I had the exactly different experience in China, that’s funny. Perhaps, we’re both drawing too broad a picture. I’ve worked for and with Indians and I completely concur. Their arrogance is hidden by every courtesy, but you are still a low-caste person.
Well, I was talking about the Chinese students who come to the US to study. I gave a couple lectures in China, but never taught a formal course.
One thing that stands out though: I was told beforehand that the audience would have an excellent command of English. That turned out to be absolutely false. A translator was needed and, even so, I think hardly anyone understood me. I still got applause though, I’m sure out of politeness.