How Being The Only Indian In My Sorority Opened The Conversation Of Racism and Acceptance | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

How Being The Only Indian In My Sorority Opened The Conversation Of Racism and Acceptance

Saree Not Sorry

722
How Being The Only Indian In My Sorority Opened The Conversation Of Racism and Acceptance
Ria Shah

When I joined my Greek organization three years ago, I didn't know it then but the bonds that I would make would cross racial and cultural barriers.

You see, I'm one of a handful of South-Asian Americans on a majority white campus. My organization is no different since I am one of two South Asian sisters in the entire organization. I thought that since I was culturally different from the others that I would be subject to offensive comments that I had experienced in the past. That couldn't be farther from the truth.

These wonderful human beings embrace my cultural differences. They ask me questions about my cultural background because they are genuinely curious and not to be offensive.

My Big is a beautiful, white and blonde young woman. We have very similar personalities as we are full of energy and life when we are around one another. I say to others who meet us for the first time, "Can't you tell we're sisters? Can't you tell we're related?". Physically we couldn't be more different for obvious reasons. She's Irish and I'm Indian.There was an instance where we were hanging out in a mall one weekend and we both walked into a salon because she had to get her eyebrows done. When she came out less than twenty minutes later, she asked me something that I never will forget.

"Ria, can I ask you something?", she hesitantly asks, not sure if her next question will offend me or not.

"Sure, what's up?" I respond.

"The Indian lady who was threading my eyebrows had this red thing in her hair parting. It looked like a kind of power or something like that. What is it and does it mean anything?"

Immediately I smile and explain that the red powder in the woman's hair is called vermillion. Vermillion (also known as sindoor) in a woman's hair is pretty much a way of symbolizing that she's a married woman since traditional Hindu wedding ceremonies don't involve exchanging rings.

This is just one of many instances where I felt like I was completely comfortable with being myself and didn't have to "act white" to fit in. When I wore a traditional formal Indian outfit to the end of the year formal, I was overwhelmed by the amount of support I got from every single one of my brothers and sisters. They thought that it was unique and beautiful.

Another sister was curious about the whole arranged marriage stereotype that surrounded my culture. In my head, I'm thinking "Please don't be one of those people that ask if I'm going to have an arranged marriage or if my wedding will be like a Bollywood movie". It was the way that she conveyed her question that made me feel comfortable about this all too uncomfortable topic.

"Ria, what is the dating atmosphere like with other Indians like yourself? Do you face any pressures within your own community or family?"

I told her that with most cultures with family-oriented values, like the South Asian culture, there's always bound to be some pressure from the community and sometimes the family as well to settle down and start a family. The truth is, we date just like other white people, just with stricter guidelines when letting the family in on the fact that you have a significant other.

There was one incident in particular in which I thought that I would have to face it alone. But again I was wrong.

Earlier this year, I had a professor who was racially biased and a classmate who was an open racist. One day in class, they both were making comments about how people in long beards and turbans are terrorists. I became defensive because Sikhs, who are also South Asians, are also known for having long beards and turbans have become mistaken for Muslims and therefore terrorists which are not the case whatsoever. The professor calls me out and says "Those are your people right?" To which my classmate response, "Why do your kind like to blow people up? You should go back to where you came from?"

When I told my sisters later that day of what had happened, they had my back immediately. They didn't accept the kind of racist and xenophobic behaviors that was being displayed and were furious at the fact that the professor didn't do anything to end this kind of behavior.

Being part of this organization allowed me to be more proud of my culture. Even in a society where being a minority makes you a subject worth degrading and sometimes dehumanizing, I am very humbled to know that there are individuals out there who are just genuinely curious and want to know more about people who different from them.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

182841
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

9551
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

454083
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

24255
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments