India Stereotypes

Wocca

In the text books used for teaching "International Business Culture" in Chinese universities, Indians are stereotyped as follows:

" Nationality: Indian

Stereotype: Reserved, philosophical, lacking confidence, self-effacing, but very bright "

What do you think?

__________________
Multi famam, conscientiam pauci verentur
Many fear their reputation, few their conscience

cyberhippie

I think this description probably fits some one in India, there again it's probably very misleading when you look at others!

Wocca

Would you consider it to be offensive or inflammatory to a native person from India?

seraph

Stereotypes are defined as:

"In modern usage, a stereotype is a simplified mental picture of an individual or group of people who share certain characteristic (or stereotypical) qualities. The term is often used in a negative sense, and stereotypes are seen by many as undesirable beliefs which can be altered through education and/or familiarisation."

OR

"1. A conventional, formulaic, and oversimplified conception, opinion, or image.
2. One that is regarded as embodying or conforming to a set image or type."

OR

"A trite expression or idea..."

OR

"A generalization, usually exaggerated or oversimplified and often offensive, that is used to describe or distinguish a group."

Hope this helps. For more definitions of stereotypes.

Wocca

Good link, seraph ...

Would you consider the stereotype of "Reserved, philosophical, lacking confidence, self-effacing, but very bright' to be offensive or inflammatory to a native person from India?

Nick-H

<wiggles head>

__________________
.


Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

Wocca

Is that a side to side wiggle that denotes yes in India?

Wocca

By the way, the same university text book in China says this about the Chinese


Nationality: Chinese

Stereotype: Like the Japanese, they always seem to travel in groups. They are quiet, reserved and never lose their temper. But at times, they can seem chaotic and unfocussed

seraph

Wocca,

It is hard for me to tell if this post is a genuine plea for information or insight or simply a troll.

Nonetheless, I reject the premise of your post and your latest and persistent question. I am not a native Indian and yes, I do find the use of stereotypes to always be at least slightly "offensive and inflammatory".

You are talking about OVER A BILLION people. I have met every type of person mentioned in your "list" while living here in India - though I have yet to meet even one person who embodies all of these characteristics. I have also met many "outgoing, practical, confident, arrogant and stupid people", though I have seen no reason to assume that this is representative of Indians as a whole.

Wocca

Dear Sir,

Thank you for your comments. All I sought was an honest opinion from a purely academic point of view, hopefully from a native Indian. What you firstly gave was an internet link, which was quite interesting but not very enlightening from a personal perspective.

I have previously taught nurses in India and now teach university in China. I have asked others outside India Mike to view this post to hopefully obtain a clear insight into this subject. When I taught Indian nurses, they were preparing to work in the UK and USA. Many of the Chinese undergraduates plan to do further study abroad. It would be nice to be able to tell them that stereotyping does not exist but does not help to prepare them for the realities of the world.

You may care to consider whether the following is genuine or simply a troll:

Great minds discuss ideas
Average minds discuss events
Small minds discuss people

Enjoy your stay in India

Attached Thumbnails

       

Wocca

Thanks for your thoughts, cyberhippie

seraph

As a PhD in Anthropology, I AM giving you an academic point of view and my honest opinion. Though since this is a discussion board, I am trying to keep it short and simple. What I was trying to point out above is that I reject the premise in your OP, the textbooks you mentioned and out there in the world (if need be) that there is such a thing as a "National Character" (whether it be Indian or Chinese). (BTW, the fact that the textbook includes a "Chinese" national character does not justify the exercise or make it any less bad. Two wrongs do not make a right.)

I sincerely hope that an "Indian" will also respond to your query, since it might seem more legitimate to you. I would add that the fact that you feel that this needs to be affirmed by an Indian only reinforces my opinion that your frame of reference is "essentialist". This means that you believe (on some level at least) that there is something essential about being Indian or Chinese. On the other hand, my (honest) opinion is that truth is truth whether it comes from someone born within the political boundaries of India or anyone else.

Besides from a purely academic perspective, you would need to first operationalize ALL of your variables - which means that you would need to define in a real way what is meant by "Indian" as well as the meaning of such meaningless terms as "very bright" or "philosophical". These are meaningless since you can not just assume that these are understood everywhere the same way by everyone.

I never said nor meant to imply that stereotyping does not exist. In fact, I believe that it is dangerous and slightly offensive precisely because it DOES exist. Stereotypes are usually based on a grain of truth, but then make the unwarranted leap from individual characteristic to paint the whole with a broad brush. Stereotypes exist, but people who think in stereotypes or those who promote stereotypical thinking are part of an outdated way of thinking that has too often led this world down a path of sorrows.

Wocca

Thanks for your opinion ...

rv224

Don't forget that within India there are many different stereotypes of Indians. For example, Gujratis are canjoose (miserly), Bengalis are boring, Punjabis are loud and boisterous, etc (by the way, Im not advocating these, Im just listing common stereotypes).

The Chinese description may fit some but not fit others. India is as diverse as China, if not more. There are so many subcultures and religions. I think some Indians may find that Chinese description insulting and some may not.

Wocca

Ok ... That's very objective.

I'm not advocating either - Just listing common stereotypes as you have.

Of course, I'd forgot about the old caste system as well