‘Outsourced’ TV show kicked off on air 23 September 2010. ‘Outsourced’ is based on the movie with the same title, which are both about culture clash between US and India.

Many are concerned about the show, that it may be offending to some or to some degree. It is indeed a subtle matter to build a story around people who not only talk differently but have totally distinct character, virtue and culture than that of the Americans.

‘Outsourced’ is staged in an Indian call center. Well, actually it is an American company that ‘outsourced’ its order processing to India, hence the title. In actual real life, setting up an ‘outsourced’ call center is not an easy task. And so the story involves an American employee who goes to India and tries to teach the local employees about American culture and accent and what not; and learns about something for himself about India as well.

If carefully written and executed, ‘Outsourced’ would be a wonderful window in looking at the voice at your 800 number. ‘Outsourced’ is an American satire mainly about Indians. However, many Indians are a bit giddy with ‘Outsourced’ even before it started on air. I heard that a number of Indian actors wouldn’t take the job. They have their reasons and reservations, I guess, but as it turned out, ‘Outsourced’ was neither offensive nor discriminating against Indians. And if you ask me, it is actually positively influential maybe even charismatic.

‘Outsourced’ has a certain taste of ‘The Office’ and ’30 Rock’ –only outsourced. It has its corporate manager, who is your typical professional climber, hard-working employees and a bit of romance here and there.

‘Outsourced’ received mixed reviews and comments. But most importantly, it was positively accepted and nobody shouted ‘foul’. Even though the makers of the show were too careful not to offend, they still manage to make it funny and appealing.

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