Desi's promised land...

How others see Americans | Still not loved. Now not envied | Economist.com

Interesting to see that desis viiew US of A most favorably.

It has been interesting to see the reactions of desi's in pardes to the rise of India as an economic power. The first generation folks who moved abroad about 20+ years back lament that they did not have all these opportunities during their time. They also lament the decline of social values, religion etc... I heard them say - "Our temple here is better than the ones in India. We have the religious values that were around X years back in india". Typically, X turns out to be the time when this dude left India. I have heard one say - "This fellow would not have been allowed to step into my house in india. And, look at him becoming the office bearer..." Interestingly enough this remark came from an Indian catholic. Of course, most of them talk of going back to india to die - "be at home. And, medical facilities are cheaper."

The new generation (folks who came in the last 15 years) thanks to IT etc... I guess feel that they missed the bus. So, quite a few of them side with the Lou Dobbs' of the world and are quite critical about offshoring and outsourcing. I have heard a guy say - "but, what about my child? what will be the prospects for him in the US of A when he grows up?" The sense of "entitlement" that Thomas Friedman talks about - sooner or later we all feel it. Some talk about how China will kick India's butt. In most cases these folks have never been to china, know anything about Indo-china trade etc...But, it makes them feel better. In fact, I heard a desi say that US outsourcing to China is a larger US conspiracy to create popular revolt in China and overthrow communism. And, at the end of it US will be victorious. Though I dont' see how democratic China will be less powerful in the economic front.

I think India has the promise. Hopefully, they won't screw it up thru' bad government policies or plain old greed (like the BPO folks who stole customer information). And, do nations and borders really matter... ?