I want a Desi connecter on Friendster.

[DWW]

In all my time as a member of these forums I'd have to say DigDug is the most racist person I've seen.

No I'm not joking.

I'm a "white" Canadian. So maybe that makes a difference. Here we don't group people by skin colour.

My grandparents are from Scotland. Am I suppose to don a kilt, toss back some scotch, raise a farm of Angus cattle, throw some rocks, kill an Englishman and scream "FREEEDOM" ? Because that is what you are essentially asking freedomsbeat212 to do. Oh wait, because I'm a different colour, the "colour" of my country I can just ignore my cultural heritage? That'd be hypocritical wouldn't it be?

You say that "perception" counts just as much as his feelings and behaviour. That is total bull. Maybe it is different where you live--but you are where you live, not what you left behind. I'm not saying you have to lose all your culture. But don't pretend something that isn't there. If you are so bent on "reclaiming your heritage" why don't you move to India?

You seem to categorize "American" with white. Thats so fvcking stupid. America is made up of many different types of people now. No longer is an image associated with America. When freedomsbeat212 said he wasn't Indian, but liked "cute punk rock girls" you seem to automatically categorize that as "white". Anything he does that is American you group as white. His religious beliefs you think are "white". His taste in music, food and friends is "white" because he has something in common with a majoritY? You are too quick to stereotype and be the bigot against others. American culture is that of no face and yet many faces but not a white-only face.

Sorry to say but you represent everything that prevents society from progressing.

 

[DigDug]

And you are clearly one of the most ignorant I've seen. The fundamental difference between you and Freedomsbeat is that with white skin, you have the ability to assimilate into the white mainstream. Yes, for you, forgetting about where you come from is a viable option, although a sad one. And so it goes with so many white americans who really have no clue where they are from.

For those of us who will ALWAYS look different, this is not an option, even if one desires to do so. Although parallels are made among blacks to the irish and italians at the turn of the century, reality has once again proven to be the result, and not the kumbayah "you are who you want to be" BS that your liberal arts sociology teacher drugged you with. Blacks have NOT been able to make the same gains, and some say, will never be able to. WHy? Because the will ALWAYS be black, even if they are no longer African. So in the same way, Indians who attempt to live out this naive dream of changing their identity to one which simply doesn't include them, they will forever deal with self-hatred.

Now, I'll say this again, I am not a seperationist. What I believe is a productive and stable growth is one which assimilates BOTH cultures into one's identity? Why? Because just as Freedomsbeat trumpets his American identity, those same arguments hold steadfast for his indian one, whether he likes it or not. He is American because he likes Pearl Jam and wear a baseball cap and speaks perfect English. He is also Indian because he is BROWN, and has an Indian (last) name. So then as I've said throughout this whole thread, why is he completely trying to reject one and completely trying to adopt the other?
The answer lies in something more than just a logical desire. Because if logic were even a tiny part of this, he'd see himself as both. The reality is that he is trying to run from one, because he is ashamed of it - he's been taught (or has simply learned) that his indianness is a bad thing, that its inferior and that he wishes it was gone. THAT is what is fueling this - not a desire to be an American, but more of a desire to NOT be Indian.

Sorry to say but your clueless understanding of race in this country represents why we will never progress. Okay, asshole?

 

[RabidMongoose]

Originally posted by: airfoil
Anyone hear of ABCD? Seems to me there's a whole bunch of them here...

Lots of fobs, too.

 

[DWW]

Originally posted by: DigDug
And you are clearly one of the most ignorant I've seen. The fundamental difference between you and Freedomsbeat is that with white skin, you have the ability to assimilate into the white mainstream. Yes, for you, forgetting about where you come from is a viable option, although a sad one. And so it goes with so many white americans who really have no clue where they are from.

