New perspective on Indians

The past few days we have been in India we have garnered stares from literally everyone on the street. Entire families, grandparents, children, wives & husands have followed us. They stop their day to day activities to come and watch us. They stare and stare and stare. When we take pictures they approach us from behind to see the images we've captured. They stand so close to us- something that would never happen in America where there is such emphasis on personal boundaries and space.

Families gawk, point and take pictures of us with their cellphones or cameras. Even at memorials and temples we become the focal point. Indians have absolutely no shame-and I guess they shouldn't as its not considered rude here to stare. The cultural differences become even more obvious when we are placed under a spotlight.

Being a white deaf woman is kind of a triple threat here in India. It seems that women garner more attention than men. On top of being a woman, I'm fair skinned with relatively light hair which attracts even more eyes. And being deaf and signing is so visual that they absolutely can't take their eyes off of us. We have learned to ignore the stares but at the same time we have felt even more like outsiders.

At camp yesterday the Indian people really welcomed us with open arms. Everyone was so warm, open and inviting. I feel so connected to everyone already and its only been day one. Its evident that among deaf people there is a common thread that binds us all together in one way or another. And perhaps we are no longer are outsiders in this foreign place...

- Lauren