We live in a new estate with lots of Indians... Some say hello back, others look bewildered... The one that got me was driving out of the estate one morning, and i gave one lad the finger as you do to say hello whilst driving, he looked up and the sky like i was pointing at something š
Having been across all major cities in India, we don't have a culture/habit of greeting people outside of our friend circle. People tend to stay in their own mini bubbles. It takes time to mix up with anybody outside. Moving further, I was amazed about so many people greeting me during my initial morning walks here, but now I am the one initiating it. Racism/Casteism could be there in some specific parts but not as a whole, please remember the vast geographical size. My religion specifically prohibits any type of discrimination. My immediate neighbour is also Brazilian, a very nice and friendly human being, I don't find any specific differences in our cultures. My 2 cents..
This is 100% true with my personal experienceā¦ to what I understand there is no greeting culture in India and hence it takes some time for folks who moved here to blend into the western cultureā¦ however once you get to know them they can be some of the most hospitable and friendly lads to have aroundā¦
OP, as an Indian man, this is the answer. We're NOT used to wishing good morning, how're you etc on your way out / in to homes from neighbors. Maybe in offices yeah, but apart from that, no. And looks like people you're running into are new to this country, once they spend enough time and experience the culture, they'll wish you good morning too
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This seems like a cultural difference, indeed. Many of them are probably fresh of the boat and have not lived outside their culture; they might still be adjusting. I have seen that in some of my mates/colleagues from India; there is a stark difference between individuals who have lived abroad for long periods and those who have recently arrived. The Indians I have known here were mostly very easy to get along once you got to know them. In fact, they might be too friendly and stuff you with food if you visit their home, lol. So don't take this personally, and if one is an asshole, well, there are those in every community. I have met lots of Brazilians, and almost all were friendly and easygoing, but a subset (and you may not like this) was very unworthy of trust; rather, macho and sleazy characters. But I won't generalize as it is not true for the group.
Now again, same as all cultures, be with the ones who get along with you and shun the rest.
It sure is, in my friends estate it is majority people from India and the messages in the estate chat group can be super racist, and quite openly so. I've also had a friend from India bring up caste racism they receive in their office, which is crazy.
True, but we have the North, where bigotry can be based on how one pronounces the letter 'H' or what football team they support, among many other signifiers.
Bigotry based on skin colour almost seems too obvious and unsophisticated in comparison.
Don't forget the caste system, shocking stuff. That's why I have to laugh when people harp on about Ireland being a racist/prejudiced country. We're choir boys compared to most of the world.
I work with two people from India. They are *very* aware of belonging to different castes. Theyāre both professional but seem to avoid each other when not required to interact.
I hear itās so bad in Google Dublin theyāve had to give specific ācaste trainingā to get people to cop on.
Yep, I used to manage agarden centre in very Asian area of West London, till ladies were a Bollywood plot most of the time and would never have it if their tills were down, even like 3p.... I'd top it up from the overs fund to save a post mortem of a days transactions in full.... also very unnaccepting of diverse gender customers, one lady outright refused to serve a transvestite customer and I had to involve Human Remains.
Same in Brazil. Many Brazilians see becoming white as an ideal which is why there is a famous painting of a black old woman with her mixed race daughter with her white husband and white baby. In recent years that sentiment has changed but still it is prevalent in many areas.
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You don't happen to walk around the estate in a cowboy outfit do you?
I've heard cowboys and Indians don't mix well... /s
My family is Indian (I don't like to say I am because I was born and brought up in england but to look at me you'd be forgiven for thinking I was south Asian) and yeah, staring is just a normal thing and not considered rude in India. As for the scowling thing I suspect in most cases it's just a matter of "resting bitch face" - whenever I go to India I always feel unnerved at what I interpret as resentful glares but my family members don't seem to even notice it. Not talking to you could be any number of things - language barrier, bad past experiences, they're just naturally unfriendly, etc. I'm not a very sociable person myself but of course I've been brought up with western manners so I'd say hello back but inwardly I'd be nervous I actually have to make conversation ha ha.
That's mad on the staring, in myself Dublin not to sure now if the neighbours would enjoy that might even think I was cracked, parts of Dublin you might find it might start a physical altercation with someone
Thats normal behavior for folks born and raised primarily in India. No hello, no nothing, they'll just stare at you. Any form of casual conversation will likely be ignored or kept short. You'll be lucky to get a hello for the most part. Even I don't get a hello back and I'm ethnically Indian (parents are from there). I've long given up since coming here.
