tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27946614.post90134491192594590..comments2024-03-07T14:43:21.888-08:00Comments on Whatever I want to write about: Oh the humanity!Sriram Khéhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06907731254833435446noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27946614.post-44728119605047571922016-04-04T10:26:23.594-07:002016-04-04T10:26:23.594-07:00A distinctly American habit that often makes the A...A distinctly American habit that often makes the American traveler come across as an eager-beaver, happy-go-lucky, person. I tell ya, I am an American who was accidentally born in India ;)Sriram Khéhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06724218458246880137noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27946614.post-1038226066850144462016-04-03T17:03:25.643-07:002016-04-03T17:03:25.643-07:00It's definitely an American trait (and not an ...It's definitely an American trait (and not an Indian one) to speak to random people on the street. But when we do that in India, people seem startled & amazed -- and then pleased, if they're from the lower strata of Indian society.<br /><br />It brings to mind a day, long ago, when we were walking down the street with an Indian family in their home town. A man who was approaching from the opposite direction was staring a it, and so Rob spoke to him: "Hello! Good morning!" And the little boy in our party tugged at Rob's sleeve & stage whispered, horrified: "Rob Uncle! We don't just talk to people like that!"Rob and Sarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12286462340839314411noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27946614.post-40025888154715086012016-04-03T08:17:19.432-07:002016-04-03T08:17:19.432-07:00I would assume that most hermits are sincerely int...I would assume that most hermits are sincerely interested in humanity. Hermits are rarely misanthropes. Right?<br /><br />The smartphone and other technological features are rapidly changing the way we interact with fellow humans in space and time. I am not convinced that such communication technology is doing us any good with respect to understanding what it is to be human.<br /><br />Yes, such friendliness is very much an American trait. Bravo, indeed. One of the many reasons to proudly admit to being an American ;)Sriram Khéhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06724218458246880137noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27946614.post-21663648347956820872016-04-02T19:42:06.020-07:002016-04-02T19:42:06.020-07:00I imagine most people are lost in thought or worry...I imagine most people are lost in thought or worrying about something - being late, finances, health - so don't realize there is a world outside their bodies as they walk down the street. I am sure there are plenty who choose not to respond, for whatever reason, but I'm equally sure there are plenty who don't even see the smiles and the friendliness. <br /><br />If such friendliness is a solely American trait, then bravo for the Americans. We can all use a smile from a stranger on occasion.Anne in Salemnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27946614.post-21058627328576410282016-04-02T19:01:41.456-07:002016-04-02T19:01:41.456-07:00Another example of your unique ability to take an ...Another example of your unique ability to take an everyday occurrence and convert it into a deep post. Well done.<br /><br />The smile and the nod to a passerby is very cultural. It may be American, but its not British and certainly not Indian. But the interest in fellow human beings that you write about is very true. The advent of the smartphone has taken a worsening trend and made it disastrous. In any case on the phone what the person is doing is forwarding some inane stuff to every group on WhatsApp ! Or like you, making a scintillating tweet to the effect that he is bored :)<br /><br />To gregarious people , this must be tough. By the way, are you a gregarious hermit ?Rameshhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11782192840421019943noreply@blogger.com