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Ramona Schneider
I stumbled upon this site when I typed "Indian recipes" in Google. Nice site, full of information. I was glad to read crosscultural experiences of people living in this country. Here is my two
cents worth.
Most Indian immigrants keep to themselves, giving us no chance to mix with them. This is true even at work. Often they speak in their own languages, eat their lunch separately. I have gone out of way to ask for
Indian recipes and Masala powders. They are helpful, friendly but do not seek friendship. I understand they feel alienated in a new country where majority follow different religions. However, they have kids growing
in this country who are desperately trying to belong here. The parents need to learn American culture just so that they will not be alienated from their kids. My son's best friend is an Indian kid. He misses eating
home made brownies, opening gifts under the Christmas tree, going to a baseball game with his dad because his parents keep telling him that is not their culture. But it is HIS culture. Please try to understand that
these kids face enormous peer pressure at school to follow American culture.
My grandparents came to the United States from Germany. I know what it means to preserve one's culture. I am proud of my German heritage and Bratwurst is one of my favorites. However, I am an American first, German
next. My parents tried to imbibe German culture into me but I rebelled when I was a child. It is only in my adulthood, I read up on Germany, visited my grandparents' birthplace and began learning German. So, please
do not force your children to follow Indian culture when they are young, unable to resist/ignore the peer's comments. Once they are adults, they will read Indian history, visit Indian historic sites, learn to cook
Indian cuisine and may even decide to work for an outsourcing company! Be patient, and time will tell you that your children are responsible adults. Meanwhile, please adapt to your new country so that you can guide
your children, help them in their confusion and give them strength and help them to be proud of their heritage.
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