The Rising Wave of Racism Against Indians in Western Countries
Introduction
Today, we will discuss an issue that has been gaining significant attention in recent times—racism against Indians in Western countries. This topic has become even more relevant due to the recent viral controversy surrounding American politician Vivek Ramaswamy, who is currently contesting for the Governor of Ohio in the United States.
A particular image of Vivek Ramaswamy from an interview went viral, drawing severe criticism from many Americans, who labeled it as “Third World culture” and “anti-American.” This sparked a major debate on social media, with many users targeting Ramaswamy and Indians at large. This incident highlights a growing trend of racism against Indians in countries like the US, Canada, and even New Zealand.
Increasing Cases of Racism Against Indians
Over the years, reports of discrimination against Indians in Western nations have surged. Indian software engineers, students, and professionals working in the US have frequently faced racial slurs, with some being labeled as “scammers.” Many endure these racial hostilities silently, prioritizing financial security over raising their voices. However, an increasing number of Indians are now speaking out against such discrimination.
For example, cases from New Zealand have surfaced where Indian immigrants have shared their struggles in integrating into society, only to face blatant racism. Online platforms like Reddit are filled with stories of Indians experiencing discrimination abroad. Even high-profile personalities like Grimes, the former partner of Elon Musk, have acknowledged this issue, expressing concerns over the sudden surge of anti-Indian sentiments in the West.
Why Are Indians Being Targeted?
- Economic Competition: One major reason behind this growing resentment is the belief that Indian immigrants are taking over high-paying jobs in sectors like IT and medicine. Indians are among the highest-earning ethnic groups in the US, which has led to jealousy and backlash from some native populations.
- Lack of Collective Resistance: Unlike the Chinese government, which actively countered racism against its citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic, India has largely remained silent on the issue. When online racism against Indians escalated around 2021-2022, there was no collective response, allowing the problem to grow unchecked.
- Political Influence: Many Indian-Americans have attained influential positions in politics and corporate America, further fueling the perception that Indians are “taking over.”
- Media and Social Narratives: Western media and online influencers sometimes contribute to negative stereotypes, further reinforcing biases against Indians.
The Case of Vivek Ramaswamy
Despite being endorsed by former US President Donald Trump, Ramaswamy has faced significant racism from sections of the American population. A recent controversy erupted over a picture of him appearing barefoot in an interview. This seemingly trivial matter led to widespread racial slurs, proving that deep-seated prejudices still exist.
Ironically, Trump himself has supported Indian-Americans in various capacities. However, some of his supporters continue to harbor racist sentiments, highlighting the contradiction within the political landscape.
What Can Be Done?
- Raising Awareness: More discussions need to happen in Indian media and social platforms regarding racism against Indians abroad.
- Government Intervention: The Indian government should take a proactive approach, raising concerns at international forums like the United Nations.
- Community Support: Indian diaspora communities should unite and push for stronger anti-racism measures in their respective countries.
- Educating the Masses: Western societies need to be made aware of the positive contributions Indians make to their economies and culture.
Conclusion
Racism against Indians in Western countries is a pressing issue that cannot be ignored. The recent controversy surrounding Vivek Ramaswamy is just one of many examples of how deep-rooted this problem has become. As Indians, it is essential that we recognize this issue, stand together, and demand respect on the global stage.