If for instance, black people were world reknowned for their high intellect (like Jews) or for their professionalism, I think the rule would be non-existent. I’m not saying all Jews are neccessarily intellectual geniuses, but the reputation, deserved or not, is there. Similarly, black people also have a certain reputation, deserved or not, as also do Muslims in this day and age. On top of that there is a long-standing, painful history between Muslims and non-Muslims in the Desh which does not help matters much.

Many desis are darker than many black people and many of them ending up marrying desi partners of similar shade, so we know that it’s not just the color of the skin that put this “rule” into effect. Like Vijay stated above, there is a certain assumption about the culture and way of life of black people that contributes to the prejudice, or which has even created the prejudice to begin with.

Well, I brought home a Black woman. And sure, they had a heart attack, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. We have two sons now, and my parents have calmed down considerably. Her parents were not enthused about their daughter marrying an Indian, especially one who doesn’t have a corporate career. Problems regarding our union were mutual; my parents assumed that her parents weren’t professional, so my family nearly died when they discovered that her dad was a third generation doctor. Her folks were pleasantly surprised that my family didn’t own a 711. Talk about ignorance coming from both families. I think many desis assume that middle and upper-class African Americans do not exist; Of course they do not exist in large numbers, but I nevertheless they exist. Her family get-togethers have been eye-opening; everyone is professional and educated. I feel like the odd one out, but not because of my race.

ImNotBeingFunny, for someone who lectures Indians on a color complex, would you care to lecture AA women on all the straighteners , weaves and extensions when they can be black and proud. What is wrong with those 70s Afros?

My wife wears a small curly afro from time to time, but she also wears her hair straightened and occasionally with a hair piece. She’s just a woman changing her hair when she feels like it, and frequents a blog about natural hair care. My sisters iron their hair on a regular basis with flat irons, so I don’t see much of a difference in my opinion; just women expressing their female beauty. My wife is proud to be Black, and her hair is just a part of her, just like her race is just a part of her.

Oh,…and Anna, I too was told not to bring home a “kala” (karamban, in malu-speak) or a “puerto rican” or a “hindu” (being raised in a Catholic home)…. Needless to say, my folks are pissed…and to top it off, my sister married a Hindu! Aeyooo…What to do, yaar?

on another note, i just found out that i have the chance to see padma’s ex, mr. rushdie, speak next week. i will let you guys know the deal if i have the chance to go!

I dont know what that is.”

I meant RSS feed. Still wondering….

a) the closest thing i got to that advice was that american girls, in general, were no good. this was principally from extended family members.

b) my family and my wife get along extremely well. i am a christian and so is my wife. having the same religious background really helped, but mostly it was how long we were together–we started dating in high school. during those years, my wife and my family grew close and she was basically considered a daughter-/sister-in-law long before we were actually married.

c) i was born in india, but grew up in the states having come here at a pretty young age.

yes, that’s what i’m saying

WEll, I dont buy it. I think EM was just pandering to the crowd in some sense, he knew his constituents would not be too up on reconnecting with the African peoples. EM himself made a trip to mecca (where he changed the names of NOI facilities from muslim temples to muslim mosques), but didn’t alter his thinking in the same way malcolm did, because he was more concerned about power rather than realizing the truth.

no, i did not mean “significant.”

Significant enough to mention obviously. There, I can’t agree with you. state law.

yes, that’s what i’m saying

if you mean in part, as in “a significant part”, signficant enough to mention anyway),

no, i did not mean “significant.”