There exists a stereotype in which Indian (and Asian) parents live by different rules when raising their children than do those parents of any other ethnicity. They guide with more of an Authoritarian grasp rather than a passive, laissez-faire approach. In these families parents are to children as a king is to his kingdom - often times children have no opinion in their lives and are forced to abide by their parents' rules without any argument or reason. Although to some, this may appear as the best way to parent, many children disagree. Here's why:
1. Given Unrealistic Expectations
Because of our parents' extremely high standards, we are expected to receive exceptional grades, play a sport, participate in numerous clubs, play an instrument, etc. and succeed while we're at it. We are expected to do everything that they couldn't back in their home country.
2. Held on a tight leash.
We are rarely given the freedom to leave the house as we please and roam anywhere we want. If we are given permission to hang out we must provide our parents with extensive amounts of information: who's coming, where we're going, when we're going, when we're coming back, everyone's phone numbers, other parents' phone numbers, etc.. The whole tracking starter pack.
3. Cemented in Time
Our parents are more conservative than others and forever restrict us to a certain lifestyle. We aren't allowed to participate in many of the "high school activities" others are affiliated with. God forbid we even drink coffee or have a soda past ten o'clock.
4. Constantly Eating Indian Food
We eat Indian food, ALL THE TIME-at home, at brown parties, at restaurants, EVERYWHERE.
5. Forced to Attend a Variety of Parties (Weddings, Birthday Parties, Baby Showers) Despite not Knowing the Person(s)
We involuntarily arrive at parties in which we are clueless as to who is getting married or who is having a baby, yet it is still culturally appropriate to attend only for the aunties to exclaim, "Remember me? The last time I saw you was years ago." Generally, it is impossible for us to have any clue as to who it is that is talking to us, for we were most probably two "years ago".
6. Never Given an Opportunity "to fly"
We are granted no freedom in what we do and are always having to report to our parents regarding our daily schedule up to the simple detail of turning in a homework assignment.
*The above certainly does not necessarily apply to all Indian parents.
