It’s funny how Indians have a strong feeling towards stereotyping when they themselves have no clue that they are doing “it” to themselves. It’s got nothing to do with racism or prejudice. The world has just become a place where it’s filled with humour. We are not the only race being made fun of, maybe the funniest and easiest targeted but that’s a good thing- we make people laugh! Example of one comedian that has opened up our minds to a whole new different type of humour is the famous Canadian Russell Peters, which I’m sure all of you have heard of. Russell Peters is famous for his critical remarks of mainly Indians and then Chinese/Asians.
Why are Indians angry at these stereotypes? I’m not! I guess it all depends on your background and where we all come from. But isn’t it already bad enough that stereotyping begins at school. Indians are afraid that they are being stereotyped but then again what we are being stereotyped for is true! So why are we getting angry? Wouldn’t the world be better place if we all just laughed at each other’s joke and left it as a joke and not take it more than that? In fact it’s the Indian’s that migrate overseas and became more conservative whereas they are meant to be more modern and the Indians in India are involved in a more modern and popular culture.
Of course our culture has been misunderstood by the world, especially by the exaggeration of Bollywood movies- Rich, Doctors, Extremely huge irrelevant bungalows where only a family of three would be living in. And of course the father would be the strict ambitious father and the mother always on her child’s side. These facts definitely show stereotyping. Although these facts are true, but not necessarily with all Indian families. And the only reason Indians are getting affected by this is because they see the true similarities.
Indian’s are also famous for their heavy and thick accent when English is spoken. On this subject, there also have been comments on the character “Apu” of “The Simpsons”. Indian’s claim that “Apu’ again has been exaggerated and that is not how Indians sound like. However again this is done to make the character look and be more Indian and of course it’s exaggerated. Start laughing at yourselves Indian’s, we really are funny and start taking it as an advantage!
As the Indian’s say it “It’s New Gland” not New Zealand
P.S. watch BollywoodHollywood. It’s a perfect stereotypical Indian movie!
Referencing list:
Hall, S. (2008). ‘Racism’ of Salesgenie Ads Examined. Retrieved May 9, 2008, from
http://www.adrants.com/2008/02/racism-of-salesgenie-ads-examined.php
Peters, R. (2008). Russell Peters Official Website. Retrieved May 9, 2008, from
http://www.russellpeters.com/
True or False? Retrieved May 9, 2008, from
http://library.thinkquest.org/04oct/01058/truefalse.html
Rosser, C, Y. (2208). Stereotypes in Schooling: Negative Pressures in the American Educational System. Retrieved May 9, 2008, from
http://www.infinityfoundation.com/mandala/s_es/s_es_rosse_school.htm
Mitalis. (2008). A Heroic Indian Accent? Retrieved May 9, 2008, from
http://www.mitaliblog.com/2006/10/heroic-indian-accent.html
(2008). Families in India defy stereotypes. Retrieved May 9, 2008, from
http://www.sfu.ca/sfunews/Stories/sfunews040308010.shtml
Paul, R. (2008). To “Apu” or Not to “Apu”. Retrieved may 9, 2008, from
http://accidentalblogger.typepad.com/accidental_blogger/2008/02/to-apu-or-not-t.html
Desi. (2008). The Indian Accent, Apu and racist Depictions of Desis. Retreived May 9, 2008, from
http://desidreaming.wordpress.com/2007/01/19/the-indian-accent-apu-and-racist-depictions-of-desis/
8 comments:
Hi Akash,
It's so refreshing to read your blog, at last someone has a wicked sense of humour about their own race ^_^
Why take ourselves too seriously when these stereotypes are purely harmless jokes? Like Indians, we Asians Chinese are always being stereotyped as "four eyes" (wearing glasses) "buck teeth" and "good at playing ping-pong" (table tennis)book worms but we are not all like that!!! At least, I'm not (hopefully!!!). In my opinion, this image is created for the purpose of making people laugh in movies.
I agree with another point in your blog; people tend to be going backwards in time when they migrate to a new country. Is it because we are terrified to lose our true identity or are we just too reluctant to intergrate to the new culture? This is not only happening among the elderly immigrants but I've come across a few F.O.B.(Fresh Off the Boat) young Chinese immigrants who act like that when they came to NZ. As you've said Indians back home "are involved in a more modern and popluar culture" but it's the complete opposite when they're living overseas!!!
Albert ^_^
Haha thanks Albert!
It's good to know you understand what i was trying to say or imply. Yeah, I've noticed that alot, when they migrate to other countries, they become more strict about thier culture. It's good in a way. But sometimes they tend to rub in your face and make you like your not proper indian or asian that follows your culture. I just hate it when they do that when they themselves dont know thier own culture
HI AKASH!
It’s nice to hear that you do not take stereotyping against Indians seriously, and yeah it would be nice to have some sense of humour in the world – if not this world would be dull! Why take it to the heart when we’ll all look back and start laughing about it as well? I can understand your point of view. I’ve been there myself, because it’s not only Asians, both Indians and Chinese that are being stereotyped! Yep, P.I’s do as well!
Anyways your blog was awesome to read. As soon as I saw the “Bollywood Hollywood” picture up, I just had to read it, well that’s what captured my attention and maybe because I love BOLLYWOOD!
I like that fact that you applied it to yourself. I could tell that you understood every point you made because of your past experiences and that’s what made your points stand out and because of that, that’s what made your blog both touching and humorous!
GOOD JOB GIRLY! :-D
Hey Annie!
THANKS alot, really appreciate it. Glad to know you enjoyed my blog! I'm really glad my points got out as well, i was worried maybe no one would understand but apparently everyone does :D
Thats awesome!
Hey Akash
I agree with point that you made about the world being filled with humour these days, I mean with everything that's going on (wars, GLOBAL WARMING!!!murders etc) we need some humour otherwise we would probably be depressed!
Being stereotyped isn't such a bad thing, it only becomes a bad thing when you realise that the stereotyping is actually in fact true. How many corner stores in New Zealand are owned by Indians/Asians? How many black people know how to hot wire a car or steal? I guess it all comes back to culture.
Hey Akash,
I loved reading your blog, like Alby said it was a very refreshing read and that you dont take the steoreotyping too seriously. In all honesty Ive seen comedians especially Russel Peters on television do the exact same thing that you have said in your blog. For instance "Laughing with the Samoans" is a based on all stereotypical behaviours, attitudes and speaking patterns of a Samoan!!
I like your well constructed arguement. Good work mate :)
Again I laugh at all the jokes made by the comedians about Samoans and Russell Peters jokes too. Im glad you do too!!
Hey Bessie and Jo,
Yup, we should laugh and make the world a happier place, haha.
And yes, I too love Russell Peters. He's straight to the point and of course he's actually funny!
Thanks guys!!:)
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