Overly Assimilated

In the discussion portion of American Desis, Akaash and Arjun discuss the interview from the previous episode, then delve into a conversation with their community. Well, that's what they attempt to do...but things get away from them a little

They begin speaking about Mala, but the theme of ego and shame that came up so much in her book and interview took on a life of its own. Akaash and Arjun dive into the idea that our community cares far too much about what external people think of us. It's why there is so much privacy around our families and what goes on in them. "You can't bring shame on the family, so you can't display weakness." "Don't try something risky because you might fail and that would be shameful." And of course, "Don't talk about what we are struggling with, because struggle is a perceived weakness and our 'community' may look down on us." Akaash and Arjun discuss how this has manifested itself, citing modern day Desi weddings as a prime example.

Because the book is so much about family, the conversation keeps living in that area, and it segues perfectly into the community section. The fellas discuss whether or not there is a need to say "thank you" as they respond to an article that a listener emailed them about that phrase. They then speak on another emailed article about Sikhs being held out of the military. Finally they, wrap up with the, in their opinion, ridiculous trend to name kids names that are pseudo Indian so that it's easier for non Desis to pronounce.