Why do people in the West think Hindus are crazy?

Question

I am appalled with the western understanding of my religion. First of all, many christians think we are devil-worshipping polytheists. But we only have three main gods, Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva. And besides, we believe that they are the same god in different forms. Sounds familiar? This same format is used in christianity in the triumverate. Also, people think that we all abide by the caste system and that it is so wrong blah blah blah. In our social studies book it says about two lines about the actual country and it spend 4 lines talking about the caste system. WTF??? In the west, just a half century ago, there was the same class system, the aristocrats/wealthy, the middle class workers, the poor, and slaves/wage slaves. The same is apparent in feudalism but we as hindus get all of the hate. Lastly, people come up to me and say oooo you worship cows. Hahahahaha!!!
Hindus dont worship cows/monkeys, we just believe that all animals have lives too. So Why do you hate us???

Answer 1

Jai Hind! Azad Hind! Bharat Zindabad!

Answer 2

I shall attempt to address your concern regarding the West and its disdain for Hinduism. Americans (I am lazy and do not want to type People from the Western civilisations, including the U.K., the U.S., Canada, etc...so I'll just say Americans since it does seem to be the dominant western culture) seem obsessed with the notion of equality and as a socially ingrained reaction, abhor institutions that blatantly promote social inequality. This of course is only an ideal since America is full of racism, classism, ageism, and many other forms of discrimination. However, it is officially on the law that Americans are to have an egalitarian society.

In the west, certain animals are considered food. To say that such an animal should be afforded any manner of special religious significance is a ridiculous concept for Americans. A misunderstanding of Hinduism also leads to such a conclusion. Some think that cows are gods for hindus. To worship food sounds silly. A sort of ethnocentrism is also at work here. Many in the west are of Judeo-Christian religious backgrounds. Their holy text clearly puts humans above all other animals. So on a spiritual level, cows are lesser beings.

Personally, I think all religions share the same fundamental paradigm. It is a human construct that relies on faith to provide order and stability to a wondrous and sometimes confusing world.

Answer 3

Well, to get off your soap box now would be good. But the cast system is pretty much still alive and well. I work very closely with three of your same race. And from their own mouths they left India as a result of the non-existent class system that doesn't exist in your world. So if you would like to contend with some of your own ideology then go ahead but don't place an entire race in the same personal experiences you have had. Go and seek solace in the Gods your worship and understand you are the only one that hates you.

Answer 4

I don't know what kind of Western people you know, but I admire Hinduism so much! I think it's a wonderful religion. I am a Christian, but I have no issues respecting another religion. I have many Hindu friends and they are the some of the greatest people I know. And the caste/class system still exists today, in America, it just doesn't have a name.

(And I think I worship cows more than any Hindu could, they are my absolute favorite animal!)

Answer 5

With all due respect to you and your religion, I personally am a Westerner and a Christian and I don't think you are crazy. Don't listen to ignorant people who are really just a test of your faith. You sound like an extremely wise and intelligent man. Just because many people haven't taken the time to understand the DIFFERENCES between different cultures and beliefs doesn't mean that the majority have judged you and labeled you crazy. Hindus to me seem very devout, well disciplined and you have the beautiful practice of yoga. While I cannot practice your religion because I serve Christ, I do admire you and understand your views. And yes... your triune God sounds like our triune God..a thread of hope and truth for us to end eternally on the same page.
Peace, my Hindu brother.

Answer 6

Don't take it personally. As AMERICANS, we hate everybody! lol. just kidding. Ours is a society where the rules are ever-changing. Our values change, our ideals change, many other places in the world are consisitant. USA isn't; we're all about change. It isn't that we hate others, it's just that we have a tendencie to only be concerned about what is going on in our country and lives. Only as individuals do we embrace other cultures.

Answer 7

I don't know anyone that thinks Hindus are crazy. Don't make blanket statements like this. It would have been better to ask Christians what they think of Hindus.

Answer 8

I didn't read the whole thing, sorry. ...I don't need to because I know my answer....

I do apologize. I admit, I don't know enough about your religion. I don't hate you OR your religion, partly BECAUSE I know that I don't know enough about it.

...I don't think you're devil-worshipers. I DO know Hinduism is polytheistic, & I think Nirvana is...(forgive me if I screw this up) a higher spiritual plane... it's similar to our "Heaven."

Anyway, I don't hate you. I'm sorry for the abuse you suffer, & thank you for remaining peaceful despite provocation.

Peace!

Answer 9

probably for the same reason some people claim islamic culture is militant while western culture is peaceful.

and for the same reason people post messages complaining about use of the spanish language in the u.s.

and for the same reason some people try to fight against the legalization of same-sex marriage.

many people are self-righteous, arrogant, ignorant, and stupid.

Answer 10

Sorry that you have that impression, although I know how it occurs.
It's called "Ignorance" and before someone slaps the S%^& out of me for using that word, let me clarify, this way:
Quote:
Everyboy is ignorant,
about different things.

Abe Lincoln