The Desi Denial Disorder "(DDD)" Diagnosed

The term, "desi," is a word derived from Sanskrit with the meaning, "one from our country"; a national opposed to a foreign. It is in reference to people from the subcontinent, in general, and mainly India and Pakistan.

Having said that, many of desi origins tend to hold on to certain traditions. Family pride and image amongst locals is just one. When we compare Western and Eastern values a, "keeping up with the Jones'," mentality becomes more so when applied to persons of Eastern background who live in the West. Though not quite a clash of civilizations; the reason for same is not known either. Whether it is the history of a caste system giving rise to more competition, or having a population in lesser number that makes it more susceptible to discrepancies, or a combination of both; one can only speculate.

This competition mode becomes a survival of the fittest. That then would entail the, "living in a bubble world," where no one suffers or loss cannot be sustained. Desi denial disorder sinks in at this point if none of the following is achieved: What happens when my child doesn't have good grades? What happens if a career low turning point occurs? What happens if the marriage fails? What happens of I don't get a classy vehicle or mansion? What happens when the children don't end up in college and without pursuit of professional education? What if they can't get married to a person of same class, creed and culture? What if I can't afford to marry them? What if my children don't take care of me in my elders years? In essence, it is living life to please others or to keep within a certain ideal state.

Consequently, desis are not well equipped to cope with a crisis. Instead a, "saving face," is preferred to admission that a problem exists. Excuses and non admission is what most first generation desis have practiced. Interestingly enough, one wonders if such a trend will continue amongst the following generations. Will the children pick up on old traditions or adopt the Western ways which includes an ability to embrace, face and challenge teachings or prior principles? Perhaps, even a combination of the two. Personally, I have observed that desis prefer to keep quiet and advertising one's problems is still largely frowned upon. Fixing the problem instead of embracing change is what most tend to do. When this will change is yet to be seen.