How to Interact With Your Bengali-American Friends.
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

How to Interact With Your Bengali-American Friends.

Don't assume anything just because we look different. We're more American than you think we are.

676
How to Interact With Your Bengali-American Friends.

Growing up in a diverse place like NYC as a Bengali-American isn't difficult because you can surround yourself with other people that are exactly like you. Sometimes I didn't even notice certain key things about American culture because I was so wrapped up in the culture being enforced at home for me. Stepping out of my home and being in school, I started noticing that my culture is different from just Bengali people and just American people, so I started identifying as Bengali-American. When my American friends would ask me about my culture, I would hesitate to answer because I wasn't entirely sure what being Bengali-American meant to me so how could I possibly explain it to someone else? Years of not being able to explain my culture has led me to be the butt of everyone's "Indian Jokes" and a whole lot of ignorance. Now that I'm confident in who I am, here's a few lessons on how to interact with me and other Bengali- Americans.

1. Just because I'm Bengali doesn't mean I know everything about Bangladesh or India.

I might know a significant amount about the culture in Bangladesh, but I've never even been there. Some of my Bengali-American friends may have visited Bangladesh once or twice but how can you expect anyone to know everything about their culture? Don't expect me to know every single detail about it. The only culture that I probably know very well is the culture in Queens, New York because that's where I was born and raised!

2. Imitating an Indian Accent isn't funny if you're not Indian.

Here's a little secret: we actually hate it when people imitate our accent. Indian accent jokes done by another southeast asian man is funny because it's relatable but if you're just laughing at the accent, it's kind of racist.

3. No, I don't speak Indian.

This is probably one of the most frustrating questions I've ever been asked. Were you referring to Hindi??? Indian isn't a language. Actually, I'm Bangladeshi and part Indian. I speak and understand Bengali. Yes, I understand Hindi thanks to the years of Indian Soap Operas and Bollywood movies I've watched.

4. DON'T Namaste at me, I'm not Hindu.

I appreciate your interest in my culture, I really do, but treat me like an American. Just ask me what my religion is and I'll tell you that I'm Muslim and how we greet each other. Most of the time, I greet people by saying "hello" because, ya know, I'm American.

5. Don't start your sentences with "Shouldn't you be..."

Don't be that guy! I know what I should be doing! If there's something that you think I should be doing that I'm not doing, you're probably wrong because there's certain things I'm choosing not to do.

6. No, we don't all only eat curry/ fish curry or whatever it is you assume we eat.

I love curry! When I go away from home, I really miss my dad's cooking and start craving various kinds of curry and kebabs but that is not the only thing I eat. I'm aware of other kinds of food as well because I'm also American. Every time I have this conversation with my American friends they also seem to think it's okay to mention that the Indian kids they knew smelled like curry all the time and how I'm the most pleasant smelling "Indian" that they have ever met. Dude, that's not okay. You can not make comments like that.

7. I'm actually not 'exotic'.

I don't take being called "exotic" the same thing as being called beautiful, if that's what you're thinking. You're calling me foreign when I was raised in New York. I've been here my entire life so I consider myself more American than Bengali. Yes, there are minor differences because my home life is different from yours but, everything else, including my way of thinking; choice of career; and daily activities is very American.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

935323
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

112048
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less
New Year Resolutions

It's 2024! You drank champagne, you wore funny glasses, and you watched the ball drop as you sang the night away with your best friends and family. What comes next you may ask? Sadly you will have to return to the real world full of work and school and paying bills. "Ah! But I have my New Year's Resolutions!"- you may say. But most of them are 100% complete cliches that you won't hold on to. Here is a list of those things you hear all around the world.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Ultimate Birthday: Unveiling the Perfect Day to Celebrate!

Let's be real, the day your birthday falls on could really make or break it.

67508
​different color birthday candles on a cake
Blacksburg Children's Museum

You heard it here first: birthdays in college are some of the best days of your four years. For one day annually, you get to forget about your identity as a stressed, broke, and overworked student, and take the time to celebrate. You can throw your responsibilities for a day, use your one skip in that class you hate, receive kind cards and gifts from loved ones and just enjoy yourself.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments