The Random Talk thread [Read ground rules in post #1]

[Bigboii]

Initially when I came to states (Chicago) had a different perspective but as i grow more into it I have realized as a minority immigrant way easy to get along with Black people and loved Rap/Hiphop music always.

Yep, when we come from home countries we have some racist bagage (including me) but as you interact there are a lot of things in common between immigrant and black "life" in US

 

[Bigboii]

My experience has been very different

I have good white American friends from, Hispanic American friends from college and soccer but no black American friends. The only 2 black friends I have are from Africa. For some reason I’ve never felt African Americans welcoming to me (and observed that for other desis too) and tbh never bothered to make an effort.

Interesting cause almost all of my Pakistani friends (from both the suburbs and city)
Exclusively hang out with black, like we're the token brown guys of the group (in reality that guy is either a Pakistani, maybe Hispanic or a indian Punjabi) (if people went to NY public schools they'll know exactly what I am talking about)

So from my experience this is really weird
Going to public school without a black friend for Pakistani is an anamoly

Did you come to the states late?

 

[Suleiman]

My experience has been very different

I have good white American friends from, Hispanic American friends from college and soccer but no black American friends. The only 2 black friends I have are from Africa. For some reason I’ve never felt African Americans welcoming to me (and observed that for other desis too) and tbh never bothered to make an effort.

Same experience. Down to the really only black friend being African lol.

I have a feeling this is more common in the South because the black community is in their own little bubble down here, which can also be said for a lot of desis too tbf. I feel like in NY, Cali black folk are more integrated and willing to blend with other races.

 

[JaDed]

My experience has been very different

I have good white American friends from, Hispanic American friends from college and soccer but no black American friends. The only 2 black friends I have are from Africa. For some reason I’ve never felt African Americans welcoming to me (and observed that for other desis too) and tbh never bothered to make an effort.

I do get along well with African blacks as well. The only white folks I usually get along or hang out with are mostly Eastern Europeans.

I have nothing against white people, I work with them with ease but just after work or weekend hangout I prefer Blacks, hispanics, Eastern europeans with whom I can enjoy a drink.

 

[Slog]

Nah but why the lol after it...

I know a few desis from Brooklyn who act and dress like they black so was wondering may be you part of that crew lol

 

[sweep_shot]

To be fair, many desi people here in Toronto also try to copy black people.

 

[Slog]

Interesting cause almost all of my Pakistani friends (from both the suburbs and city)
Exclusively hang out with black, like we're the token brown guys of the group (in reality that guy is either a Pakistani, maybe Hispanic or a indian Punjabi) (if people went to NY public schools they'll know exactly what I am talking about)

So from my experience this is really weird
Going to public school without a black friend for Pakistani is an anamoly

Did you come to the states late?

Oh yea I came for college when I was 18. It was a very preppy private school filled with rich waspy kids with student body of >75% white folks so maybe it was just a numbers thing. However I felt the African American folks were not friendly at all tho (not that they need to be) and importantly almost exclusively stuck in their own groups so there were really no opportunities to get to know them. (This was esp true of the ones from NYC - and you’re right they had a token brown guy in the group lol.) Hispanics weren’t like this but perhaps the reason was I would play soccer and they were always playing too. So naturally friendships formed

 

[Bigboii]

I know a few desis from Brooklyn who act and dress like they black so was wondering maybe you part of that crew lol

Nah but grew up in Queens so I guess close enough
Used to dress like black guys but then I moved to Westchester in HS so I had to tone it down
If you grow with people you are going to act like them (as long as it's not fake) just like if you grow up with Asian people you'll get some thier characteristics

Tri State culture especially the younger generation is heavily influenced by black culture like in public schools that's the pop "culture" of sort so maybe if someone haven't experienced that it may appear cringe, "act" or wannabe but
I am sure some younger guys who experienced it in Tri state (like they went to public schools in Tri state) they won't find it as weird because for us its kinda normal
Plus, I didn't even live in Desi neighborhoods, fresh of the boat I was living in Black neighbourhood so that's just what I grew up on or learned when I came to the US - you are going to like your people nothing abnormal about that imo

