The ABCs of Assimilation | Shivansh Srivastava | TEDxGilbert

Summary

This thought-provoking narrative explores the complexities of cultural identity and assimilation experienced by a child of Indian immigrants in America. The speaker reflects on their childhood struggle to balance Indian traditions, like the vermillion mark symbolizing sibling bonds, with American societal norms. As they grow, they navigate the pressure of fitting in while retaining their cultural heritage. Ultimately, they find a harmonious blend of both cultures, advocating for understanding, tolerance, and open-mindedness. The speaker offers a fresh perspective on assimilation, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, respect, and the rejection of cultural judgment to build a more inclusive society.

Takeaways

• 😀 The vermillion mark is a traditional Hindu symbol of sibling bonding, representing protection and mutual support.
• 😀 Cultural assimilation presents a dilemma: immigrants must balance retaining their heritage while fitting into a new society.
• 😀 The speaker felt conflicted when their classmates noticed the vermillion mark on their forehead and questioned its significance.
• 😀 Growing up in America, the speaker faced pressure to conform to American cultural norms, leading them to suppress their Indian heritage in public.
• 😀 Immigrant children, like the speaker, often struggle with identity — trying to navigate between two cultures and avoid being labeled as outsiders.
• 😀 The term 'ABCD' (American Born Confused Desi) is used to describe those who feel torn between their cultural roots and the desire to fit in with American society.
• 😀 The speaker contrasts American folklore (Paul Bunyan, Johnny Appleseed) with Indian folklore (Akbar, Birbal), illustrating cultural differences in education.
• 😀 The process of assimilation can be simple, but the emotional and social struggle between retaining one's culture and fitting in is a complex burden.
• 😀 The speaker eventually finds a balance by embracing both cultures — wearing a mix of American and Indian clothing and speaking both English and Hindi.
• 😀 The speaker proposes the 'ABCDs of assimilation': a set of guidelines for fostering cultural tolerance and acceptance by asking questions, being tolerant, and avoiding judgment.
• 😀 The key message is to respect cultural diversity, ask questions to understand others better, and not judge or belittle different cultures to create a more inclusive society.

Q & A

What is the significance of the vermillion mark mentioned in the script?

The vermillion mark symbolizes the bond between a brother and a sister in Hinduism. It represents a promise of mutual support and the burning away of impurities, symbolizing a sacred connection in the family.

How did the speaker feel when they wore the vermillion mark to school?

The speaker initially did not expect much attention, but after wearing the mark to school, they faced confusion and discomfort as classmates questioned the mark and treated it as something foreign or unusual.

What is the central dilemma faced by immigrants, as described in the script?

The central dilemma is the conflict between retaining one's original culture and assimilating into the broader society. Immigrants often feel torn between staying true to their heritage and adapting to their new environment.

What does the term 'ABCD' refer to in the script?

'ABCD' stands for 'American Born Confused Desi,' a term used within the Indian community to describe those who were born in America but are seen as disconnected from traditional Indian culture due to their attempts to assimilate.

How did the speaker try to blend into American culture growing up?

The speaker conformed to American cultural practices by eating typical American foods like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, speaking English with friends, and following secular norms at school, even abandoning cultural practices like greeting elders with respect.

What was the reaction of the speaker’s classmates when they shared their culture during show-and-tell?

The speaker’s classmates did not react positively to their cultural presentation. One classmate even called their culture 'stupid,' reflecting the misunderstanding and lack of appreciation for cultural differences.

What does the speaker mean by 'creating unnecessary pressure for the migrant is not okay'?

The speaker emphasizes that migrants already face challenges in adapting to a new environment and should not be further pressured by external forces or criticism. Instead, support should be given to help them adjust without feeling rejected or judged.

How did the speaker eventually come to terms with their cultural identity?

Over time, the speaker embraced a dual identity, proudly incorporating both American and Indian elements into their life. They wore both traditional Indian clothing and American casual wear and spoke both Hindi and English, finding a balance between the two cultures.

What are the four guiding principles of the ABCD's of assimilation mentioned by the speaker?

The four guiding principles are: (A) Always ask, but never assume, (B) Be tolerant of individual decisions, (C) Create a supportive environment for adaptation, and (D) Don’t demean others’ cultures.

What does the speaker mean by 'curiosity is not offensive, but assuming is'?

The speaker suggests that it is fine to ask questions out of curiosity to understand someone's culture better. However, making assumptions without understanding or respect is harmful and can lead to misjudgment or disrespect.