A viral video shows the difference between American and Indian upbringing. American culture teaches self-reliance, whereas in Indian culture, children support their parents in old age. Both the systems are symbols of their respective social values.
SoThese days a video of an American influencer Dustin Chevier is going viral on social media. This video has brought to the fore the deep difference between the lifestyle and thinking of Indian and American families. This debate is taking place on what should be the approach towards money and life-long relationship between children and parents.
American culture emphasizes self-reliance
According to Dustin, in American culture, ‘self-reliance’ i.e. standing on one’s own feet is given the most importance. There, even after the age of 70, parents themselves save money for their medical expenses and daily needs. They do not want to be a burden on their children when they fall ill or in old age. In America, parents are often more financially secure than their children. The aim of upbringing there is to make children self-reliant, and not to expect support from them in old age. For Americans, their freedom and economic dignity are paramount.
The story is completely opposite in India
The style of parenting in India is completely opposite to this. Here parenting is not just a childhood responsibility, but an emotional relationship throughout life. Indian parents happily spend their entire life’s earnings and happiness for the good education and marriage of their children. Therefore, it is considered natural for them to be financially and emotionally dependent on their children in old age. In return, children also consider it their duty and privilege to take care of their parents till their last breath. This is not a transaction, but the result of years of ‘investment of love’. This system creates a strong support between family members.
Who is right, who is wrong?
While in Western culture, self-reliance is a sign of self-respect, in Eastern cultures like India, interdependence is a symbol of family unity and deep love. As also mentioned in the video, none of these methods is better or worse. They simply reflect the lifestyle and values of different societies. The American model gives personal freedom, while the Indian model gives security and belonging within the family.
At last…
Such debates going on around the world give rise to new thinking on the responsibilities of parents and children. In today’s changing times, adopting the good things of both the cultures and respecting each other’s choices can be important for a healthy family system. Understanding these differences makes us smarter as global citizens.