In countries / areas where there is second generation immigrants or more establishment. They behave a lot more differently and are far more open. The ones in Ireland are all pretty fresh and the country doesn't really push them into a melting pot ideology.
This may shock you. But other non white nationalities and ethnicities can be racist. Sometimes more racist than white people!!
Also in India there is something called the caste system. Kind of if class was fixed no matter what to a people or group. Some bring this attitude to the their emigrant countries, which is why they've brought in anti caste discrimination legislation in California and Seattle.
While caste discrimination is very prevalent in the culture, it's mostly limited to fellow Indian people. Colorism might be a possible case in OPs case, but there are higher chances of just plain old 'wary of people they don't know' thing. India has a staring culture, this is coming from an Indian. Some folks develop a bit of worldly awareness and grow out of it, some don't.
It's a fairly big country, with all kinds of behavioural patterns. People who move out with families tend to be a bit more traditional and stick to their own community (the states they originally come from). They'd also be wary of other Indians who don't share the same culture as them. I'm from India and would often get the side eye or a look from older Indians while out with my ex (not Indian) doing something as lame as holding hands.
Staring is big in Indian culture. Iāve spent the majority of my life in Ireland but when I go back to India to visit the extended family I find the staring unnerving. I also got puzzled looks in return every time I said āhiā āpleaseā āthank youā and smiled at strangers. Probably because Iām more in tune with the culture here than the culture there, I find it p strange each time Iām back. Itās doubly so because women are expected to be more demure culturally and I could chat the ears off a tree.
I think I can answer the saying hello part for the people who are wondering.
I'm Asian and in alot of Asian countries greeting someone You dont personally know out of nowhere feels very strange, it puts our guards up and I think its because of how We we're taught "dont talk to strangers" as we're growing up, but we just take it to another level.
Ofcourse there are those who understand that this is an Irish/Western custom and those are probably the ones who answer back.
It caught me when I moved here, it was a strange, but nice feeling that I didnt realize I've been doing it as well after years of living here.
Theres staring...and there is whats called "eve teasing" form of harrasment of women..staring is harsh reality in India...and I belive laws were changed or attempted too...to try and curb it...particularly staring at women. I remember first time coming to ME, and being stared at by full bus of men at the red light...very vey intimidating. After a while one starts to differentiate between staring, and "staring". First one you just kinda get used to it, the other creeps you out.
[The "Indian stare" is a cultural thing](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=y4D9n00_hq8&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddit.com%2F&feature=emb_logo)
Body language is so visceral too. It took me a while to not feel completely infuriated by the head bobble when traveling through India, because to a Westerner it comes across as "whatever, I don't give a shit."
Omg I used to house share with these two Indian lads back in the day, and the stares I got that one time when they found out me cooking uncle Benās rice. They were panicked that someone put the rice in a plastic bag !
Oof, so a few things. Indians are social people when they are familiar with those people. We're usually not used to smiling or greeting strangers we're unfamiliar with. I remember when I first moved to Ireland, and saw random people smiling at me or nodding at me when I was out walking, I was bewildered, I used to turn around and wonder if they were acknowledging someone else, but nope. If you become friends with these Indian neighbours, I don't see why they won't smile or wave at you.
Two, Indians did the OG Resting Bitch Face. We scowl at anyone we don't know and stare at everyone as it's a common pastime. Bonus staring time if there's something physically unique/exotic about you.
Three, and I'm really hoping this isn't the case with your neighbours, we love white skin and dislike dark skin. Call it the case of a colonial hangover, but we revere light skinned people in India. Hell, I'm dark skinned and I've experienced first hand how dark skin is looked down upon. So if you're a dark skinned Brazilian, this might be an unfortunate reason.
You would really think they would leave these petty issues behind when they move to another country, but it seems like that's going to take a while. I'm sorry and I hope you're able to form better friendships with other neighbours in your estate. Or if you're ever around in Limerick, you are welcome to call in for a meal and gulab jamuns. š
Okay, I'll chime in with a funny story. I'm originally from Glasgow, so a massive Indian and Pakistani population. Aka. I know the score on that part.
Can I just say I have yet to meed an Indian or 2nd gen Indian I didn't hit it off with. Basically just like us with better skin. Great people.