For those of us who will ALWAYS look different, this is not an option, even if one desires to do so. Although parallels are made among blacks to the irish and italians at the turn of the century, reality has once again proven to be the result, and not the kumbayah "you are who you want to be" BS that your liberal arts sociology teacher drugged you with. Blacks have NOT been able to make the same gains, and some say, will never be able to. WHy? Because the will ALWAYS be black, even if they are no longer African. So in the same way, Indians who attempt to live out this naive dream of changing their identity to one which simply doesn't include them, they will forever deal with self-hatred.

Now, I'll say this again, I am not a seperationist. What I believe is a productive and stable growth is one which assimilates BOTH cultures into one's identity? Why? Because just as Freedomsbeat trumpets his American identity, those same arguments hold steadfast for his indian one, whether he likes it or not. He is American because he likes Pearl Jam and wear a baseball cap and speaks perfect English. He is also Indian because he is BROWN, and has an Indian (last) name. So then as I've said throughout this whole thread, why is he completely trying to reject one and completely trying to adopt the other?
The answer lies in something more than just a logical desire. Because if logic were even a tiny part of this, he'd see himself as both. The reality is that he is trying to run from one, because he is ashamed of it - he's been taught (or has simply learned) that his indianness is a bad thing, that its inferior and that he wishes it was gone. THAT is what is fueling this - not a desire to be an American, but more of a desire to NOT be Indian.

Sorry to say but your clueless understanding of race in this country represents why we will never progress. Okay, asshole?

Uh give me an example of something that blacks haven't overcome or won't in the near future? They've worked there way into any job in the USA. They have all the same rights and freedoms. To argue anything else your name would have to be Al Sharpton.

How does this "identity" he associates himself with "simply" not include them? Have you seen the many popular people of Indian origin? Look at that guy from Sum 41 punk band. He looks like he might have ancestors from India. Oh whoops we better kick him out of the band...

He looks like he is having a perfectly okay time with his "identity".

Again why should he identify as being an Indian if he shares nothing more than a skin colour. Its so stupid. Ever think he isn't ashamed? Did you read his posts? He tried to "be a good little Indian" but it doesn't work that way. He isn't an Indian plain and simple. He doesn't identify with any part of it. Skin colour is a minute detail and you must get over that if you want to contribute to the betterment of society.

Yay call me an asshole

 

[QueHuong]

I'm not even Indian, but from what I've read from you, freedomsbeat, I would not want to associate with you at all in real life. I can't stand someone who loathes who they are to their very core. I agree with DigDug to a large extent. You ARE Indian, that's who you are, no matter how much you may downplay the color of your skin. If you hate the negative stereotypes, why don't you try to change it instead of hiding the fact that you are a brown-skinned person? Do note that I recognize the difference between embracing who you are and being overly nationalistic that you look down upon everyone else.

To be brutally honest with myself, I've admitted to myself that I was insecure with my identity. As someone who loves being Vietnamese, I don't like the idea that I was unwavering in my heritage. That insecurity stemmed from my guilt of not being Vietnamese enough; so I'm forced to evaluate if the traditional things that I've done is a result of my truly wanting to do it or because of forcing myself out of guilt. Of course, the latter is a poor reason for embracing your culture. But guess what? When some of my guilt forced me to pay more attention to my culture, I started to learn how incredible it is and I am embracing it. Even if I was totally whitewashed, I would still be a Viet by race - I can either love myself for it, love myself despite it, or hate myself for it; and for me it would be the first, and that makes me happy. You seem to be in the middle of loving yourself despite being Indian and hating yourself because of being Indian. Even if it's the former, you would still have to admit to yourself that there's this huge weakness in yourself. So why waste so much energy with those conflicting feelings?

I'm not saying you should suddenly turn all traditional, but at least be proud of how far your people have gone. For one example, most of the Asians-Americans do not have a long roots in America, but even then, they have a higher average salary than all of the other races. That's freaking impressive considering how far we've come in such a short amount of time, while considering the humble origins. Likewise, whites, blacks, Hispanics, Native Americans, etc. can also claim something uniquely special. Why try to ignore or even deny who you are? "I'm Indian, but only on the outside" is a prime example (I know you didn't say that, but you come across as you feel that way too). I pity you if you feel that way. When you say you are trying to just create your own identity, that just sounds like an excuse when I take into consideration the context of the other things you've said, because you can still be proud of your origins while creating a unique identity for yourself, but I don't see that pride in you.

