ABCD

No I am not writing alphabets… what does ABCD reminds us about. Common term is “American born Confused Desi” or” American Born Confident Desi”, which one would you rather prefer... well it all depends who is analyzing it. A FOB or a Coconut. Sorry could not resist the quip. We tend to get biased when it comes to cultural segregation. Yes cultural segregation my us. Pointing fingers at kids born and raised here versus… back home. Wikipedia description of ABCD is “American-Born Confused Desi has become a polarizing factor in the South Asian diaspora in the US, with first-generation immigrant parents and young South Asians of second or latter generations”.  The original term was “BBCD” British Born Confused desi coined sometime in early nineties and later transitioned to “ABCD”.

In layman lingo.. ABCD are kids who are caught between two cultures. On one end they have to behave as good Indian kid who follows his or her parent directed lifestyle, on the other end he or she is trying to blend in with their American life style.  No wonder it is confusing. As a desi, I have been called I am too Americanized simply I have adapted well.. then these kids they are born and raised here. It is annoying for any American born Indian to put up with the term ABCD.. rather than “Confused” they would refer themselves as “confident” Desi. Today Indian-American youth have taken so many strides in defining an identity that the letter C more accurately means “Confident.” ABCD have made accomplishments in various socio economic sectors of USA.

ABCD has an added advantage of biculturism, they have cultivated richness of both Indian and American culture. Modern and ancient and along with that art of balancing it in their  modern lives. Ancient values guiding them in times of conflicting modern ideas and vice versa. Biculturism has been a privilege for them. ABCD are comfortable and confident in their skin and proud of their heritage. They are kids who are bringing proud to the Indo-American communities.

So next when you use the term keep in mind, the generation biculturism and rich heritage of India will be recognized by our “confident” Desi friends.