Because of a few unpleasant experiences with Indians that some non-Indians have had, the rumors or myth that Indians smell bad have circulated, and unfortunately, what goes in the mind often controls the smell that goes into the nose as well.
Indians Do Not Smell Any Worse than Anyone Else
The truth is that Indians do not smell any worse than anyone else in any other culture. We’ve all come across people who smell bad, but it has nothing to do with their culture. Instead, it has to do with their hygiene habits, their living conditions, the foods that they eat, or the chemistry makeup in their body. It may also have to do with an addiction.
To say that all Indians smell bad is much the same as saying that all Muslims must be terrorists. If you were to believe that, then you must also be forced to believe that if you come across a white person who doesn’t pay their bills, then all white people do not pay their bills. To think that all Indians smell bad is prejudicial thought, at best.
Why Some People Think Indians Smell Bad
Some Indians smell bad – just as people from other cultures smell different – due to their diets. Indian food contains a great deal of curry, and this causes a distinct odor that some people do not care for. The same could be said of cultures that eat a lot of garlic, such as Italians. Foods such as this can cause the skin to have the smell of the food that is consumed.
Indians also have different sweat glands than people whose ancestors do not come from desert country. Just as Alaskan Indians sweat less, because of their cold heritage, Indians that originate from desert areas sweat more. Also, in terms of Indians who are still in their originating countries, it is important to note that many areas of those countries are not fully developed to provide for adequate hygiene. This is also true for parts of Alaska.
What Indians Can Do To Quell This Myth
Unfortunately, actions speak louder than words in our world, but only in some cases. For example, if you have a closed mind, you might think that all Indians smell bad without having ever experienced a smelly Indian yourself. In this case, the words are louder than the action. You need to reverse this train of thought if you are an Indian, but in the long run, you really can’t do much about what prejudiced people are going to think or say.
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February 2nd, 2012 at 9:06 am
No one, in their right mind, is saying that ALL Indians smell. BUT living in Melbourne Australia where many Indians immigrants and students have made home, I have to say that from my experience they are most definitely the worst group – in terms of the number of encounters I’ve had and the “intensity” of the smell. Many Indians themselves who have detoxed and stopped eating curry and living in a environment where curry is cooked, NOW admit that “Indians smell”. You say they sweat a lot, well I sweat a lot too but I make sure that I don’t stink around other people… how? Washing frequently and using deodorant and perfume! AND I make sure my home doesn’t stink by opening the windows and using an exhaust fan. BUT Indians please don’t cook strong curry and blow it though the window of your neighbours… That’s not nice! Also Indian parents should consider their children who have to go to school and be called names or be “avoided” because of this problem… I really feel sorry for these kids.
January 30th, 2012 at 8:30 pm
If i take most of the comments here from white people and make a conclusion that all white people are ignorant and self-centered, i am pretty sure i wouldn’t be right. But go ahead if ranting on other races makes u feel better about yourself go ahead. At least my ‘soul’ is not stinky like most of the people here =P
December 23rd, 2011 at 3:56 am
INDIAN SMELLY BAD BECAUSE THEY BORN WITH THIER DIRTY SKIN.. THEY BATH ONLY ONCE IN THE MONTH……. (V J V)
December 17th, 2011 at 3:33 pm
I’ve had Indian girlfriends. I’ve met many others in the families and other social gatherings. I love the food.
I’ve run into odiferous one’s from time to time. As well as other stinky peoples in many racial & socio-economic backgrounds too.
But yesterday was a cake topper!!! Holy F-WORD!
.
The dude, on the Delta Flight to Atlanta, smelled like a moldy rug soaked in month old cat urine. With a hint of curry
For crying out loud! Shower (all) People! At least daily!
I overheard this guy say he was in sales.
I can only imagine his potential clients making excuses to flee, or dodge, his presence with any feeble idea they could conjure.
And I bet he doesn’t have a clue about why he can never arrange a second meeting or even get a call back.
December 13th, 2011 at 12:19 pm
My sister had a roommate at UVA that was from India. As their dorm rooms were not air-conditioned, it could get quite hot sometimes, and my sister complained that her roommate often had a strong “sweat” odor even though she showered regularly.
It got to be pretty bad, so we encouraged my sister to have a tactful talk with her. Apparently, the use of deoderant/antiperspirant was simply not part of her culture. My sister bought her some products and after she started using them, all was well.
Please don’t assume that different cultural norms are inferior to your own. I’d bet that American’s “Eau de Cheeseburger” make other people gag, too.