People, please don't be ignorant when it comes to the world. I understand that you don't live in every single country, but if you choose to talk about a specific one, brush up on your facts.
1. Everyone in India does not speak "Hindu" or "Indian"
First of all, no one speaks either Hindu or Indian. Hindu is a religion; it's like saying, "do you speak Christian?" And Indian, is like saying, "Do you speak American?" Like brah brush up and at least ask, "What language do you speak in India?"
There are 22 major languages in India, HINDI being the national language. Then there's Malayalam (represent), Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Punjabi, Gujarati, and much more. Now some of these languages are closely related, and others are total opposites (kind of). Honestly, when I watch Hindi movies, the only words I understand are "Bus" and "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham" but I'm speaking on behalf of one American Mallu. Whereas I know Malayalam pretty well, however when I talk my la's, lu's, and le's... it's a mess.
2. Not Everyone Is a Doctor, Nurse, or Engineer
No explanation needed!
We are all guilty of grouping people together; I don't know why, but we just do. Take the time to understand and learn about other cultures, religions, beliefs. So we don't end up saying something stupid.
3. Not Everyone In India are Hindus
Now I can't be that harsh with this one, since the MAJORITY of the population are Hindus. However, if I order a beef chalupa from Taco Bell, people be like... "You know there's beef in the Chalupa" -_- (mainly happens when my dad is with me since he looks the part and has the accent). And then we have to explain the whole, "St. Thomas traveled to Kerala (a state in India) long ago and converted people to Christians blah blah blah." Pretty much we got no problem eating animals.
Just to let some of you know, India just like there languages, has numerous religious beliefs; Hindu, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism, etc.
3. "My Favorite Indian Food is Naan and Chicken Tikka"
Once again, there's nothing wrong with the sentence however some people believe that's all Indians eat. It's pretty much like people in India always asking me if Americans always eat Cheese burgers and Hot dogs day and night. Trust me if you explore real Indian food, you will fall in love! Idli and Sambar is my favorite combo.
4. You're Indian Why Can't You Handle The Heat
I CANNOT HANDLE SPICE, well I can handle a little bit but I don't have the strength like others. Everyone has different tolerance and preference, please don't bunch all of us into one group.
5. Arranged Marriages... "Yuck"
Now many people think that arranged marriages goes a little something like...
Boy and girls family meet.
Both girl and boy have no choice, but to marry each other.
Get married the next day.
I'm not saying these circumstances never happen. But there are love marriages that exist in India, the boy and girl do take the time to get to know each other, and yes you have the right to say no, AND your wedding may not happen the next day... probably next week ;)!
Yes, it's a life time commitment with someone you pretty much speed dated with, but in my opinion if someone chooses to work a relationship out let them be. Who are we to judge anyone's relationship?
