Why do you think many people like to make fun of the Indian accent?

retina said:

Not that this was addressed to me or anything.

But I personally love it. Hot.

JustErin said:

Wow, not even your own 250+ post thread is enough anymore eh?

retina said:

retina said:

I don't have an accent, but it still offends me deeply when I hear people making fun of it. Dan had a thread recently about how Asians are portrayed in Hollywood. Their accents always seem to be the butt of jokes in films, and on TV shows. East Indians (who are, I guess, technically Asian) are no exception. Maybe it's because their accents are a little harder to understand than others? Maybe the taunting stems from xenophobia.

I would like to see more positive images of Asians and East Indians in the US entertainment industry. The more familiar people become with these cultures, the less "out of the ordinary" they will seem, and the teasing might let up. Who knows, maybe one day my music career will take off, and I'll be one more Indian in the spotlight! Norah Jones better look out!

JustErin said:

That little angry face is so cute.
I can imagine you with that white hooded sweater in your avatar and how you're going "Why doesn't everybody respond to ME ME ME ME? Bwaaa!" like a little kid.

retina said:

So UCHDM, would you like to go to India one day? Wanna come with me?

JustErin said:

YES!!!!! I've never been back!

I know that my first visit will be a truly emotional experience, so be prepared to see a cry-fest. People have suggested that I go to Calcutta (my birth city) on my honeymoon. I asked them, "Are you kidding??? I don't want to be emotionally wracked on my honeymoon!"

But, I must go one day. I am even thinking about having my ashes sprinkled there after I die. It will be a final homecoming.

UCantHavaDaMango said:

I'm not surprised that you're angry and offended, because you're right of course; Indians are often made fun of, so much so that even I who am not Indian myself have reacted against it.

Do you really think it's because it's harder to understand it though? My guess would be that it - much like the Swedish accent - is quite "bouncy", kind of like the Swedish Chef's accent. I can see how that might sound amusing to people, but it's no less annoying to get the amused reaction of course (luckily I don't have that problem either since my accent when I speak English is pretty close to the North American one, but others do get giggled at).



True. Demystifying and normalizing the culture will of course increase people's acceptance of it. And Norah Jones is a good example of someone who is paving the way.

JustErin said:

Too much spicy Indian food?



I want to go with you! I've always wanted to see India. I can enjoy the scenery and the culture while you pick up Indian dudes.

Come to think of it I could pick up a female Bollywood star or two in the meantime as well.

Yes, I think the rhythmic aspects of the accent do make it stand out. It's not as musical as say, a French or Italian accent. Still, some of the teasing I've seen definitely crosses the line between amusing and hurtful. Thanks for standing up against it!

Oh, yes, join us in India too! I won't be picking up dudes however, because my Irish guy with a temper would NOT approve!

retina said:

Deal.

But I want my own hotel room.

UCantHavaDaMango said:

JustErin said:

Of course. I'll leave you alone each time after we're done.

UCantHavaDaMango said:

oh, i didn't know you are indian! that rocks! i just went to a premiere of a new documentary about people in the shihk (spelling?) being assaulted post 9/11 because people think any turban equals terrorist.

BCorgman said:

Yep. I was born in Calcutta, and adopted into an American family. Most people can't tell I'm Indian, including other Indians! Oh well.


I know what you mean about the Turban = terrorist thing. I personally never got any crap around that time, but a customer at my work asked me if I had felt any backlash. I was a little taken aback by her question, because I never thought that people would be so stupid to think anyone of that nationality, or anyone who looks like them, would be a terrorist. I was pretty naive then.

The Cinnamon Girl video reminds me of that.