Why do Indian Women in the United States choose to wear traditional Indian clothing?
Now I realize this is a generality but in the neighborhood I live in, in Los Angeles, there are lots of people who are obviously from India. I think it is rather obvious that Indian men consort to western dress because of having to go to work at their American jobs. But the women who stay home tend to stay in their traditional clothing. I think they must make their clothing at home after buying just the fabric. Now I know this is the clothing they are used to but after living in Los Angeles for several years what keeps them from asimilating into western culture. And i'm keeping in mind i know this translates to other parts of their culture as well as like food and who they associate with. I guess the bottom line is people go with what is comfortable for them and it is what these people know.
I am not Indian but i do think it is mostly a confort thing and also a pride thing something to keep them connected to their heritage.
I read a good book called the Namesake wrtitten by an Indian woman about an Indian family in the US and she wrote about how the daughter born in the us wanted to dress and look more american and how the mom only felt comfortable in a sari because that is how they were raised ...
Why would living in another country than your original one mean that you must suddenly become bland white bread and lose all your ethnicity and customs? Most people are proud of their race and origins and have no reason to just erase them completely forever.
What's important is that these people become good American citizens, abide by the laws and contribute to making American society a better place.
I wear Indian clothes and I'm not Indian. I also wear Chinese dresses and use chopsticks to hold my hair up on occasion. You can buy inexpensive clothes or fabric whether you're American or Indian. Some saris are extremely expensive. It's all about what you can afford. I don't judge people by the way they are dressed though (or the color of their skin).
Actually, I live in Los Angeles and dont see much of that> Well if you live in Cerritos thats something else. But, you are right they do like to chose to wear thse things. They are use to it and feel comfortable. Just like if you go to some foreign place and wear normal american clothes. Because, your use to it. You find it comfortable. Or maybe, they just cant fit into normall jeans and a t-shirt. Obviously they are proud of their race and culture. Its not just comfort, but they like and stand up for who they are. Dont judge them just because you see it more, not all of them wear it. (Im Indian, but my whole family wears normal American clothing. We still are proud of our race)