 

[zerocool1]

Before, like 10 years ago I felt that ackward doing traditional Indian things in public such as a namaskar or something like that. But I guess from high school and now college, I'm beginning to understand the importance of embracing my culture. There's no denying it. It is who I am. Yes I was born and brought up here in the US. But over the years after going through philosophy in Swadyay in the Geeta and Ishavasyam, you get a whole new understanding of what it is to be Hindu. After learning all that I learned, I feel it is important for the culture to keep going.
I know many indian kids that have gone from being vegetarian to eating non-veg. I respect that, it is not for me to judge. But I recently made the choice to become vegetarian. I was actually brought up eating meat. Not because it was expected of me, but it was something I came to terms with on my own. There was no pressure from my parents. if you become completely westernized, you become what the British wanted: indians that are indians of blood and color only. I agree with achtung about not hanging exclusively with indians but to broaden horizons and hang out with anybody.
btw anybody here speak marathi?

EDIT: That's just my 2 cents....
If you get to know me, I don't fit any stereotype. I do listen to hindi music and watch some hindi movies but not exclusively.

 

[DigDug]

Zerocool and MindStorm, props to you both. You two are exactly what I'm talking about. Its actually quite validating to read your experiences. Both of you were at first a bit embarrased or felt wierd about your own culture, presumably because it was different to the people you so wanted to be a part of. And then you blossomed, GAINED MATURITY AND SELF-RESPECT, and in fact, learned how rich and amazing your culture was. That is all I've ever been saying. Not to refuse the west, for it has so much to offer, but to recognize the SAME about the east.

And Mindstorm put it best. Those who deny themselves to the core, are worthy of pity and nothing more. Its a bit saddening that the only people who are able to see this, only make an appearance 100 posts in. I've been ganged up on here, but you know what I'm glad. To be able to watch morons like the one below display his ignorance in full blast:

Uh give me an example of something that blacks haven't overcome or won't in the near future? They've worked there way into any job in the USA. They have all the same rights and freedoms. To argue anything else your name would have to be Al Sharpton.

You are so incredibly gnorant, its not even worth responding to. You are EXACTLY who I point to when I caution Freedomsbeat. Apparently he'd rather try to be like you than me. How funny.

 

[DWW]

Originally posted by: DigDug
Zerocool and MindStorm, props to you both. You two are exactly what I'm talking about. Its actually quite validating to read your experiences. Both of you were at first a bit embarrased or felt wierd about your own culture, presumably because it was different to the people you so wanted to be a part of. And then you blossomed, GAINED MATURITY AND SELF-RESPECT, and in fact, learned how rich and amazing your culture was. That is all I've ever been saying. Not to refuse the west, for it has so much to offer, but to recognize the SAME about the east.

And Mindstorm put it best. Those who deny themselves to the core, are worthy of pity and nothing more. Its a bit saddening that the only people who are able to see this, only make an appearance 100 posts in. I've been ganged up on here, but you know what I'm glad. To be able to watch morons like the one below display his ignorance in full blast:

Uh give me an example of something that blacks haven't overcome or won't in the near future? They've worked there way into any job in the USA. They have all the same rights and freedoms. To argue anything else your name would have to be Al Sharpton.

You are so incredibly gnorant, its not even worth responding to. You are EXACTLY who I point to when I caution Freedomsbeat. Apparently he'd rather try to be like you than me. How funny.

Get over yourself and move to India

kthxbye

 

[QueHuong]

Originally posted by: DWW


Uh give me an example of something that blacks haven't overcome or won't in the near future? They've worked there way into any job in the USA. They have all the same rights and freedoms. To argue anything else your name would have to be Al Sharpton.

How does this "identity" he associates himself with "simply" not include them? Have you seen the many popular people of Indian origin? Look at that guy from Sum 41 punk band. He looks like he might have ancestors from India. Oh whoops we better kick him out of the band...

