I came across this book review on Being Indian, a book by Pavan K. Varma. The review alone seems uncompromisingly candid:
The stereotypes in which foreigners see Indians and the self-image that Indians project about themselves are both inaccurate. Indians are considered democratic, spiritual, tolerant, peaceful etc. But Varma's value-neutral reappraisal throws up surprising conclusions that can be embarrassing. Indians respect the powerful and will collude with them for personal gain. They are extremely hierarchical, bending before superiors and subjugating inferiors. They have never been "other-worldly" and hanker for material prosperity. Spiritualism is "mostly a means to harness divine support for power and [s]elf". (p 7) Morality is a theoretical construct abjured as impractical in real life. Indians also sanction violence when convinced of numerical strength and surety of victory. Varma's thesis is that some uncomplimentary facets of Indians are actually assets that make them resilient, tough and successful.
Having read the review in full, I couldn't help reflecting that these aspects Varma identifies are far from unique to India and in fact found in many if not most cultures around the world. Such realism is therefore worth keeping in mind when considering the psychology of the people of any country or culture.
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