In this piece the author, Khandelwal, discusses the “Indian” immigrant experience in America and the larger implications of the term “South Asian”. While the discussion of the “Indian”-American experience in Queens was fascinating, especially as a life log Queens resident who has observed these dynamics first hand, I found the issue of defining “Indian” and the issue of who should assume responsibility for that issue, to be most interesting.
Khandewlwal addresses is how exactly to define “Indian” identity and how it fits in within the larger category of “South Asian” identity. While the author does not provide a definitive definition (indeed, considering the vast diversity within and originating from the subcontinent there really can be none) what is settled is that the American manner of defining “Indian” and “South Asian” is flawed, or at least, lacking perspective. Here’s my question though: upon whom does this burden of definition fall? Should American society be obliged to properly define a set of cultures that are distinctly not American (and what is American?)? In my opinion, yes, there is inherit social and humanistic value in properly defining and understanding a foreign culture. However, for the practical purposes of the American government, isn’t it better to simply construct a definition that would best serve the needs of a people. In a sense, much of the Indian immigrant community would benefit from this broad association and conflation with other south Asians. Historically, there have been more communal and non-profit resources designated towards to struggling South Asian immigrants in general, as opposed to those struggling Indian immigrants whose economic needs are consistently marginalized the the “Indian” economic elite who maintain an image of Indian communal wealth and comfort. In other words, the “burden of definition” should fall solely upon the “Indian” community, and the American government should simply be obligated to define “Indian” only insofar as it helps and improves the lives of the immigrants.