He looks like he is having a perfectly okay time with his "identity".

Again why should he identify as being an Indian if he shares nothing more than a skin colour. Its so stupid. Ever think he isn't ashamed? Did you read his posts? He tried to "be a good little Indian" but it doesn't work that way. He isn't an Indian plain and simple. He doesn't identify with any part of it. Skin colour is a minute detail and you must get over that if you want to contribute to the betterment of society.

Yay call me an asshole

In this politically correct society, yes, anyone who can look past skin color is considered to be open-minded. But a lot of the times, those who preach about we're all just one human race is doing just that, preaching. There are differences between races, and as much as it sucks, many people will still judge you based on your race. But why can't you be proud of your people if you're not condescending about it towards the other races?

Second point I want to touch on is that you said you're white - your mentality is different from minorities. One example is when you see another white person doing something stupid, you don't think, "goddamn, white people are so stupid" so it's much easier for you to say "skin colour is a minute detail." But like me, DigDug, and especially freedomsbeat, when someone of our race does something stupid, we all know that it reflects badly on the whole race. Don't tell me you believe everyone is openminded enough to see through stereotypes. Plenty of threads here about Asians being bad drivers, blacks having self defeating attitude that they pass onto their children, Mexicans having all the crappy jobs in America, etc. But how many threads are there that blame the entire white race when one white person does something stupid? Another example was one white person on AT admitting how different he felt when he went on a field trip with mostly black people. That was just a day, try experiencing know that you're different your whole life. My point is that you don't fully understand the mentality of minorities before you get on your high horse and say "Skin colour is a minute detail and you must get over that if you want to contribute to the betterment of society." People can still be proud of their heritage while contributing tons to society. I don't think Dr. King would be as successful if he tried to ignore different races exist in America.

 

[DWW]

Originally posted by: MindStorm

Originally posted by: DWW


Uh give me an example of something that blacks haven't overcome or won't in the near future? They've worked there way into any job in the USA. They have all the same rights and freedoms. To argue anything else your name would have to be Al Sharpton.

How does this "identity" he associates himself with "simply" not include them? Have you seen the many popular people of Indian origin? Look at that guy from Sum 41 punk band. He looks like he might have ancestors from India. Oh whoops we better kick him out of the band...

He looks like he is having a perfectly okay time with his "identity".

Again why should he identify as being an Indian if he shares nothing more than a skin colour. Its so stupid. Ever think he isn't ashamed? Did you read his posts? He tried to "be a good little Indian" but it doesn't work that way. He isn't an Indian plain and simple. He doesn't identify with any part of it. Skin colour is a minute detail and you must get over that if you want to contribute to the betterment of society.

Yay call me an asshole

In this politically correct society, yes, anyone who can look past skin color is considered to be open-minded. But a lot of the times, those who preach about we're all just one human race is doing just that, preaching. There are differences between races, and as much as it sucks, many people will still judge you based on your race. But why can't you be proud of your people if you're not condescending about it towards the other races?

Second point I want to touch on is that you said you're white - your mentality is different from minorities. One example is when you see another white person doing something stupid, you don't think, "goddamn, white people are so stupid" so it's much easier for you to say "skin colour is a minute detail." But like me, DigDug, and especially freedomsbeat, when someone of our race does something stupid, we all know that it reflects badly on the whole race. Don't tell me you believe everyone is openminded enough to see through stereotypes. Plenty of threads here about Asians being bad drivers, blacks having self defeating attitude that they pass onto their children, Mexicans having all the crappy jobs in America, etc. But how many threads are there that blame the entire white race when one white person does something stupid? Another example was one white person on AT admitting how different he felt when he went on a field trip with mostly black people. That was just a day, try experiencing know that you're different your whole life. My point is that you don't fully understand the mentality of minorities before you get on your high horse and say "Skin colour is a minute detail and you must get over that if you want to contribute to the betterment of society." People can still be proud of their heritage while contributing tons to society. I don't think Dr. King would be as successful if he tried to ignore different races exist in America.

