I work with a myriad of people from India, Pakistan, Nepal, the Middle East, and SE Asia. Over more than two years, here are the things that fascinate them for better or worse about Westerners (and when they say "westerners", they just as often say "whites", meaning people generally indigenous to Europe and people of European ancestry...because they tend to see the west as monolithic):
- Western individualism and the quest for self-sufficiency. This is a huge differentiator. Most Asians are not individualists - the community and family should come before the wishes of the individual always. Charity and handouts and intertwined finances; permission to marry someone; what career you pursue; any significant decision you ever make requires familial approval first. I have had Indians say to me that because westerners are individualists, it must follow that we don't feel emotions such as love as strongly as they do.
- Informalism of English and equality - westerners often put themselves on a first name basis with in-laws, the wealthy, and the highly qualified. Equality in general baffles many Asians.
- Female emancipation - OK, this doesn't apply very much to E and SE Asian countries...but for subcontinental and middle eastern folks, this is a big no-no.
- Sexual liberalism...unthinkable for many Asians.
- Hygiene...seriously, the number of Asians who assume that westerners walk around all day with our butts caked in shight is huge. Their main question: Why don't you people use bidets or toilet hoses??? Disgusting!!"
- Sitting positions...most Asians can squat and sit in positions for hours that westerners find excruciating, as seen here.
- Alcohol and social occasions: Most Asians play games and or sing when adults get together while sipping tea or fruit drinks. No or very limited alcohol.
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