Unconscious dislike of Indian people

[Ceros]

One of my greatest triumphs as a being on the path of self development is the kind of open mindedness I cultivated in myself.

As someone who started off as insecure and homophobic four years ago, but then realized that perhaps he's not as straight as he made himself look to be, I've put a LOT of thought into alternative lifestyles and their ramifications, and can say that at this point I don't know of any lifestyle choice, no matter how 'taboo' or 'repulsive', that I'd speak against.

These days whenever I meet a new concept that may initially strike me as deviant (such as entomophagy or incest), I will invest my time to thoroughly research it, imagine myself in a similar situation as the people who practice it and then come to a conclusion that it's not just 'justified' or 'alright', but that it's great and I'd totally do it myself in a heartbeat.

And yet, despite all of this, I notice that I have some sort of internal and uncontrollable dislike of Indian people. It's not something on the lines of "Ban them from the country", but say that I have an online add of "I'm looking for friends" and then an Indian guy or girl will reply - my instant mental response would be "Oh great, some Indian guy replied to my add. Whatever"

And it's not something I have any sort of control about! It just happens. Moreso if they are much older than me (say 30 - while I'm 19).

I want to find the root of what's causing this sort of reaction and work it out inside of me.

What do you think is the case here?

[rbhambha]

I think what you need to do is find a negative experience (or series of negative experiences) in your past associated with Indian people, or something along those lines, and go over it many times in your mind until you discharge the emotional energy connected with it. By discharge I mean to forgive that person or that situation for the negative energy it brought into your life. Our reactions today are a result of our past experiences. If there are any stimuli in your present environment that mirror the environment during your negative experience, the result is what you've described, a negative reaction.

Oh, and by the way, I'm an "Indian" person

[Ceros]

Hmm, thanks for the advice. Yes, I see what you mean - I can faintly remember a few incidents from my past that would fit your description. It's hard to remember any details, but I do remember the feeling of emotional hurt that I experienced back then. I'll try to re-imagine these situations in my mind and see if it makes me feel better.

Oh, and by the way, I'm an "Indian" person

Haha, and I was just thinking "Damn, what if someone from India actually reads that? Not very nice of me"

[rbhambha]

Even if you can't remember the specific details of the situation, try to recall as much as possible initially. Slowly but surely details will creep up from the edge of your consciousness. The mind is a perfect recording mechanism, and you'll find that your mind is no exception.

[sangeetha]

Not one in a billion chance?!

[dali]

So whats unconscious about that ? It looks to me that you are pretty aware of it. Youve been busy changeing all the other ones. I wish you well on this one too. Mad mental thinking doesnt really need to be taken seriously. Just realise youre thinking is wrong. go do something for the children of Calcutta. Or even better go and do something good for an older, Indian person. Listen to your words. (They are cruel.) Sometimes realising that alone can effect big change. Then look at your prejudice and if you still have it consider therapy....Do you like curry? If so theres something Indian you like. What else do you like about India? Really try to see that it is quite simply your thinking (which is as they say....stinking.) I wish you well.

[danas]

Prejeduce usually comes from ignorance
One thing that can get you into an intimate relationship and identification rather then seeing Indian people as a mysterious "them" i.e seperate and different from a familair "you" is reading books by Indian authurs.
There are some amazing writers.
my favorite ones are:
Arundhati Roy
Jhumpa Lahiri,
Rohinton Mistry
Some are based in India and some in the west.
you could start by reading Lahiri's short story collection, Interpreter of Maladies, about indian immigrants in America or "The namesake" also by her.
Also "Buddha of Suburbia" by Hanif Kurushi is excellent (even though hes not really Indian)
After youve read some books and made yourself familiar with the culture I dont think you will still be able to say that you "dislike Indian people"

Unfortunately I dont get a chance to meet many people from India, because there arent any where I live (although I used to live in London), but I definately can identify and feel close to the characters in these books.
Just yesterday I started reading a book by Chita Divakaruni

[Lanya]

Just a guess: Make friends with someone (or many) Indian to hang out with on a regular basis. Lots of direct positive experiences may negate the long-ago negative experience?