Do you believe in Eugenics? A simple 'yes' or 'no' is all you need to reply with.

 

[QueHuong]

Originally posted by: DWW

Originally posted by: DigDug
Zerocool and MindStorm, props to you both. You two are exactly what I'm talking about. Its actually quite validating to read your experiences. Both of you were at first a bit embarrased or felt wierd about your own culture, presumably because it was different to the people you so wanted to be a part of. And then you blossomed, GAINED MATURITY AND SELF-RESPECT, and in fact, learned how rich and amazing your culture was. That is all I've ever been saying. Not to refuse the west, for it has so much to offer, but to recognize the SAME about the east.

And Mindstorm put it best. Those who deny themselves to the core, are worthy of pity and nothing more. Its a bit saddening that the only people who are able to see this, only make an appearance 100 posts in. I've been ganged up on here, but you know what I'm glad. To be able to watch morons like the one below display his ignorance in full blast:

Uh give me an example of something that blacks haven't overcome or won't in the near future? They've worked there way into any job in the USA. They have all the same rights and freedoms. To argue anything else your name would have to be Al Sharpton.

You are so incredibly gnorant, its not even worth responding to. You are EXACTLY who I point to when I caution Freedomsbeat. Apparently he'd rather try to be like you than me. How funny.

Get over yourself and move to India

kthxbye

For someone who was wholeheartedly preaching to DigDug about how little race matters, that sounds very much like a racist statement. He can't be a proud Indian-American? You've lost all credibility which makes me regret my serious replies to you, you hypocritical sack of sh!t.

 

[DWW]

Originally posted by: MindStorm

Originally posted by: DWW

Originally posted by: DigDug
Zerocool and MindStorm, props to you both. You two are exactly what I'm talking about. Its actually quite validating to read your experiences. Both of you were at first a bit embarrased or felt wierd about your own culture, presumably because it was different to the people you so wanted to be a part of. And then you blossomed, GAINED MATURITY AND SELF-RESPECT, and in fact, learned how rich and amazing your culture was. That is all I've ever been saying. Not to refuse the west, for it has so much to offer, but to recognize the SAME about the east.

And Mindstorm put it best. Those who deny themselves to the core, are worthy of pity and nothing more. Its a bit saddening that the only people who are able to see this, only make an appearance 100 posts in. I've been ganged up on here, but you know what I'm glad. To be able to watch morons like the one below display his ignorance in full blast:

Uh give me an example of something that blacks haven't overcome or won't in the near future? They've worked there way into any job in the USA. They have all the same rights and freedoms. To argue anything else your name would have to be Al Sharpton.

You are so incredibly gnorant, its not even worth responding to. You are EXACTLY who I point to when I caution Freedomsbeat. Apparently he'd rather try to be like you than me. How funny.

Get over yourself and move to India

kthxbye

For someone who was wholeheartedly preaching to DigDug about how little race matters, that sounds very much like a racist statement. He can't be a proud Indian-American? You've lost all credibility which makes me regret my serious replies to you, you hypocritical sack of sh!t.

Hey thanks!

 

[DigDug]

DWW couldn't be more than 12 years old. But I'm sure he's in fact 25 or so. Its really sad - and I'm being hypersensitive to think that America is so must more socially educated now?

MY god.

 

[zerocool1]

I do have Indian friends that have for all intents and purposes lost their identity. I just feel its not for me to judge. For me this works, for others it may not.

 

[DWW]

Originally posted by: DigDug
DWW couldn't be more than 12 years old. But I'm sure he's in fact 25 or so. Its really sad - and I'm being hypersensitive to think that America is so must more socially educated now?

MY god.

