The week of my birthday, a series of train blasts ripped through the city of Mumbai. Needless the say, I wasn't thinking about my birthday anymore. It was devastating and horrible and just another item to add to the long list of violent acts that has taken over the world in recent years. First came the bloodshed, then came the blame. It seems to be human instinct, especially these days, to make ourselves feel better by finding blame.

So in less than 24 hours came the inevitable statement from Indian officials: this was an act of local terrorism supported by that country across the border, long-time, off-and-on, sparring partner - Pakistan. In turn, Pakistan immediately denied any involvement and the nations' seemingly cooled-off relations fired up again.

On this side of the ocean it was all I could do to not sigh.

Because the fact of the matter is, growing up in America and being raised here, the wars and political tensions experienced by my parents are from another time and generation - far from anything I know, and more importantly, anything I can accept. I would imagine this is the way for most immigrants; young Jewish Americans are probably not out for blood when they see Arab-Americans and vice versa. And likewise, most Indians and Pakistanis living in America see the similarities in their lives outshining any difference that may exist.

But unfortunately, things aren't perfect because for all us first- and second-generation American youngsters, we still have families that aren't embracing our views and each other. There are still, for example, Muslim and Jewish parents and grandparents who are wary of their youngest being best friends with a Seth or a Salim and, likewise, we have Indian and Pakistanis living here who don't understand why their children are so close.

Well, to these adults I have to say: back off. Don't make the problems of your generation spill over to your children. America allows those who normally may have never met to become friends, and perhaps even more. And to take it one step further, I propose this: that young Indian Americans step out of their comfort zone and visit Pakistan, and Pakistani Americans should visit India.

The Taj Mahal, the Gates of Lahore, Rajasthan, and Kaghan Valley - these are all beautiful places that are a must see regardless of whether you're of Indian or Pakistani descent. Because quite honestly, as young, brown, Americans - it makes no difference to us. We eat relatively the same foods, speak similar languages, and have parents who place restrictions on our social lives that white America doesn't seem to understand.

Had we been raised in India or Pakistan, perhaps our lives would make us recognize those differences that our parents and grandparents had, but living here in this white picket-fenced, wonder bread-loving country, the endless amounts of similarities come forth and, like a blessing in disguise, they should be embraced, because whether it's the United States and Iraq, India and Pakistan, and now Israel and Lebanon, more and more countries are causing their citizens to feel hate and fear. And politicians have stopped trying to understand and respect each other - choosing instead to play the blame game.

Maybe they, too, need a vacation.

What do you think about stepping outside your comfort zone? What do your birthdays make you feel like? Share your thoughts with us at info@indianlifeandstyle.com.