people’s horizons about a foreign nationality and vice-versa. so i say, just keep at it, cheers!