1. Early childhood experiences and parental values growing up in the Hindu religion.
Hinduism exists in many parts of the world, and many Hindus have also come to the U.S. as well where I grew up. I grew up at a time when Hindu movements were first arriving in America as well as indigenous outcroppings, and at a time when there was sort of a religious renaissance in general during the 1960s and 70s which included a heightened interest in "Eastern Religions" as well. It was exciting times, my Mother already had an interest in Buddhism, and in California the acceptance of Dharma based religion was not only easily and openly expressed, it was seen as a positive thing despite some minor opposition. I recall doing Suryanamskar as a child with other children in the neighborhood, or making Shiva Lingams out of mud-sand and water at various lakes sides and beaches. Early on I had an awareness of the Hindu Family of Shiva, Krishna, Rama, Hanuman as well as Buddha, Jainism, Sikhism. By the later teen years I had already visited many temples in my area, had many like minded associations, which later coupled with Hinduism being global, led to travel to different countries which was very rewarding. None of my Hindu activity ever compromised my pride in America, nor my patriotism.
2. Earliest memories of recognizing being part of the Hindu religion
Meeting several savants who soon became famous Gurus, meeting and having wonderful Hindu adventures with lay Hindus and "devotees", learning new "languages" (Hindu words), enjoying bhajans (devotional singing), reading great epics such as the Ramayana. My earliest memory of recognizing Hinduism was encountering Ganapati (Ganesha, a Son of Shiva) not seeking but found. I recall sharing Ganesha with other children as well, I have zero doubt several later became Hindu.
3. The role of religion/spirituality in your daily life
I am a "lay Hindu". That means the same average Hindu in society as a Hindu any place else. I enjoy going to temples, celebrations and rites, fellow family members, pilgrimages, food and prashad (holy offerings), home shrines, on and on.
5. Similarities/differences interactions in American culture compared to Hindu culture
The one divide comes to food habits. But increasingly, I notice more and more fellow Americans avoiding beef and pork, or going vegetarian. More and more Americans now are starting to want to protect animal friends as well instead of considering them without a soul. In part this is an interest in nature and wildlife, but also more are liking to be among animals in a more natural way and seeing them as partners in the world.
6. School experiences as a member of the Hindu Religion
In my University days, there was an Indian Professor. He was beloved by many, many students. He taught many things, but he had ancient India, the philosophy schools of India, aspects of Hinduism and Buddhism from a scholarly view into the curriculum. He was a genius. He was beloved by students.
7. Experiences with subtle racism or discrimination
Honestly, this really wasn't an issue for me. In fact, if anything, being Hindu attracted more friends as well as meeting many people. Keep in mind, I am "white". I did not encounter "racism" as is thought of. Racism exists, but by the 1970s was very rare in my time.
8. Experiences with overt racism or discrimination
Never racism. Much later on the internet however, I did encounter some Hindus who would discriminate against me based on birth-based caste notions who called me "no caste" or chandala (outside caste) but never in a temple etc. Only a few times on some internet site. That was hurtful.
9. The experience of being culturally different (any examples would be great)
Sometimes jealousy over the wonderful garmets Hindu women wear. But positive one's too, such as others discovery of wonderful food items. Mostly positive actually.
10. Attitudes about the “majority” culture
I am a born American, married into a good family from India. American people have been wonderful, loving, greeting, even clinging, to my Hindu wife from India and my entire extended Hindu family which resides all over the world.
11. Any feelings of oppression from other cultures
Yes, I will mention that, but it did not happen in America. Islamic extremists threatened my life in the United Kingdom.
12. Any strengths that help you cope and practice the Hindu religion in the US
It is easy to be a Hindu for me, because it is the greatest fun and adventure one can imagine.