Maybe if you read what I posted you would have seen I'm not American. Maybe because freedomsbeat212 lives in NY and I lived in Toronto we saw the future utopia and the way things should be and of good things to come. But you never thought of that because you and MindStorm live in Briarsville where you need to toss up your culture. I'm sorry I don't understand what its like to be a minority that makes up smaller than a quarter of a percent in my city. I really am sure it is hard and that you need to identify with something and because you stick out like a sore thumb as you would say because of the "brown" you can't just mingle with the locals and identify with them. Sound better?

I've been a minority in some of the places I've lived during my life so I do have ground to stand on.

 

[QueHuong]

Originally posted by: DigDug
DWW couldn't be more than 12 years old. But I'm sure he's in fact 25 or so. Its really sad - and I'm being hypersensitive to think that America is so must more socially educated now?

MY god.

He's just the type of person I figured him to be. Those who preach their mouth off about how noble he is, trying to show everyone, "hey, I'm open-minded. I have a great message and if you dont' listen to my message, you are a societal disease." Then turns around with a contradictory remark that shows he doesn't really believe in what he was saying, except when it makes him look good. Just like those people who type a noble post about how artists deserve their fair share of money and anyone who denies them that is an open sore, while turning on the multiple burn option in Nero to copy Evanescence's lastest CDs 3 at a time. Ugh, hate people like that.

 

[DWW]

Originally posted by: MindStorm

Originally posted by: DigDug
DWW couldn't be more than 12 years old. But I'm sure he's in fact 25 or so. Its really sad - and I'm being hypersensitive to think that America is so must more socially educated now?

MY god.

He's just the type of person I figured him to be. Those who preach their mouth off about how noble he is, trying to show everyone, "hey, I'm open-minded. I have a great message and if you dont' listen to my message, you are a societal disease." Then turns around with a contradictory remark that shows he doesn't really believe in what he was saying, except when it makes him look good. Just like those people who type a noble post about how artists deserve their fair share of money and anyone who denies them that is an open sore, while turning on the multiple burn option in Nero to copy Evanescence's lastest CDs 3 at a time. Ugh, hate people like that.

How the hell did what I say contradict my original posting?

 

[QueHuong]

Originally posted by: DWW

Originally posted by: MindStorm

Originally posted by: DigDug
DWW couldn't be more than 12 years old. But I'm sure he's in fact 25 or so. Its really sad - and I'm being hypersensitive to think that America is so must more socially educated now?

MY god.

He's just the type of person I figured him to be. Those who preach their mouth off about how noble he is, trying to show everyone, "hey, I'm open-minded. I have a great message and if you dont' listen to my message, you are a societal disease." Then turns around with a contradictory remark that shows he doesn't really believe in what he was saying, except when it makes him look good. Just like those people who type a noble post about how artists deserve their fair share of money and anyone who denies them that is an open sore, while turning on the multiple burn option in Nero to copy Evanescence's lastest CDs 3 at a time. Ugh, hate people like that.

How the hell did what I say contradict my original posting?

Oooh...I just got done talking about how minorities are often stereotyped for a dumb thing one person did... so must...not...think all canadians are...clueless...morons.......................dammit I failed.

In all seriousness, I was talking about your noble, upstanding, grandeur message on race, then summing it up with a "Go back to India" remark. Doesn't strike you as in the least hypocritical? You have a real problem with people being proud of themselves. That doesn't mean those people can't "identify with the locals." Gonna tell me to go back to Viet Nam? I probably will actually, this summer. Will be visiting Sai Gon. Hopefully Ha Long Bay too - an absolutely gorgeous place. Why am I telling you this? Because I don't give a rat's hiney about your problems with people connecting with their roots.

 

[DWW]

Uhhhh did you not see the crap he called me? I just got fed up of him trying to turn freedomsbeat212 and other american-born and blood "browns" into something they are not and figured the best solution was for him to move to India and then he wouldn't have any problems seeing all these "cultureless browns". I'm not going to tell you to go back to Vietnam. But if you were chasing after Americans with a Vietnamese last names and trying to force an unknown culture on them I'd definitely suggest you move to Vietnam because you would be happier there. I never said anything noble in my post and didn't try to come across as that. What I said was truthful and wasn't anything to be gained from my point, just the perspective of a white person as opposed to his view as a "brown". I tried to point out that we really don't -care- what colour you are but some people have this innate sense of insecurity and must believe that we, the faceless whites, do care and laugh at you (thus the "get over yourself" part?)