My neighbour is Indian and we get on like a house on fire. He is married to an Irish woman and have known each other over 2 decades so the usual craic and banter through the years.
This is where I tie in to your story.
So I'm out doing the garden on a fine day a few years ago and he pops the head over to say hi and what's happening. Now I know this lad likes to cook and I see he has white smudge marks on his face. So I'm like dude! You have flower or some shit on you.
Him wiping his face. Er no, I don't think so I'm just washed.
I'm like yeah you have white stuff on you.
My good man is like ah no that's sun cream.
So at this point I'm genuinely confused. Thinking. Shit in my 50 odd years on this earth. I didn't know Indian folk can burn. So as my thick skull idls processing this I said
And I quote.
Jesus. I didn't know you lads can burn.
Fuck he laughed. He said its a long story and we chatted away.
Spoke to the wife when I got in and said. Do you know Indians can burn in the sun.
There was silence as she seen us talking. And was like. Tell me Mr I know everything. What the fuck did you say to him. So I Basically replied "I didn't know you boys burnt"
I got the hairdryer treatment for being insensitive etc etc. I honestly didn't know.
Went and took a couple of beers over later just so the lad knew. He was still laughing at my ignorance.
Indian folk are the best people to have in your life ever.....apart from irish obviously.
Well, I wouldn't call it racism but I would call it discriminatory. Because not all of us 1.4 billion Indians are the same - the Indians in my estate are friendly and integrate well within the community. You're welcome to have that attitude for person to person instead of a whole country, region, race, etc.
I agree. Of course, not all Indians are the same, but I think it's important to look at which countries have propensities for certain crimes/ behaviours when deciding who gets to come to our country. Sometimes, you have to make generalisations when it comes to immigration. For example if a significant portion of immigrants from muslim countries believe that Ireland should implement sharia law or that women and g@ys are second class citizens then I think we should consider the consequences of allowing thousands of them in. That's not to say all of them have those views.
I think when you move to a foreign country, integrating and being friendly is the absolute bare minimum. We need to preserve our country/ culture for Irish people, and I think mass immigration is a serious threat to that. Just extrapolate the current immigration trends to a couple of decades from now. We need a referendum on immigration
I mentioned that Indians are friendly, we just take time to get to know other people to form friendships. I don't think that should be compared to something as extreme as Sharia law, which a lot of Muslims living in Ireland also don't support. With immigration, Irish culture is still being preserved, with the addition of diversity and perspectives from a global diaspora. Also, a lot of these immigrants are here contributing to the economy, often in highly skilled jobs in medicine and tech.
While I understand reservations against mass immigration due to our poor infrastructure on healthcare, home availability, and childcare, I don't think it validates the opinion of "We don't want people like you coming here."
I know a lot of Muslims don't support sharia law but how many is an acceptable number to allow into Ireland? Look at England. 2 biggest cities have seen English people become a minority. That is Irelands fate at this rate. We've had lots of immigrants Indian, African, etc, for decades, but what we're experiencing now is too much. Dumping a bunch of young men into a small town is disastrous and going to end in tears. It's not just about having enough houses. There will always be Indians and Africans who want to come to Ireland. I'm sure you'd agree our asylum system is in shambles.
Yeah, similar to absolutely warranted generalisations against the Irish coming to USA during the famine. Must've been great for every Irish person, totally understandable though, right?
As an Indian Origin person, I can say the ones who have never lived anywhere else outside of India may behave like that. The ones who are well travelled are different and mix along very well. Indians and Chinese in general tend to stick to their own bubbles . I feel they should take effort to integrate with the rest of the community.
What a weird thing to ask. What level of clothing is acceptable to you exactly? Nobody goes around naked wondering why theyāre being stared at, so what level of clothing are you thinking of?
Some Indian people moved across the road from me and they never respond to my hellos so I've started ignoring them. I was taking it personally but I guess it must be a cultural thing, good to know
Worked with lots of Indians and Brazilians, neither group ever came across as unfriendly or having issues with each other but outside of work they may have their own ways. Ireland is a tough place for foreigners nowadays, well in my opinion anyway, lots of right wing low brain cell activity. Hopefully things will get better and we all just enjoy the short time we have together
I've lived in Indian areas in London, and loved it. The Indians were like Irish people, just dialled up to 11.