I mean if you are a desi in Coney Island tying act hood than that's weird and an "act"(but still they went to public schools in NY so some part of the popular culture ie black culture would influence them)

 

[Bigboii]

Oh yea I came for college when I was 18. It was a very preppy private school filled with rich waspy kids with student body of >75% white folks so maybe it was just a numbers thing. However I felt the African American folks were not friendly at all tho (not that they need to be) and importantly almost exclusively stuck in their own groups so there were really no opportunities to get to know them. (This was esp true of the ones from NYC - and you’re right they had a token brown guy in the group lol.) Hispanics weren’t like this but perhaps the reason was I would play soccer and they were always playing too. So naturally friendships formed

So you came alone as a 18 Y/O in a foreign country, mad respect, I can't imagine doing that
did you know English at the time or learnt it on the go?


Yeah, I went to a school with 3 white people in the whole damn school with around 120 nationalities present
you can't get that experience to meet people from countries you never even heard of anywhere in the world truly exceptional (but schooling wasn't the best...)

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

Confused about whether to move out of Australia to Europe or not. I will get my citizenship here this year.
I have travelled almost 58 countries till now and six continents, But there is one country I fell in love with, that is Spain. I lived there for 2 years and it was the best place to live. Just that salaries there are a bit low.
Another Idea i keep on getting is move to London and make that as a base, and keep travelling to Europe and explore everything there, and then retire in Spain.
I am a Software Engineer who has worked in all 4 Big Tech companies, so finding a job would not be an issue.
There is one country which my Aussie friends tell me to go to as it is heaven for Software Engineer and that is USA. I was offered a great salary by Facebook but rejected that offer. I was nearly shot at there and I don't like American Exceptionalism. So I will not go there.

 

[Suleiman]

Confused about whether to move out of Australia to Europe or not. I will get my citizenship here this year.
I have travelled almost 58 countries till now and all 5 continents, But there is one country I fell in love with, that is Spain. I lived there for 2 years and it was the best place to live. Just that salaries there are a bit low.
Another Idea i keep on getting is move to London and make that as a base, and keep travelling to Europe and explore everything there, and then retire in Spain.
I am a Software Engineer who has worked in all 4 Big Tech companies, so finding a job would not be an issue.
There is one country which my Aussie friends tell me to go to as it is heaven for Software Engineer and that is USA. I was offered a great salary by Facebook but rejected that offer. I was nearly shot at there and I don't like American Exceptionalism. So I will not go there.

One of my friends who resides in Barcelona, Spain, says it’s like the Silicon Valley like city of Europe. A lot of online based entrepreneurs in Europe have their eyes set on it.

If you move to London you will also feel like you are back home in India. Positives for both decisions.

 

[Bigboii]

Confused about whether to move out of Australia to Europe or not. I will get my citizenship here this year.
I have travelled almost 58 countries till now and six continents, But there is one country I fell in love with, that is Spain. I lived there for 2 years and it was the best place to live. Just that salaries there are a bit low.
Another Idea i keep on getting is move to London and make that as a base, and keep travelling to Europe and explore everything there, and then retire in Spain.
I am a Software Engineer who has worked in all 4 Big Tech companies, so finding a job would not be an issue.
There is one country which my Aussie friends tell me to go to as it is heaven for Software Engineer and that is USA. I was offered a great salary by Facebook but rejected that offer. I was nearly shot at there and I don't like American Exceptionalism. So I will not go there.

I hope you are not married with kid's man...
too much instability

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

I hope you are not married with kid's man...
too much instability

40 of those were as a 21-26 year old Bachelor .. As a Shareef bacha..
I am lucky to have a wife who also loves travelling. So have travelled a lot with her. No kids yet.
That is why if I want to move in next 2-3 years to London/Spain.. Once kids come it is too complicated.

