Growing up in a South Asian household in North America can be a confusing experience. We are raised with certain values at home but opposing Western values in society. This can apply to immigrant cultures in general. Here are some of the pros and cons that I've experienced:

+Family-oriented. You often don't see divorce, single-parent households, and more since there's such a strong sense of fulfilling a family role, whether as a provider or caretaker. We are great hosts and will go out of our way to help a family member in need.

-On the flip side of family-oriented, while families as a unit are strong, individual relationships may falter. When there's such a hierarchical relationship between parent and child, it's very difficult for children to open up to parents and vice-versa. Many put up with unhappy relationships just to appease society.

+Achievement-oriented. A socio-centric culture puts one's standing in society before mental health, as opposed to individualistic cultures. I knew some non-immigrants who clearly did not push themselves. I don't judge them for it, but us immigrants are pushed to fulfill and oftentimes exceed our potential.

-Comparison culture. Comparing yourself to others is toxic and counter-productive. Everyone grows up in their own circumstances and has their own strengths and weaknesses. People can be late bloomers or have learning disabilities, and there should be more visibility for them.

+Great weddings and food. I always look forward to dressing up for Eid and South Asian food rocks.

-Archaic cultural traditions that won't disappear. Many people complain about how long South Asian weddings are or how we should stop caring what people think, but little is done about it. There needs to be a balance between sticking to tradition and innovating.