The American Point of View

Here is a list of some of the comments/questions I have been receiving from my American colleagues/friends when I have told them about my engagement or shown them the pictures from my engagement:

• Can she speak English ?
• Can she speak Tamil ?
• How many cows are you getting as dowry ;-) (This was sort of tongue in cheek)
• Is the application of kumkum powder a test for virginity ? (Wonder which crazy-ass missionary made that up !)
• Why didnt you bring her to the US with you ? (People, what part of traditional arranged marriage do you not understand ?!)
• So, I guess you must be planning a big wedding ? 250 people or so ? (Hmm, there will probably be about 500 drivers at the wedding ;-)
• Will she wear a purdah ?

Its incredible how many misconceptions still exist about Indians, and Indian society, over here. If I as much of a hot-headed Indo-chauvinist as I was in 2002, things would have been intolerable, but I take the stupider of the questions in my stride nowadays ...