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

One of my friends who resides in Barcelona, Spain, says it’s like the Silicon Valley like city of Europe. A lot of online based entrepreneurs in Europe have their eyes set on it.

If you move to London you will also feel like you are back home in India. Positives for both decisions.

Yeah Barcelona is a really cool city with great vibes. I am a Barca fan so have seen El Clasicos there as well.
Madrid also is nice place. London salaries are good for Software Engineer and no new language to learn.
May give it a try. Else Australia is fine country as well. Just that it is a bit dull.

 

[Slog]

Confused about whether to move out of Australia to Europe or not. I will get my citizenship here this year.
I have travelled almost 58 countries till now and six continents, But there is one country I fell in love with, that is Spain. I lived there for 2 years and it was the best place to live. Just that salaries there are a bit low.
Another Idea i keep on getting is move to London and make that as a base, and keep travelling to Europe and explore everything there, and then retire in Spain.
I am a Software Engineer who has worked in all 4 Big Tech companies, so finding a job would not be an issue.
There is one country which my Aussie friends tell me to go to as it is heaven for Software Engineer and that is USA. I was offered a great salary by Facebook but rejected that offer. I was nearly shot at there and I don't like American Exceptionalism. So I will not go there.

What’s your citizenship right now? If it’s a third world country like India ( not taking shot at India, would say that about Pakistan too) then stick around and get the Aussie passport. A western passport opens many doors which you can’t even imagine. Plus aussies get privelages many places. For eg even in US, aussies don’t have the h1b lottery thing which you would need as an Indian. Same ease with GC. I know you said you don’t wanna move to US but you can never predict with life so keep the options open which the Aussie passport will bring.

I ageee with Spain. Especially places outside the major centers of Barcelona and Madrid. Places like Mallorca, Seville and Granada I cold see myself living for good if everything else was sorted for

 

[Giannis]

Confused about whether to move out of Australia to Europe or not. I will get my citizenship here this year.
I have travelled almost 58 countries till now and six continents, But there is one country I fell in love with, that is Spain. I lived there for 2 years and it was the best place to live. Just that salaries there are a bit low.
Another Idea i keep on getting is move to London and make that as a base, and keep travelling to Europe and explore everything there, and then retire in Spain.
I am a Software Engineer who has worked in all 4 Big Tech companies, so finding a job would not be an issue.
There is one country which my Aussie friends tell me to go to as it is heaven for Software Engineer and that is USA. I was offered a great salary by Facebook but rejected that offer. I was nearly shot at there and I don't like American Exceptionalism. So I will not go there.

Yeah none of this happened, people really be treating PP like some wattpad fanfic

 

[Giannis]

What’s your citizenship right now? If it’s a third world country like India ( not taking shot at India, would say that about Pakistan too) then stick around and get the Aussie passport. A western passport opens many doors which you can’t even imagine. Plus aussies get privelages many places. For eg even in US, aussies don’t have the h1b lottery thing which you would need as an Indian. Same ease with GC. I know you said you don’t wanna move to US but you can never predict with life so keep the options open which the Aussie passport will bring.

I ageee with Spain. Especially places outside the major centers of Barcelona and Madrid. Places like Mallorca, Seville and Granada I cold see myself living for good if everything else was sorted for

I've heard Spain is very racist and they're more explicit about it being a meditterenean country and they're not really a countries of immigrants even if they have a lot of immigrants, it's just not the culture - you'd have to be completely Spanish in culture to feel like you fit in and even then brown skin would put some barriers. Also doesn't Spain have a debt crisis, they also got one of the most sluggish economies in Europe - to me it just seems like a Catholic version of Turkey.

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

What’s your citizenship right now? If it’s a third world country like India ( not taking shot at India, would say that about Pakistan too) then stick around and get the Aussie passport. A western passport opens many doors which you can’t even imagine. Plus aussies get privelages many places. For eg even in US, aussies don’t have the h1b lottery thing which you would need as an Indian. Same ease with GC. I know you said you don’t wanna move to US but you can never predict with life so keep the options open which the Aussie passport will bring.

