The Uncanny Indian Smell

    After reading "Fish Cheeks," by Amy Tan, I began to wonder about my own culture and heritage.  Both of my parents are Indian (although I have been repeatedly asked otherwise), and I frequently meet immerse in my culture.  I am Indian and proud, unlike adolescent Amy Tan toward her own culture; however, if there is one thing I am embarrassed by, it would be the uncanny Indian smell.

     The moment I walk by anyone with that distinct Indian smell, whether I see them or not, I instantly know their ethnic background and what they ate for dinner.  Although Indian food tastes amazing, it can have its draw backs.  Being very pungent, it often leaves a strong odor on people's clothes.  This is the very odor I have been running away from my entire life, working hard daily to avoid having it on my clothes.  I usually wear different clothes than those that I wear to school when eating dinner, and above all I make sure my mom has the air vents on while cooking, just to save myself from the strong odor.  To me, this smell is what the fish cheeks were for Amy Tan.  Although I am familiar with it, the moment others smell it, I instantly become embarrassed.  

     However, as I was saying before, although Indian culture has some of its humorous aspects (the Indian smell and the almighty Indian accent, as seen by the video), I still am proud of it.  The food, the people, the customs, and the holidays:  all of it makes me happy to know that whatever I choose to be on the outside, I will always be Indian on the inside.