East versus West: The Debate Continues

chillibreeze writer — Sandeep Singh Sandhu

Cultural differences Indian immigrants must be prepared for

This biggest challenge immigrants face at landing on a foreign soil is invariably—‘to be or not to be Indian’. Discriminatory visa regimes, immigration laws, regulations aimed at preventing the influx of coloured races into the ‘white land,’ the travails of starting life afresh, the struggle for bread and butter—all of these pale into insignificance when compared to the cultural crisis they face in the West.

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In fact, the intensity of the ‘cultural dilemma’ only increases with time. At last, a point comes when the ‘prodigal son’, no more able to stand up to the cultural onslaught of an insensitive Western system, and goaded by the rebellion of his own foreign-born and bred children, either decides to retire to his motherland, or meekly submits to becoming yet another non-entity in the dollar civilization.

Long ago, the great poet-philosopher of India, Dr. Iqbal, had expressed the triumph of Indian culture through the ravages of time thus: Roma, Misr, Unan Sab Mit Gaye/ Koi Baat Hai Hasti Mitti Nahi Hamari. Loosely transliterated it goes, “Gone are the civilizations of Rome, Egypt, Greece/ The Indian civilisation is intact owing to a mysterious inner strength.”

Rightly so, a moral, cultural, and spiritual thread runs deep in our being, kept alive in the fragrance of centuries-old traditions, social mores and sanctity of relationships. There is a degree of Indian-ness in all of us. It is cherished and nurtured by all. It is safe and intact in the secular guarantees of our constitution and our social milieu, notwithstanding the incursions made by the Western media and economy.

Coming to the crux, the contemporary geo-political and economic environment, and the few job opportunities at home created by the failure of our national leadership to make the most of technology and opportunity, make us seek greener pastures in the West. Along with this quest for prosperity, comes the cultural conflict. Objectively stated, the conflict of an immigrant is that of East versus the West, culture versus materialism, spiritual richness versus economic prosperity. We gain affluence at the cost of our identity.

Someone may argue, “What about the western culture?” “Do we not imbibe another culture while casting off ours?” Perhaps not. Because exchanging our core essence for an implanted culture would inevitably create a sense of fragmentation and loss, as testified by the vast body of Diasporic literature. Also, the innately spiritual culture inculcated in the older generation of Indians will always clash with the more success-driven outlook of the West.

The fast-food, latchkey culture of America is definitely more practical to the demands of the modern day. But in the name of practicality, are you ready to lose the sanctity of familial bonds and strong relationships? Is the compromise worth it? This is a question that most expats ask of themselves, almost all their lives.

Of course you’ll survive, but not without a price to pay. Are you ready to trade off the values that have been passed on to you through centuries of ancestors, who’ve trodden familiar and time-tested paths? Or will you set aside the past, accepting that the old must give way to the new? Are you ready to give up the sweet leisurely pace at home for the inescapable demands of modern living? Are you ready to accept a ‘Social Security Number’ at the cost of the emotional support you enjoyed from the neighbourhood bhua(aunty)?

Frankly, there are no clear-cut answers. As an immigrant in the West, you’re sure to be materially comfortable, but be prepared—the loss of identity and confusion over values is inevitable.

The tolling of the Mandir bells, the cry of the maulvi calling the faithful to prayer, the loud crowing of the good old Murga or the effective yet emotionally impersonal ringing of the alarm bell? It may be a rather unpolished ending to the East versus West narrative; but the fact is that it eventually boils down to priorities and personal goals.

Has it been worth it? Only you can decide.

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—About our writer:

Sandeep writes for chillibreeze.