India is a large, dynamic nation that is the subject of numerous stereotypes. Few of these stereotypes are based in reality, despite the possibility that some of them may have a grain of truth.
We must examine and deal with the preconceived notions we hold about people. It will be easier for you to truly comprehend the diversity of a culture and society, in this case India, if these false beliefs and misinformation are put to rest.
Here, we’ll examine the most prevalent myths about India that we encounter while conducting cross-cultural training.
Indians lack education
Although women’s literacy rates are particularly low in India, it is vital to keep in mind that generalisations about the country as a whole are unreliable in a country with such a large population as India.
The notion that Indians lack education is greatly exaggerated; in reality, education is highly valued. There are tens of thousands of schools around the nation, and regionally distinct, officially recognised educational systems exist.
India is an impoverished nation
Western media representations of India, as seen in the film Slumdog Millionaire, contribute to the widely held belief that all Indians are impoverished.
While it is true that a significant section of the Indian population falls below the poverty line, the country is home to a large number of beggars, and there are many visible slums and shantytowns, this does not apply to the entire population.
India is home to a sizeable fraction of the world’s wealthiest individuals, and there are many Indian citizens who are billionaires both domestically and internationally.
India as a whole is chaotic and filthy
Many tourists visit India in search of the “true Indian experience,” which they equate with chaos, filth, spontaneity, and confusion.
They neglect the substantial presence of well-known luxury hotels, shopping centres, designer shops, nightclubs, pubs, and restaurants that are increasingly being associated with the “new” Indian society by doing this. This idea relates to the idea that came before it.
The dualities of Indian society highlight the country’s many dichotomies, such as those between the rich and the poor, the West and the East, and the traditional and the modern, and this must be acknowledged and valued.
All Indians consume curry
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Curry has come to represent Indian cuisine outside of India, which is quite misleading because authentic Indian cuisine has many more facets and varieties than a simple curry.
There are many people who eat curry in the country, however this claim is false because there are many different types of curries, each with its own unique ingredients and flavours.
In India, it is extremely simple to find “foreign” cuisines such as Chinese, Thai, Mexican, French, and American in large cities, but more challenging in smaller villages. International franchises like McDonald’s, KFC, Subway, Costa Coffee, and Starbucks are already present there, and more are probably going to open in India in the years to come.
Indian women are oppressed by men
There is some truth to this caricature. Gender is highly hierarchical in Indian society and favours men over women.
This should be viewed in the context of a developing nation because it is not unique. Prior to any other career, women were traditionally expected to be the breadwinners, mothers, and wives of their families. Recently, but mostly in the upper and middle classes, this notion has begun to progressively crumble. More women are going to college and getting employment after they graduate. More and more powerful executives, both inside and outside of organisations, are women.
As a result, an increasing number of women choose to become financially independent before getting hitched, settling down, and having kids. Interestingly, India has also had a female president, which cannot be claimed for many other Western nations.
Every Indian is experts in IT
While Indians are at the top positions in global IT firms and IT sector is growing rapidly, it doesn’t mean that every Indian is expert in computers. There are areas other than information technology, Indians have demonstrated their expertise. From actors to academicians, India has produced many experts. In a nutshell, India has a sizable and diverse talent pool.
In India, singing and dancing are a way of life
Contrary to what Bollywood has repeatedly shown us, no one in India starts dancing and singing for no apparent reason, except perhaps at weddings. You might also be astonished to learn that not all Indians enjoy classic Bollywood films. Yes, as a result of globalisation, Indians were made aware of Game of Thrones and other incredible entertainment possibilities.
Indians are bound to do arrange marriages
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Truthfully, Indian parents are far more liberal than is generally believed. Although most marriages in India are arranged, the number of love marriages has undoubtedly increased. Additionally, nowadays, when children reach the appropriate age, weddings are not really pushed upon them.
Every Indian is skilled in yoga
Yoga is impossible for certain Indians because they lack even one flexible bone in their bodies. Even while India is renowned for its yoga, don’t count on every Indian to be an asana expert. However, everyone should give it a try because it is fantastic.
India as a whole is too hot
India’s climate does alter with the seasons. India experiences lovely springs, extremely chilly winters, tremendously wet monsoons, and sweltering summers. More significantly, the weather varies across the nation. The hill stations are comfortable all year round where the coastal districts are more humid.