Kavita Ramdya

This slim but jam-packed (and small print) volume is a study in cultural anthropology, namely the manner in which Hindu Americans attempt to navigate their dual-ethnic identity as displayed through one particular, ubiquitous cultural ritual: the wedding.

Ramdya studied 20 weddings of Hindu Indian Americans, paying close attention to which aspects of the pre-wedding and wedding process displayed which aspect of the couple's cultural identity. What she found was a fascinating blend of old and new, ancient and modern, that allowed the individuals to express both their Indian background and their current status as American citizens. She argues that the both/and model is a way for Hindu Americans to reinforce both their ethnic and American identities, and that success in America does not need to come at the expense of one's cultural and religious heritage.

I found the study both fascinating and informative, if a little short. I wish that Ramdya had included specific details from more of the weddings she viewed for the study, but she focuses on about 5 or 6 throughout the course of the text. I wonder if there might have been a larger version of this study done for a university or as a thesis, with this being a condensed version for the public? I'm not sure. It would also benefit from some tables or charts, showing how things stayed the same/changed across the board.

As a result of this study, I do plan to read more books about Hindu Americans and how they navigate their cultural identities in the West. I'm interacting with Indian Canadians more and more these days as I teach Bollywood classes in my area and surrounding cities, and I'm wondering what it's like to be part of an ethnic group, holding onto your rich ethnic heritage while still being a part of modern culture.

If you find that you interact with Hindu Americans in your workplace or school, this is a good place to start if you want to begin to understand the challenges faced by second-generation Hindu Americans today.… (mer)