Popularly known as Woz in the tech world, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak came up with an insensitive statement at the ET Global Business Summit in New Delhi. Talking about Indian culture and progress, Woz said that he doesn’t see any big advances in the Indian tech companies. He also expressed that India lacks creativity as India’s work culture is just about studying and getting a good job to earn good money.
When asked about his views on India with respect to the emergence of global tech force, Woz said,
“I am not an anthropologist and I don’t know the culture of India well enough. I don’t see those big advances in tech companies. What is the biggest tech company here, Infosys maybe? I just don’t see that sort of thing coming out of Infosys and I have done keynotes for them three times.”
He further added,
“The culture here is one of success based upon academic excellence, studying, learning, practicing and having a good job and a great life. For upper India, not the lower. I see two India(s). That’s a lot like Singapore study, study, work hard and you get an MBA, you will have a Mercedes but where is the creativity? The creativity gets left out when your behaviour is too predictable and structured, everyone is similar. Look at a small country like New Zealand, the writers, singers, athletes; it’s a whole different world.”
Wozniak’s statement didn’t go well with people of our nation. His views soon went viral on the internet and received a huge backlash.
One of those who gave a befitting reply to Woz’s stereotypical statement is the Chairman of Mahindra Group, Anand Mahindra. He asked Woz to visit India again as he wants people to prove him wrong.
Here’s what he tweeted:
I love it when such comments are made. Nothing like a sweeping stereotype to get our juices flowing & prove it wrong. Thanks @stevewoz Come back soon. We’ll make you sing a different tune… https://t.co/Zy4QemamQJ
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) February 27, 2018
Just like Anand Mahindra, there are many who are not satisfied with Wozniak’s thoughts about India. Here’s how people slammed him for his views.
Steve Wozniak : India lacks creativity.
Me : Kabhi china mobile pe iPhone ka cover dekha hai ?
Bade aaye creativity waale !#creativity #SteveWozniak
— BabuSaahab (@Babusaahab) March 1, 2018
Obviously he hasn’t seen and experienced great Indian Jugaad!!
— Manu Sharma (@ManuSharma2207) February 27, 2018
May be he should come to India and live here for a week. He will get to know how creative Indians are. NASA is running because of 30 percent Indians only. The only reason we are lagging behind is because of bad politics in our country. India is not spending well on R and D.
— Mohit Garg (@mohitgarg34) February 27, 2018
I don’t know why did @stevewoz said that India lacks creativity. But somehow that boosts my energy to create something that US peoples gonna use on daily basis
— Manish Methani (@manishmethani5) March 1, 2018
You don’t have base in your words to say India lacks creativity.
Your business runs because we let you work in India.— Vikasdev Sharma (@SharmaVikasdev) February 27, 2018
Bro before telling true plz try to understand india doesn’t lacks creativity, but a fourum to support it to make it a reality. If u want examples please go through the innovation done by top institution those r really awesome but later cannot be established in real life.
— Ankit (@trojanhorse420) February 26, 2018
Steve Woz (CEO Apple) – India Lacks creativity
Me – isse jyada creativity dekhi hai tune?
Steve woz – Sorry bhai dil pe le liya tune to pic.twitter.com/R4l9IvhDsh— Hasna Zaroori Hai (@HasnaZarooriHai) March 1, 2018
Do you support Wozniak’s statement? Do share your views in the comments section below.