Becoming American

Abstract

This study explored how a cohort of Asian Indians who migrated to the U.S. nearly 40 years ago have become acculturated to the U.S. by watching American television when they first arrived. The study used two concepts of the integrative communication theory: enculturation and acculturation. The study described how these Asian Indians did not grow up watching television in India. Hence, they became enculturated into American television. This cohort also watched television to learn how to act “American,” and thus became acculturated to the U.S. Furthermore, the study created linkage between the uses and gratifications theoretical perspective and the need for acculturation.

Keywords:

• Enculturation
• Acculturation
• Satellite Television
• Asian Indian

Acknowledgements

The author thanks the reviewers for their insightful comments to improve this manuscript. The author also thanks Dr. Don Heider for his guidance with this research study, and Dr. Linda Steiner for her continued support and advice.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Indira S. Somani

Indira S. Somani is an Assistant Professor of Journalism and Mass Communications, Washington and Lee University