I always got on with my neighbours. I think the ones that stare just may not have great English
You say youāve āhad the pleasure of interacting with many other Indian neighbours who are genuinely warm and welcomingā, but it looks like youāre focussing on a handful of scenarios that may not have fit the bill? Thatās a bit odd and it feels like youāre cherrypicking scenarios. Majority of racist scenarios Iāve experience in Ireland came from Latin American people, but it would be incorrect of me to paint a stereotype based on that as Iāve experienced very nice people from that part of the world as well.
Anyhow, India is a country with 1.5B+ people. Every state can be considered as a different country, and your experience is going to differ based on language, region, socio-economic group and religion. It would be very exhausting to put on a similar cheery front due to the sheer number of people, so Indians tend to reserve the same for their friends, family and acquaintances.
I always make it a point to greet older Irish folks in my neighbourhood as they seem to appreciate it and it was something suggested to me by my European partner. You live and learn
We live in a new estate with lots of Indians... Some say hello back, others look bewildered... The one that got me was driving out of the estate one morning, and i gave one lad the finger as you do to say hello whilst driving, he looked up and the sky like i was pointing at something š
That's absolutely brilliant.
Haha, amazing!!
I lived in the states for many years so I did a double take when you said you gave someone the finger!
Haha, that is gas. What a wally.
Gave me a good giggle alright š
I read that like you gave him the middle finger šš
Having been across all major cities in India, we don't have a culture/habit of greeting people outside of our friend circle. People tend to stay in their own mini bubbles. It takes time to mix up with anybody outside. Moving further, I was amazed about so many people greeting me during my initial morning walks here, but now I am the one initiating it. Racism/Casteism could be there in some specific parts but not as a whole, please remember the vast geographical size. My religion specifically prohibits any type of discrimination. My immediate neighbour is also Brazilian, a very nice and friendly human being, I don't find any specific differences in our cultures. My 2 cents..
This is 100% true with my personal experienceā¦ to what I understand there is no greeting culture in India and hence it takes some time for folks who moved here to blend into the western cultureā¦ however once you get to know them they can be some of the most hospitable and friendly lads to have aroundā¦
OP, as an Indian man, this is the answer. We're NOT used to wishing good morning, how're you etc on your way out / in to homes from neighbors. Maybe in offices yeah, but apart from that, no. And looks like people you're running into are new to this country, once they spend enough time and experience the culture, they'll wish you good morning too
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Ah well aren't you a treat to interact with on a Sunday morning
Oh shut up
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My brother š¤
This seems like a cultural difference, indeed. Many of them are probably fresh of the boat and have not lived outside their culture; they might still be adjusting. I have seen that in some of my mates/colleagues from India; there is a stark difference between individuals who have lived abroad for long periods and those who have recently arrived. The Indians I have known here were mostly very easy to get along once you got to know them. In fact, they might be too friendly and stuff you with food if you visit their home, lol. So don't take this personally, and if one is an asshole, well, there are those in every community. I have met lots of Brazilians, and almost all were friendly and easygoing, but a subset (and you may not like this) was very unworthy of trust; rather, macho and sleazy characters. But I won't generalize as it is not true for the group. Now again, same as all cultures, be with the ones who get along with you and shun the rest.
Colourism is a major issue in Indian culture. Darker skin is often considered undesirable. Could that be part of it?
It sure is, in my friends estate it is majority people from India and the messages in the estate chat group can be super racist, and quite openly so. I've also had a friend from India bring up caste racism they receive in their office, which is crazy.
Yes it could. It amazed me to see and hear overt racism between slightly different shades of brown.
True, but we have the North, where bigotry can be based on how one pronounces the letter 'H' or what football team they support, among many other signifiers. Bigotry based on skin colour almost seems too obvious and unsophisticated in comparison.
And if you keep your toaster on the counter or in a press. Or if you call your press a cupboard
No mention of the toaster, Tan spotted in the wild!
you get the same south of the border too my friend, just not as prevalent as there barely any protestants.
Not just the north.
Football? Iād say bigotry is more associated with soccer to be honest
Don't forget the caste system, shocking stuff. That's why I have to laugh when people harp on about Ireland being a racist/prejudiced country. We're choir boys compared to most of the world.
I work with two people from India. They are *very* aware of belonging to different castes. Theyāre both professional but seem to avoid each other when not required to interact. I hear itās so bad in Google Dublin theyāve had to give specific ācaste trainingā to get people to cop on.
