Conference
Unraveling the Indian Identity
Author
- Shiny Parsai (Iowa State University)
Abstract
What do you think when you hear Indian? What does it mean to grow up Indian in America? As with various cultures, growing up Indian in America often presents a cultural clash. Living in America can be challenging for Hindu students who spend much of their lives with peer groups in public schools while struggling to fit norms. Common feelings of confusion, situational identity, loss of Indian culture, and finding a balance between being American and being Indian will be addressed. This session will provide insight on Indian cultural values and how various students balance them while living away from home.