I am of Indian origin, and I am currently living in America. I just want to know your view on whether this behavior is normal for any person:
Whenever I express my opinion on an issue, it is normal to get some provocative responses or remarks to it. But the thing is that when the person who says or writes such a remark is a fellow Indian, I just laugh it off and respond back to him in a humorous fashion. However, if this person was a European or American then I get very perturbed and wounded & start thinking that maybe I am wrong... is this normal behavior for any person? That is, tolerating whatever your fellow countryman says, but not what a foreigner says?
2007-02-09 11:35:20 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Psychology
lol. think of a black person calling another a "******" with laughs. now a white person calls them a "******" and get the snot slapped out of him.
Your more passive to your own. Doesnt make it right.
2007-02-09 11:44:39 · answer #1 · answered by truthhurts 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It seems like unresolved race issues. But yes, I would say it was normal. In my experience, people want two things: To belong, and to be special. By aligning yourself with a group- either by family, nationality, favorite sports team, hair color or what have you- you are fulfilling the first desire. Then, to fulfill the second, your group has to be special, thus making you special. People inside your group can say whatever they like, because you know they don't mean it. When it's coming from people outside the group, it feels like an attack- they're casting aspersions on your "specialness" (for lack of a better term).
I mean, have you ever heard one of your family members say- with more than a hint of pride-, "Such-and-such relative did that because they're a (Family's surname.)"? Or laughed when a friend called you an idiot but gotten angry when an acquaintance or stranger said it? It boils down to the same thing.
2007-02-09 19:46:39 · answer #2 · answered by RedRay 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i can very well understand this behavior and yes it is normal due to the underlying thought in your mind..its not normal for all people of course but not uncommon..when someone you relate to says something its like yea whatever but when someone with a different background says something you dont feel as though you can so much relate or totally understand exactly just what they mean so you take it more personal..but you should stop its irrational thinking but at least you see the difference in your reactions thats a good start at fixing the issue!!
2007-02-09 19:49:55 · answer #3 · answered by ELIZY 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is cultural 'knowing' at work. When we are born into a culture we are exposed to its norms and mores (pronounced morays) and we learn what is acceptable and what is not.
In your case you have the common understanding with your fellow Indian as you know the intent behind the remarks. With those outside of this frame of reference you are unsure of their intent and so you question what is said or written.
All of which is quite normal behaviour and as you become more familiar with the European/American culture you will be able to discern the intent of their words verbal and written.
2007-02-09 19:47:10 · answer #4 · answered by sag_kat2chat 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i'll tell ya, pal, same thing seems to be with me, too. i am born & raised here in good 'ol usa. if a fellow american, similar to me, says things anti-american i might get some of my feathers ruffled but then i realize the constitution allows for free speech. i might not like what you say but you do have the right to say it. i will also make sure you have this right, too. now, if a naturalized american or visitor to usa says anything anti-american, well, then i go ballistic. what right has he/she got to say....blah, blah, blah. you got the idea? we all are human with human behaviors. however, while it might be categorized as human behaviors, our personal idios are just that - personal! cheer up. you're not alone. it seems you are tolerant to some & not to others! welcome, by the way, to america!
2007-02-09 19:45:42 · answer #5 · answered by blackjack432001 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say that is normal behavior.. But its not fair behavior..
People are people no matter what their culture. If you dont agree with what they have to say, you should simply give your reasons why, and then accept their opinion, and make a humerous remark to everyone.
That is how we keep the peace on this planet.
2007-02-09 19:40:13 · answer #6 · answered by Dawn H 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Interesting observation. I can't say that being a "European" American, I experience the same thing.
2007-02-09 19:41:34 · answer #7 · answered by JimZ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Inferiority complex about your race. Your probably wrong any way
2007-02-09 19:42:09 · answer #8 · answered by Todd C 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It means you are a racist.
2007-02-09 19:39:58 · answer #9 · answered by Sandra O 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