I do science themed birthday parties for young kids most weekends. Being that my clientele is by far mostly MicroSoft employees I've found they largely divide themselves into three distinct groups. There are the upper-middle class WASPs (since I live in the Pacific Northwest they probably aren't actually WASPs but close enough). Next there are the Indian programmer families and finally the Russian programmers. These are not the only groups I tend to service but these make up the vast majority.
Now, I'm well aware of the danger of stereotyping but we all do it and we all do it with good reason. First, it's how our brain works and so is very hard, if not impossible, to stop. Second, stereotypes usually have a lot of truth behind them. Which is why our species is still around I suppose.
For instance, I'm a white nerd. So, I'd imagine there are many nerd stereotypes that spring into your mind. Most of them are probably true or close to being true. Yes, I do play video games. Yes, I like Dungeons and Dragons. And Yes, I was very excited to see the new Star Wars and am looking forward to every single super hero movie ever.
Though, of course, some of the stereotypes do not ring true. No, I've never been that bad with the ladies and I am happily married to a sexy one as I write this. No, I do not like Mountain Dew. No, I do not LARP.
So with that in mind I've discovered some stereotypes about these three groups that hold true:
Child behavior:
Indian: usually quite good and if not there is usually a very apparent reason for the misbehavior. Parents/any adult in the room have no qualms about straightening said kid out.
Russian: There will be at least one rowdy, crazy kid that no adult will see to. If that kid's parent is at the party they will have a soulless, dead look in their eye from the get go. I pity them.
WASP: Toss up. You never know what you'll get.
This being said all kids regardless of culture usually act the same.
Food and drink:
WASP: Pizza and some organic juice (Honest Kids most likely). Rarely soda.
Russian: Pizza and Capri Suns for the kids. Lots of wine for the adults (no, it's not vodka, you racist!) Vacant dead-eyed parent (usually mom) will drink the most. Interesting side note, since I do young kid birthdays I don't have any bottle openers on hand and have learned how to open wine with a shoe.
Indian: Pizza and mango juice with at least three fully catered side dishes that would each be their own meal in and of themselves.
Small Talk:
WASP: Light, awkward, and boring.
Indian: Almost exclusively about the business. How many birthdays a week? How many after school classes? What's my background?
Russian: Exceedingly firm handshake. No small talk. Ever.
Tip:
WASP: Standard 15-20%
Russian: Could be nothing to an obscene amount. Wine consumption may factor into this.
Indian: Usually not. But will be offered more birthday cake and samosas than one should legally be allowed to eat. Cannot be turned down without slightly offending host.
Extended Family:
Russian: None usually.
WASP: Could go either way. Though, if there is an Aunt they will be late and the mom of the party will look down on them. If there are grandparents they usually will be the ones paying.
Indian: Yes. As many as can fit in the room. Grandparents will be off in the corner with a stern, disapproving look, but will be the ones that surprisingly enjoyed it the most. They will offer the most food and it is hard to turn down because they usually don't speak much English.
Punctuality:
WASP: Usually a little early and leave right on time.
Russian: No discernible pattern.
Indian: Usually show up late and leave late.