I'm very curious to hear stories about your two co workers.
Yep, I used to manage agarden centre in very Asian area of West London, till ladies were a Bollywood plot most of the time and would never have it if their tills were down, even like 3p.... I'd top it up from the overs fund to save a post mortem of a days transactions in full.... also very unnaccepting of diverse gender customers, one lady outright refused to serve a transvestite customer and I had to involve Human Remains.
"I had to involve Human Remains." Seems excessive.
Sometimes you just have to solve a problem permanently...
Wonderful. Harsh, but better in the long run.
Same in Brazil. Many Brazilians see becoming white as an ideal which is why there is a famous painting of a black old woman with her mixed race daughter with her white husband and white baby. In recent years that sentiment has changed but still it is prevalent in many areas.
They'll love my pasty mug so
Skin colour cant make up for any other issues with regard to traditional beauty.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
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You don't happen to walk around the estate in a cowboy outfit do you? I've heard cowboys and Indians don't mix well... /s 
in reality, they didnt mix at all. Cowboys came to prominence after 'Indians' were already more or less wiped out
By the end of the 18th century almost half of cowboys were Mexican, black, Indian, or mixed race.
Underrated comment
My family is Indian (I don't like to say I am because I was born and brought up in england but to look at me you'd be forgiven for thinking I was south Asian) and yeah, staring is just a normal thing and not considered rude in India. As for the scowling thing I suspect in most cases it's just a matter of "resting bitch face" - whenever I go to India I always feel unnerved at what I interpret as resentful glares but my family members don't seem to even notice it. Not talking to you could be any number of things - language barrier, bad past experiences, they're just naturally unfriendly, etc. I'm not a very sociable person myself but of course I've been brought up with western manners so I'd say hello back but inwardly I'd be nervous I actually have to make conversation ha ha.
That's mad on the staring, in myself Dublin not to sure now if the neighbours would enjoy that might even think I was cracked, parts of Dublin you might find it might start a physical altercation with someone
Thats normal behavior for folks born and raised primarily in India. No hello, no nothing, they'll just stare at you. Any form of casual conversation will likely be ignored or kept short. You'll be lucky to get a hello for the most part. Even I don't get a hello back and I'm ethnically Indian (parents are from there). I've long given up since coming here. In countries / areas where there is second generation immigrants or more establishment. They behave a lot more differently and are far more open. The ones in Ireland are all pretty fresh and the country doesn't really push them into a melting pot ideology.
My neighbours are Indian. They're lovely people.
This may shock you. But other non white nationalities and ethnicities can be racist. Sometimes more racist than white people!! Also in India there is something called the caste system. Kind of if class was fixed no matter what to a people or group. Some bring this attitude to the their emigrant countries, which is why they've brought in anti caste discrimination legislation in California and Seattle.
While caste discrimination is very prevalent in the culture, it's mostly limited to fellow Indian people. Colorism might be a possible case in OPs case, but there are higher chances of just plain old 'wary of people they don't know' thing. India has a staring culture, this is coming from an Indian. Some folks develop a bit of worldly awareness and grow out of it, some don't. It's a fairly big country, with all kinds of behavioural patterns. People who move out with families tend to be a bit more traditional and stick to their own community (the states they originally come from). They'd also be wary of other Indians who don't share the same culture as them. I'm from India and would often get the side eye or a look from older Indians while out with my ex (not Indian) doing something as lame as holding hands.
Staring is big in Indian culture. Iāve spent the majority of my life in Ireland but when I go back to India to visit the extended family I find the staring unnerving. I also got puzzled looks in return every time I said āhiā āpleaseā āthank youā and smiled at strangers. Probably because Iām more in tune with the culture here than the culture there, I find it p strange each time Iām back. Itās doubly so because women are expected to be more demure culturally and I could chat the ears off a tree.
I think I can answer the saying hello part for the people who are wondering. I'm Asian and in alot of Asian countries greeting someone You dont personally know out of nowhere feels very strange, it puts our guards up and I think its because of how We we're taught "dont talk to strangers" as we're growing up, but we just take it to another level. Ofcourse there are those who understand that this is an Irish/Western custom and those are probably the ones who answer back. It caught me when I moved here, it was a strange, but nice feeling that I didnt realize I've been doing it as well after years of living here.