I ageee with Spain. Especially places outside the major centers of Barcelona and Madrid. Places like Mallorca, Seville and Granada I cold see myself living for good if everything else was sorted for

No worries. India is a 3rd world country. I have invested 5 years here so definitely will get Aussie passport.
Also it allows for 3 months of Europe travel and Visa free travel around the world.
Spain is a wonderful country i felt. I was living in Valencia, my most favorite city in the world now.
I lived there foe 2 years.

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

I've heard Spain is very racist and they're more explicit about it being a meditterenean country and they're not really a countries of immigrants even if they have a lot of immigrants, it's just not the culture - you'd have to be completely Spanish in culture to feel like you fit in and even then brown skin would put some barriers. Also doesn't Spain have a debt crisis, they also got one of the most sluggish economies in Europe - to me it just seems like a Catholic version of Turkey.

Well there are racist people everywhere... a tiny minority. overall I found them to be very welcoming.
In Valencia there are lot of Indian/Pakistani people who have opened up stores and vegetable shops.
Most of them moved from Britain and told me that they had more positive experiences in Spain as compared to Britain.
Spain has complete freedom of choice, very good healthcare. Economy was struggling back when i was there in 2012 and it is still same. That is the negative point. A good country for retirement if your income is sorted out though.. as lot of British Pensioners do.

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

Yeah none of this happened, people really be treating PP like some wattpad fanfic

Well I am not here to get your approval about what happened in my life or not. I am not sharing my personal details, So Take it as truth or leave it as falsehood.
But people do travel the world... Work in Microsoft/Apple/Amazon etc.. and get offers from Facebook everyday and get shot at in the USA.

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

Yeah none of this happened, people really be treating PP like some wattpad fanfic

Well I am not here to get your approval about what happened in my life or not. I am not sharing my personal details, So Take it as truth or leave it as falsehood.
But people do travel the world... Work in Microsoft/Apple/Amazon etc.. and get offers from Facebook everyday and get shot at in the USA.

 

[Giannis]

Well I am not here to get your approval about what happened in my life or not. I am not sharing my personal details, So Take it as truth or leave it as falsehood.
But people do travel the world... Work in Microsoft/Apple/Amazon etc.. and get offers from Facebook everyday and get shot at in the USA.

I just find it all bizarre, I don't believe everything I see on the internet. People with real life experiences can usually see through bee ess, noah fence.

 

[Giannis]

Nah but grew up in Queens so I guess close enough
Used to dress like black guys but then I moved to Westchester in HS so I had to tone it down
If you grow with people you are going to act like them (as long as it's not fake) just like if you grow up with Asian people you'll get some thier characteristics

Tri State culture especially the younger generation is heavily influenced by black culture like in public schools that's the pop "culture" of sort so maybe if someone haven't experienced that it may appear cringe, "act" or wannabe but
I am sure some younger guys who experienced it in Tri state (like they went to public schools in Tri state) they won't find it as weird because for us its kinda normal
Plus, I didn't even live in Desi neighborhoods, fresh of the boat I was living in Black neighbourhood so that's just what I grew up on or learned when I came to the US - you are going to like your people nothing abnormal about that imo

I mean if you are a desi in Coney Island tying act hood than that's weird and an "act"(but still they went to public schools in NY so some part of the popular culture ie black culture would influence them)

What's cringey is brown guys born and raised in Sugarland and Frisco Tx acting like they're hood lmao, these upper middle class suburbs full of white and asian people

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

I just find it all bizarre, I don't believe everything I see on the internet. People with real life experiences can usually see through bee ess, noah fence.

None taken.

 

[Giannis]

To be fair, many desi people here in Toronto also try to copy black people.

specifically jamaicans; you got guys like Nav that look they work for tech support yet going around say the n word.

 

[sweep_shot]

specifically jamaicans; you got guys like Nav that look they work for tech support yet going around say the n word.

LOL! There are people like that. Yes.

