As a North-East Indian living abroad, I have experienced
first-hand the challenges of navigating my identity in a world where
stereotypes often prevail. Growing up in the North East, which is a part in
India that is often overlooked and misunderstood, I was proud of my cultural
heritage and the unique traditions of my people. However, when I moved
overseas, I quickly realized that the rest of the world did not share my
appreciation for diversity.
One of the most common issues I face is the assumption
that all Indians look a certain way. Many people are surprised to learn that I
am from India, often asking if I am from China, Korea, or some other Asian
country. Even when I explain that I am from North-East India, the confusion
often persists, with people assuming that I must be mixed race or not really
Indian at all. It can be frustrating to constantly have to prove my identity,
especially when it feels like people are not willing to listen.
Another challenge is dealing with the generalizations that
people have about India and Indians. Often, people have a preconceived notion
of what Indians are like, based on movies, media, or their own limited
experiences. This can be especially difficult for North-East Indians, whose culture
and traditions differ significantly from those in other parts of India. For
example, many people assume that all Indians speak Hindi, and are surprised to
learn that there are over 1,600 languages spoken in India, with Hindi being
just one of them. When I explain that I speak Nepali, a language that is not
widely known outside of North-East India, people are often surprised and
sometimes even skeptical.
Beyond language, there are also cultural differences that
can cause confusion or discomfort for those unfamiliar with North-East Indian
traditions. For example, the food that we eat, the music that we listen to, and
the clothes that we wear are all different from what many people associate with
India. In addition, our physical features, such as our lighter skin tone and
distinct facial features, can also set us apart from the stereotypical image of
a dark-skinned, "curry-smelling" Indian.
All of these challenges have contributed to a sense of
identity crisis that many North-East Indians experience when living overseas.
We often feel like we don't fit in, and that our experiences and perspectives
are not valued. However, I believe that it is important to challenge these
stereotypes and misconceptions, and to embrace the diversity that exists within
India and the Indian diaspora. By sharing our stories and experiences, we can
help to break down barriers and create a more inclusive and understanding
world.
Cultural differences can also be a source of confusion or
discomfort for those unfamiliar with North-East Indian traditions. Our food,
music, and clothing are all different from what many people associate with
India, and can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or awkward moments. For
example, I once had a coworker who was confused by the fact that I brought dumplings
(momo and we eat it all the time) to work for lunch, as she assumed that all
Indians only ate curry.
Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of being a North-East
Indian abroad, however, is the feeling of not being heard or understood. When
people have preconceived notions about what Indians are like, it can be
difficult to get them to see us as individuals with our own unique experiences
and perspectives. This can lead to a sense of isolation and marginalization,
which can be particularly challenging when we are trying to build a new life in
a foreign country.
Despite these challenges, I believe that it is important
to embrace our cultural identity as North-East Indians, and to challenge
stereotypes and misconceptions wherever we can. By sharing our stories and
experiences, we can help to break down barriers and create a more inclusive and
accepting world.
In conclusion, being a North-East Indian living overseas can be a complex and challenging experience. However, it is also an opportunity to celebrate our unique cultural heritage and to challenge stereotypes and preconceived notions. As more and more people around the world become aware of the diversity that exists within India and the Indian diaspora, I believe that we can move towards a more inclusive and accepting society.
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