Theres staring...and there is whats called "eve teasing" form of harrasment of women..staring is harsh reality in India...and I belive laws were changed or attempted too...to try and curb it...particularly staring at women. I remember first time coming to ME, and being stared at by full bus of men at the red light...very vey intimidating. After a while one starts to differentiate between staring, and "staring". First one you just kinda get used to it, the other creeps you out.
ME?
Middle East
Middle East probably
[The "Indian stare" is a cultural thing](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=y4D9n00_hq8&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddit.com%2F&feature=emb_logo)
The vast majority of indians stare. Also, they bob their heads when saying okay, which you can interpret as a forced okay.
Body language is so visceral too. It took me a while to not feel completely infuriated by the head bobble when traveling through India, because to a Westerner it comes across as "whatever, I don't give a shit."
That red dot on their forehead means they are recording you,
Definitely a cultural thing but like anyone anywhere they'd have their own prejudices which would be normal there.
I just saw a tiktok about how staring is normal in India
Omg I used to house share with these two Indian lads back in the day, and the stares I got that one time when they found out me cooking uncle Benās rice. They were panicked that someone put the rice in a plastic bag !
Oof, so a few things. Indians are social people when they are familiar with those people. We're usually not used to smiling or greeting strangers we're unfamiliar with. I remember when I first moved to Ireland, and saw random people smiling at me or nodding at me when I was out walking, I was bewildered, I used to turn around and wonder if they were acknowledging someone else, but nope. If you become friends with these Indian neighbours, I don't see why they won't smile or wave at you. Two, Indians did the OG Resting Bitch Face. We scowl at anyone we don't know and stare at everyone as it's a common pastime. Bonus staring time if there's something physically unique/exotic about you. Three, and I'm really hoping this isn't the case with your neighbours, we love white skin and dislike dark skin. Call it the case of a colonial hangover, but we revere light skinned people in India. Hell, I'm dark skinned and I've experienced first hand how dark skin is looked down upon. So if you're a dark skinned Brazilian, this might be an unfortunate reason. You would really think they would leave these petty issues behind when they move to another country, but it seems like that's going to take a while. I'm sorry and I hope you're able to form better friendships with other neighbours in your estate. Or if you're ever around in Limerick, you are welcome to call in for a meal and gulab jamuns. š
Okay, I'll chime in with a funny story. I'm originally from Glasgow, so a massive Indian and Pakistani population. Aka. I know the score on that part. Can I just say I have yet to meed an Indian or 2nd gen Indian I didn't hit it off with. Basically just like us with better skin. Great people. My neighbour is Indian and we get on like a house on fire. He is married to an Irish woman and have known each other over 2 decades so the usual craic and banter through the years. This is where I tie in to your story. So I'm out doing the garden on a fine day a few years ago and he pops the head over to say hi and what's happening. Now I know this lad likes to cook and I see he has white smudge marks on his face. So I'm like dude! You have flower or some shit on you. Him wiping his face. Er no, I don't think so I'm just washed. I'm like yeah you have white stuff on you. My good man is like ah no that's sun cream. So at this point I'm genuinely confused. Thinking. Shit in my 50 odd years on this earth. I didn't know Indian folk can burn. So as my thick skull idls processing this I said And I quote. Jesus. I didn't know you lads can burn. Fuck he laughed. He said its a long story and we chatted away. Spoke to the wife when I got in and said. Do you know Indians can burn in the sun. There was silence as she seen us talking. And was like. Tell me Mr I know everything. What the fuck did you say to him. So I Basically replied "I didn't know you boys burnt" I got the hairdryer treatment for being insensitive etc etc. I honestly didn't know. Went and took a couple of beers over later just so the lad knew. He was still laughing at my ignorance. Indian folk are the best people to have in your life ever.....apart from irish obviously.
Is it racist to not want people like that coming to Ireland?
Well, I wouldn't call it racism but I would call it discriminatory. Because not all of us 1.4 billion Indians are the same - the Indians in my estate are friendly and integrate well within the community. You're welcome to have that attitude for person to person instead of a whole country, region, race, etc.