 

[Slog]

I've heard Spain is very racist and they're more explicit about it being a meditterenean country and they're not really a countries of immigrants even if they have a lot of immigrants, it's just not the culture - you'd have to be completely Spanish in culture to feel like you fit in and even then brown skin would put some barriers. Also doesn't Spain have a debt crisis, they also got one of the most sluggish economies in Europe - to me it just seems like a Catholic version of Turkey.

Yea it’s an economic mess. That’s why I said ‘if other things were taken care of’

 

[Slog]

So you came alone as a 18 Y/O in a foreign country, mad respect, I can't imagine doing that
did you know English at the time or learnt it on the go?

lol yea of course I knew English. How do you think I got in a US college? Had to give SATs and everything.

Probably the only real difference between my English now and ten years ago is that subconsciously I’ve picked American accent for a lot of the words smh and I guess speak a bit faster. More than being in a foreign country the actual challenge was the transition from the hustle and bustle of Karachi to a small somewhat rural college town with very little diversity.

Yeah, I went to a school with 3 white people in the whole damn school with around 120 nationalities present
you can't get that experience to meet people from countries you never even heard of anywhere in the world truly exceptional (but schooling wasn't the best...)

Wow that must have been some expiedjence. Really cool and I guess that’s the beauty of nyc. The black guy I was talking about was also in a similar school in nyc. I once met his high school classmates in nyc and almost all were different nationalities including some country is only even before seen on a map.

 

[Bigboii]

lol yea of course I knew English. How do you think I got in a US college? Had to give SATs and everything.

that's what I thought at first but I have met some international students who barely know English, they really struggle with it so that's why I was confused, there may be another way to get into college without knowing English or enough English to write things down, or understand but can't hold any conversation

Probably the only real difference between my English now and ten years ago is that subconsciously I’ve picked American accent for a lot of the words smh and I guess speak a bit faster. More than being in a foreign country the actual challenge was the transition from the hustle and bustle of Karachi to a small somewhat rural college town with very little diversity.

I mean we have no "diversity" in Pakistan its pretty homogenous (for outsiders atleast we can differentiate between ethnicities)

Wow that must have been some expiedjence. Really cool and I guess that’s the beauty of nyc. The black guy I was talking about was also in a similar school in nyc. I once met his high school classmates in nyc and almost all were different nationalities including some country is only even before seen on a map.

Yep, really cool experience but what's fascinating is that it becomes a distinct culture of its own(the culture in school and multi national neighborhoods) , because there's no dominant culture and it's not fully American (since most of the time they are recent immigrants) but it's also not dominated by one groups of people so you have to be in it to "understand" that its different culture all of its own

but to truly understand you have to be in it and then get out of it
and then it hits you that hey it was a different culture from mainstream American culture

 

[JaDed]

What do people think about Texas no mask mandate lol.. Texas was already free.. going the extra mile here - although businesses have decided to keep it on!

 

[Slog]

What do people think about Texas no mask mandate lol.. Texas was already free.. going the extra mile here - although businesses have decided to keep it on!

Tbh it’s just optics. It was not being enforced anyway outside of grocery stores and the like and will remain so

 

[JaDed]

Tbh it’s just optics. It was not being enforced anyway outside of grocery stores and the like and will remain so

In the cities yes, rural(or inner) areas is where this would hit imho.

 

[Suleiman]

So uhh.. Mashrafe Mortaza came to my old junior high / high school for a youth economic forum )

Too random, had to be said in the random thread.

 

[Suleiman]

What do people think about Texas no mask mandate lol.. Texas was already free.. going the extra mile here - although businesses have decided to keep it on!

Pretty ridiculous but expected. I don’t support closing down businesses for x amount of time since we’re a year into the game, but come on, it’s a damn mask. It works (from what we know so far) and the vaccines just became available.

Then again I know how much Texans have pride in their “freedom” so a mask to them seemed like it was infringing on their freedom or whatever.

 

[The_Cricket_Devil]

Completely random question but does anyone still have that "I done" Saeed Ajmal interview about Kevin Pietersen?