Communication

What's awry(perceived !!) with the Indian Culture?
I was in a session on "Communication Across Cultures" today and found what I had been doing for the past quite sometime unwittingly was put into words by esteemed Dr. ......
But it was surprising to know some facts:
1. Procter and Gamble started marketing Diapers in Japan. But in their ignorance of the Japanese culture, they concentrated more on the comfort of the mother than the baby and they failed. It had taken them 6 months to strategise and market the product in the first place and it took them another 6 months to undo the damage their advertisements had done and rebuild the market!
2. There was another fact about some American snack manufacturers who started marketing a cheese snack in China and failed miserably because they were unaware of the fact that the Chinese suffer from a lactase deficiency or lactose intolerance. They had to remake the product changing the percentages of the constituents, so that it was fit for Chinese consumers.
There were other anecdotes, that were interesting.
We discussed the contrast between the American and the Indian cultures. It was interesting to note that they have a context based communication, while we tend to beat around the bush a bit before we come to the point. I agree with it.
Americans are forthright and capable of saying 'NO', while we seldom say 'NO' although we are learning to mend our ways these days. What I feel is, it is OK if you have to go a little out of your way to drop a colleague home, or if you accept chocolates from a guest for your kids although you dont like them eating chocolates. It is Ok if someone needs to use your phone. It is OK if someone comes to your home without prior information or invitation. It is OK if you have to get up early to cook for a guest. It is OK if you miss your favourite TV series one evening if your guests' kids want to watch cartoon. It doesnt matter so much.
The Americans and Europeans feel that Indians dont say a 'NO' because they are too eager to please. But this is not a recent character or cultural trait acquired by indians. Over the years we have learnt not to say a no to anyone who happens to cross our path, or looks up to us for a favour. Irrespective of whether we are capable of helping out the person or not, we try and do it as best we can. I agree that at the work place some people are very eager to please the 'firangis' and this will have to change. And these are the few people who leave an infavourable impression about us when they do not meet unreasonable deadlines they had committed to.
If we can accept cultures, and dont try to adopt one, but be ourselves, then can we have a productive communication.