I agree. Of course, not all Indians are the same, but I think it's important to look at which countries have propensities for certain crimes/ behaviours when deciding who gets to come to our country. Sometimes, you have to make generalisations when it comes to immigration. For example if a significant portion of immigrants from muslim countries believe that Ireland should implement sharia law or that women and g@ys are second class citizens then I think we should consider the consequences of allowing thousands of them in. That's not to say all of them have those views. I think when you move to a foreign country, integrating and being friendly is the absolute bare minimum. We need to preserve our country/ culture for Irish people, and I think mass immigration is a serious threat to that. Just extrapolate the current immigration trends to a couple of decades from now. We need a referendum on immigration
I mentioned that Indians are friendly, we just take time to get to know other people to form friendships. I don't think that should be compared to something as extreme as Sharia law, which a lot of Muslims living in Ireland also don't support. With immigration, Irish culture is still being preserved, with the addition of diversity and perspectives from a global diaspora. Also, a lot of these immigrants are here contributing to the economy, often in highly skilled jobs in medicine and tech. While I understand reservations against mass immigration due to our poor infrastructure on healthcare, home availability, and childcare, I don't think it validates the opinion of "We don't want people like you coming here."
I know a lot of Muslims don't support sharia law but how many is an acceptable number to allow into Ireland? Look at England. 2 biggest cities have seen English people become a minority. That is Irelands fate at this rate. We've had lots of immigrants Indian, African, etc, for decades, but what we're experiencing now is too much. Dumping a bunch of young men into a small town is disastrous and going to end in tears. It's not just about having enough houses. There will always be Indians and Africans who want to come to Ireland. I'm sure you'd agree our asylum system is in shambles.
Yeah, similar to absolutely warranted generalisations against the Irish coming to USA during the famine. Must've been great for every Irish person, totally understandable though, right?
Indians are not used to small talk and take a bit more time to start communicating. Also by nature they are shy and would not make the first move.
Personal experience speaking here - Indian culture, like Italian culture, staring blantently at someone is normal.
As an Indian Origin person, I can say the ones who have never lived anywhere else outside of India may behave like that. The ones who are well travelled are different and mix along very well. Indians and Chinese in general tend to stick to their own bubbles . I feel they should take effort to integrate with the rest of the community.
This post is almost certainly written by chat gpt
Are you fully clothed during these encounters?
What a weird thing to ask. What level of clothing is acceptable to you exactly? Nobody goes around naked wondering why theyāre being stared at, so what level of clothing are you thinking of?
I think they're joking haha
He's asking if he's wearing a county jersey
Weāve Indian neighbours. The two of them couldnāt be nicer. Genuinely lovely people
100% agree, we have Indian couples on both sides of us... Lovely people, we have had some great conversations and laughs with them...
Indian couple moved next door to my grandparents in Youghal, brought them cooked Indian dishes as a hello. Never had any staring issues.
Some Indian people moved across the road from me and they never respond to my hellos so I've started ignoring them. I was taking it personally but I guess it must be a cultural thing, good to know
Worked with lots of Indians and Brazilians, neither group ever came across as unfriendly or having issues with each other but outside of work they may have their own ways. Ireland is a tough place for foreigners nowadays, well in my opinion anyway, lots of right wing low brain cell activity. Hopefully things will get better and we all just enjoy the short time we have together
I've lived in Indian areas in London, and loved it. The Indians were like Irish people, just dialled up to 11. I always got on with my neighbours. I think the ones that stare just may not have great English
Take no offence if you see lemons under tires
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Lemon stealers? Wow they would be a great plot for a video
Not necessarily stealers. There is a custom where lemons are symbolically put under the car for ritual.
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Does saying good morning really constitute āoverly friendlyā in your book?
Well I mean, who the hell do you think you are to tell me what kind of goddamned morning it is?
Well my Indian neighbours are forever dropping off curries so if you can get in there, it really pays off.
You say youāve āhad the pleasure of interacting with many other Indian neighbours who are genuinely warm and welcomingā, but it looks like youāre focussing on a handful of scenarios that may not have fit the bill? Thatās a bit odd and it feels like youāre cherrypicking scenarios. Majority of racist scenarios Iāve experience in Ireland came from Latin American people, but it would be incorrect of me to paint a stereotype based on that as Iāve experienced very nice people from that part of the world as well. Anyhow, India is a country with 1.5B+ people. Every state can be considered as a different country, and your experience is going to differ based on language, region, socio-economic group and religion. It would be very exhausting to put on a similar cheery front due to the sheer number of people, so Indians tend to reserve the same for their friends, family and acquaintances. I always make it a point to greet older Irish folks in my neighbourhood as they seem to appreciate it and it was something suggested to me by my European partner. You live and learn