Hybrid sensibilities: highly skilled Asian Indians negotiating identity in private and public spaces of Washington, DC

This paper analyzes the expression of identities of first-generation (FG) immigrants from India in private and public spaces. Focusing on high-skill upwardly mobile professionals living in the Washington metropolitan area, the study found that despite "Indian" being a primary descriptor, these FG immigrants had developed hybrid identities that included Indian and American elements, considered themselves Westernized cosmopolitans prior to their arrival in the USA, and acculturated selectively in private and public spaces. Relatively privileged due to their socioeconomic class and anticipating little prejudice, these immigrants expected to navigate life in the receiving country with dexterity and ease by selectively expressing various aspects of their hybrid identities in different locales. Although not subjected to overt racism, they were surprised and distraught when confronted with slights that spoke of their separation from mainstream America in public and semi-public spaces, particularly when the marginalizing events occurred in spaces where they believed they belonged.