East and West

#5, Kulharee {``Perhaps, a happy medium lies somewhere in the middle, in Punjabi it is called Wari Wata – you scratch my back and I scratch your back.``}

Mr. Axeman,
Fine, as long as they stick to backs. Sometimes they get carried away and become a pain in the you know what. :)

Re: # 7

Chauhan yaar, it’s the way of the future. The reason (in my unrefined opinion) that these differences are so obvious is because extreme elements in both societies are very insular. People are afraid to let go of their traditions and hold them tight, as that’s the only thing they can exercise somewhat control over. In societies that are becoming increasingly inter-racial, the customs and values become diluted after a generation or two. In NYC for example, no one will give a second look to a women covered in a black tent, but in places like Lahore, a woman walking down Anarkali in mini-shorts will attract a huge following.

So the concept of Wari Wata is that both sides should be open to not just giving, but also receiving. It’s better that way.

West`s main pride is their independence. That is why every American leader talks about ``INDEPENDENCE``.

They need more space, open houses, time for themselves, no probing, that is how they are groomed, I dont see anything wrong with it.

Indians can`t afford independence, it is too costly for them.

In a nutshell, In East, an Individual revolves around Society, whereas Society revolves around the Individual in the West. Perhaps, a happy medium lies somewhere in the middle, in Punjabi it is called Wari Wata – you scratch my back and I scratch your back. The rest is inconsequential and differences are superficial.

Hummm Very interesting.
Desis are poorer and lack infrastructure to be independent that is why they are hurdled up in small houses. As soon as they become rich they want to have their independence, especially in middle class families.

.......... what utter nonsense !

......... eastern ``values`` are driven by economic deprivation and dependence ......... as soon as people become economically independent they adopt ``western`` values ........ nobody wants to live in one room with six people and the family goat and get up in the morning to touch their grandfather`s smelly feet ! ......... and any woman who says that she loves living in the same house as her mother-in-law and sixteen nieces and nephews is a big fat lier !

......... western ``values`` are driven by the concept of liberty .......... political, economic, social, cultural, civil and, most important of all, personal liberty ............ nobody in their right mind disagrees that as we approach ``the end of history`` western values will supplant eastern orthodoxy (whatever!) ........... most people, except fundamentalist muslims and the mentally deranged, have already accepted the concept of ``liberal democracy`` as being the best form of government .......... and as liberal democracies take root and economic prosperity follows, the social values will change (for the better ).........as a matter of fact economic prosperity alone, without liberal democracy, as in the case of china and urban south india, has resulted in a remarkable change in values ........... kids living in singapore and bangalore don`t go home every night to massage grandpa`s feet, they prefer to party and puke like those westerners ! .......... it is time grandpa got used to the idea ...........

I have many friends who are western with hwom i have worked, and we still keep in touch over oceans and continents. Friendships die if you let them, i don`t think its an east west thing.

Tho i do agree that eastern culture is more ppl orientated than western, and it is also a lot more friendlier and hospitable too.

I definitely agree that there is an east-west divide.

Among easterners, there is generally a higher tendency of nepotism – people would only hire their own – and generally not base it on merits.

Also, people at work in the west generally stay away from asking questions which may be considered personal – which does not mean that they can not form strong personal relationships with colleagues – but it is not a given.

I also believe there is a clear difference between how seriously one approaches specific topics depending on which continent one represents. Certain topics, e.g., intimate, personal, or interpersonal relationships may become more complex because certain topics may be considered taboos to discuss in the east and may be done so rather casually (sometimes in a cavalier fashion) in the west. Easterners also tend to stereotype westerners, who return the favor in its own flavor.

Many times, the easterners can read more into words than the westerners – taking personal affront more easily.

Easterners can also invest more emotionally in the work they produce, many times incapable of distinguishing a criticism of their product from a personal criticism.

The westerners generally treat their pets a lot more humanely than the easterners.

I disagree with the author on some issues. Many things attributed here to “westerners” exclusively are simply “big city” items – especially those that involve the shortage of available time and resources. Also, friendships are always formed on an individual basis and their longevity does not follow an east-west divide. Neither does the human ability to share with other humans.