I'm not going to argue. I forfeit. You win I lose.

 

[athithi]

freedomsbeat212, didn't you act in Kal Ho Na Ho as that DJ kid? Seriously, chappal-wearing, child-beating, female baby-burning, sati-committing, dowry-demanding, black-skin hating, infighting desis like us find characters like you hilarious - nothing more.

 

[NuclearFusi0n]

Fvck this BS, where da party at?

^^proof I'm a desi.

 

[Ameesh]

Originally posted by: NuclearFusi0n
Fvck this BS, where da party at?

^^proof I'm a desi.

its wheres the party yar, lol

 

[kb315]

Originally posted by: Ameesh

Originally posted by: NuclearFusi0n
Fvck this BS, where da party at?

^^proof I'm a desi.

its wheres the party yar, lol

its actually "where's the party yaar".

Had to go grammer desi on you.

 

[Legendary]

I just came back to say that, even though I don't embrace my Indian culture, there is no way you can say I have a lack of "self-respect" or "maturity."
Oh wait, you can, because you don't know me, and this is the Internet. Stop generalizing guys, you can't, and won't, figure it all out, but your attempts are nice.
I would like to ask DigDug and Mindstorm what part of the country they're from, simply to see if that correlates to anything.
<-- NYCer

 

[Ameesh]

Originally posted by: TubStain

Originally posted by: DigDug
I just don't see how people don't find something clearly off-kilter with someone whose desire is to be of another culture, especially when color is so connected to it? This problem is especially prevalent among easterners who believe in western religions, so I can't help but think that there is some merit to the difficulty/problem with trying to adopt a culture that has grown out of another people. Muslim Indians are constantly trying make links to their "Arab" past, which if even true, is ironically do probably to a plunder or raping of an ancestor by such invaders. Christian Indians also adopt names from linguical roots not remotely related to their people, and adopt religious behavior equally as alien. Do you know how frankly odd it is to see a bunch of Sri Lankans, for example, dressed up and acting out a nativity scene, pretending to walk around in Jerusalem? Can you not see the result of this internalization, and the inevitable rejection of their indigenous culture? Religion and culture are on some level, inextricably linked with color. That's honestly how I see it is.Is this a fanatical stance? I don't think so, in fact, I think it takes a great deal of fanaticism justify and internalize the opposite. Especially when much of the presence of these religions in such alien areas were only possible through conquest and plunder.

As a Christian Indian with an anglicized name, I take offense to what you say and see strains of hindu radicalism in your very nature. It's those hundu radicals like you in India that believe that hindus in india should not be converted to whatever religion they choose. If they seek freedom from bring bound by a caste and being on equal footing by changing their religions, then let them be. I've enjoyed my upbringing as a christian indian, and attending those nativity scenes you look down on. There is a joy in it that you will never understand, just like there is a joy in being a hindu or a muslim that I will never understand BUT do not EVER cross the line into thinking someone is inferior to you because they worship a different god or follow different practices from you. Open yourself to accepting indians in all their flavors your own life will be more meaningful. India thrives on its multiculturalism and multiple religions, dont homogenize it. There should never be a single way to define all indians.

Give me a break. Its fine that you that you found jesus and your name is paul or michael or zebulon or whatever but dont think that you can so easily identify indian culture. The christians raped and pillaged india for many many years and at the time they were causing soo much suffering and pain for the population your parents or grandparents or whoever sold out to the imperialists by taking their name, bowing to their god, and becoming their 2nd class brothers. I take offense to the fact that you can so easily identify will all of us who are not collaborators or maybe in your case someone who has soo easily disgarded our rich cultural heritage. Its exactly the same as a Nazi sympathizing Jew saying that he loves Isreal, its completly and utterly hypocrtical.