1 definition by One of your so called "ABCD"
American Born Confused Desi (ABCD) is an offensive ethnic slur that refers to people of Desi origin (of South Asian, especially Indian, descent), raised in the United States. Its use by other races, recent Indian immigrants in particular for coming up with the term is regarded as offensive. It is a close relative of the term Jook-sing or "A.B.C." for American-born Chinese. The ethnic slur was developed out of immigrant/non-immigrant hostility.
"Confused" refers to a hypothetical confusion regarding identity, having been born in America or lived there since childhood and been closer to American culture than their ancestor's native culture. The notion of this identity crises comes from differences in accent, dress, and etiquette between recent immigrants and American Born Indians.
Most modern day "American Born" Indians have very strong ties to India. They frequently visit friends and family in their ancestor's native land. They typically cherish their Indian heritage, and observe both American and Indian cultural traditions. The typical American Born Indian is fluent in speaking an Indian language in addition to English, and understands both the American cultural value system and the Indian cultural value system. Most integrate into American society easier than recent Indian immigrants.
This idea of the hypothetical confused identity is not unique to Indian Americans alone - Hostility toward British Asians (the term used for Indians and other South Asians raised and living in Britain) have dawned similar ideas of struggles.
"Confused" refers to a hypothetical confusion regarding identity, having been born in America or lived there since childhood and been closer to American culture than their ancestor's native culture. The notion of this identity crises comes from differences in accent, dress, and etiquette between recent immigrants and American Born Indians.
Most modern day "American Born" Indians have very strong ties to India. They frequently visit friends and family in their ancestor's native land. They typically cherish their Indian heritage, and observe both American and Indian cultural traditions. The typical American Born Indian is fluent in speaking an Indian language in addition to English, and understands both the American cultural value system and the Indian cultural value system. Most integrate into American society easier than recent Indian immigrants.
This idea of the hypothetical confused identity is not unique to Indian Americans alone - Hostility toward British Asians (the term used for Indians and other South Asians raised and living in Britain) have dawned similar ideas of struggles.
by One of your so called "ABCD" September 10, 2006