Chapter 16: Handling American Ignorance with Grace

At some point, an American will ask you: “Do you speak Indian?” or “Do you have roads in India?” or “How is your English so good?”

This is the “Mirror Effect.”

16.1. Parochialism, not Malice

Most Americans are “Continentally Isolated.” Because their country is 3,000 miles wide and self-sufficient, they don’t need to know about the outside world to survive. This is a privilege, but it leads to a deep ignorance of other cultures. When they ask a “stupid” question, they are usually trying to be friendly, not insulting. They are using the only data point they have (usually a movie or a news clip from 1995).

16.2. The “English” Paradox

When an American says, “Your English is so good!”, they think they are giving you a massive compliment on your intelligence. They don’t realize that English is an official language of India.

The Wrong Way to React: Getting angry or lecturing them on the British Raj.
The Right Way: “Thank you! It’s actually one of the main languages we use for education in India.”

16.3. The Unofficial Ambassador

To many Americans, you will be the only Indian they ever meet.

If you are rude, they will think “Indians are rude.”
If you are a genius, they will think “Indians are geniuses.” This is a burden, but it is also an opportunity. You have the power to “update” the American software on what India is.

Practical Takeaway for the Indian: Have a “Sense of Humor” about the ignorance. Think of it as a video game where you are “unlocking” new levels of understanding for the person you are talking to.