Top 3 favorite ethnic foods
Biryani - mixed rice with curry
Pav bhaji - used to be served to construction workers, its eaten by dipping bread rolls into a thick vegetable curry
Golgappas - chip shell which surrounds a mix of potato, flavored water, tamarind sauce
Food is extremely important, especially for weddings
When did your family move to America?
In 2008
Why did you move to the U.S.?
Well generally based on her experiences, families move here because of opportunities and jobs. Her dad came to the U.S. to pursue his engineering career.
What have people assumed about you based on your heritage?
One of the biggest things people assume about me is that she has parents that are strict and force her into doing things. For example, she wants to be an engineer and people react like her dad is pushing her into that field. This makes her feel discredited for putting iin the effort to become an engineer. People believe she has perfect grades, she says, "I feel boxed in by the fact that people assume that my entire life revolves around academics. While most of my life is academically oriented, I think people overlook the fact that myself (and other Indian people) can also do ‘normal’ things (such as liking people, socializing, and basically living a life other than [academics].” People also assume that Indian people come from poor/uncivilized backgrounds. She once heard someone say that it would have been better if British never left India in the first place.
What are the biggest misconceptions about your culture, how would you correct this misunderstanding?
That Indian people’s lives are dedicated to doing work and being antisocial. Also, that Indian’s are unsanitary. Something that would help correct this misunderstanding is more accurate media representation.
Do you have any spiritual/religious beliefs that affect your daily life?
Everyday she is expected to work hard and respect her elders. She has a true deep connection with her religion and culture. She shows respect by listening to her elders.
Have you ever been treated poorly because of your ethnicity/race/beliefs?
Mainly people treat her stereotypically, because people think she is smart purely on her culture. She is treated like she is gross because she ate with her hands or if she ate curry.
What language do you speak at home?
Hindi
Do you have certain rules that are odd to others?
No beef or pork and not much time for friends
Is there a typical style of dress?
During pujas - prayers - women wear lehengas and adults wear saris and kurtas - these happen twice a month. Niche’s - often includes a metal bracelet men wear - Karas and a copper snake ring
The biggest event is Diwali - a festival of lights.
Have you ever visited your native country, if so did you feel more welcomed?
Yes, usually every other year.
I feel more welcomed because guests in India are treated like gods - it's part of her religion
What is your opinion towards your culture?
She loves it, it is like a recipe to being successful and it includes hard work, respect, and builds amazing character.
How do you think people view your culture?
People don’t view it like many Indians do, a lot of the Indian culture is here, like yoga, chai tea lattes, henna, turmeric milk at starbucks, and much more. But, people don’t make that connection like she does.
What cultures are like your own?
The Asain culture.
Were you/your family affected in any war or deep hatred?
Never
How do you represent your culture?
She wears proper clothing at events and keeps on her snake ring
How does corona affect your culture?
All the holiday events were cancelled, but she has the prayers at home.
Do you have anything to add?
Hindu religion is a culture in a sense because it describes how people should live their lives