America vs. India: A Comparison On How Primary Schools Are Shaping The Way Future Generations Perceive Themselves

Having spent my primary school years (from first to fifth grade) divided almost equally between America and India, I experienced two very different styles of cultural indoctrination in terms of how children are taught to understand their place in their country and the world. In retrospect, I realise that it plays a fundamental role in the adults we become — it shapes the very way we perceive ourselves as global citizens.

This article does not intend determine which system is better; its purpose is merely to highlight certain key differences between the two. I absolutely loved my school in America, and although I cannot say the same for the primary school I attended in India (although that is for completely different reasons — a story for another time, perhaps) I was still able to learn a lot. Being a part of two such contrasting cultural environments has given me the ability to reflect on them with a degree of objectivity.

Let’s begin with the American system. Diversity and inclusivity was a large part of our cultural education. However, the hidden implied connotation extended beyond superficial appearance to nationality. We were taught that no matter what you looked like, all people were equal; however, this tended to translate to all Americans are equal; anyone who wasn’t American was subconsciously perceived as the ‘Other’.

Following this, all negative elements of civilization were projected onto the ‘Other’. For example, whenever we were taught about the homeless, countries like India and the entire continent of Africa were always in the limelight, even though America has a very large population of homeless people. The same goes for other issues such as poverty, health, and infrastructure. My classmates genuinely believed that in India we lived in trees and had no electricity or food.

On the other hand, all positive qualities were internalized as objective, unquestionable truths (ex: Americans are world leaders, Americans are privileged and lead a higher quality of life than the rest of the world, etc.). While these lessons were well-intended, they often resulted in an unnecessary sense of entitlement in young, impressionable children.

Indian education was the complete opposite. All positive qualities were projected outwards, with the ‘West’ being the epitome of high quality standards. The ability to speak English was glorified, and we followed American pop culture trends. We were also frequently reminded that India was a ‘developing’ country while countries like America were ‘developed’ countries.

Subsequently, all negatives were internalized (India is a poor country with many starving, homeless and illiterate people, our infrastructure isn’t great, there is a lot that needs to improve, etc.). While there was truth in these negatives, the constant reminder of what we lack created something of an inferiority complex in terms of how we perceive ourselves in the global community.

It comes as no surprise if an Indian instinctively feels inadequate in a global environment — they are carrying all of these negative qualities with them, regardless of whether those qualities actually pertain to them as an individual.

(Disclaimer: This does not apply to all Indians)

While this is far from ideal, the opposite approach also has its disadvantages. While the American system of cultural upbringing raises children to become adults who are confident and comfortable in the world, it has also created some adults who are disrespectful of other cultures and unwilling to adapt to new environments. What’s even more unsettling is that the American public seems to prefer lies that paint America in a good light in a way they are familiar with, rather than listen to uncomfortable truths that aren’t as pleasant. Don’t believe me? Look at who they chose to be their President.

To conclude, understanding one’s identity in the context of a larger community is a challenge we all face. We must somehow develop an individual personality in an environment governed by multiple factors such as economy, social constructs, etc. that all have an influence on who we think we are. With young children, the task teachers have at hand is to find the perfect balance that presents the truth of said environment in a way that allows their students to adapt and find their place in it organically.

I am aware that this is much easier said than done.