In recent times, there has been a noticeable increase in racial or bigoted attacks against Indians worldwide. This surge in racism and discrimination manifests both online and in real-world incidents, with various sources contributing to the negative portrayal of Indians.
Rise in Hate Crimes
Statistics indicate a significant rise in hate crimes against Indians, particularly in Western countries. In the United States, the FBI reports an increase in hate crimes targeting Hindus, with anti-Hindu incidents surpassing those driven by Islamophobia. The UK has also seen a rise in hate crimes, with 291 reported cases against Hindus in the 2022-2023 period.
Terminology and Stereotypes
A derogatory term frequently used against Indians is “Pajeet,” which is employed to depict Indians as backward and unhygienic. This term has gained traction among neo-Nazis, white nationalists, and Islamists. It perpetuates stereotypes about open defecation in India, despite significant improvements in sanitation in the country.
International Bigotry and Media Narratives
The international media and certain governments have played a role in perpetuating negative stereotypes about India. India’s government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has faced criticism from Western nations on human rights and democracy issues. This criticism often influences public perception and fuels racist attitudes.
Attacks from Non-Western Countries
Interestingly, a significant number of racist attacks on Indians are reported from non-Western countries like Bangladesh. Social media is used by some Bangladeshi Islamists to demonize and plan attacks against the minority Hindu population. Similarly, there is a false belief among some Bangladeshi individuals that they have Turkish ancestry, further fueling a sense of superiority over Indians.
Prominent Figures and Racism
Even prominent figures of Indian origin, such as UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and tech industry leaders like Sundar Pichai and Satya Nadella, have not been spared from racial slurs. Despite their significant contributions and leadership roles, they are often targets of bigoted attacks.
Contribution to Society
Indian-Americans make up just over 1% of the US population but are the highest-earning ethnic group, with a median income of $100,000 in 2013. Many hold leadership positions in top tech companies, and a significant number of doctors in the US are of Indian descent. Their contributions extend to political donations, with Indian-Americans being major donors to both political parties.
Historical Context of Racism
The roots of racism against Indians can be traced back to the colonial era, where British colonialists like Charles Grant and James Mill believed that Indians were unfit for democracy. This colonial mindset has left a lingering legacy of bigotry that still influences attitudes today.
Modern-Day Incidents
Recent incidents highlight the severity of the issue. In Malaysia, a massacre driven by anti-Indian sentiment occurred in 1969. In Uganda, former dictator Idi Amin expelled around 80,000 Indians in a campaign of ethnic cleansing. In Australia, Indian students have faced racially motivated attacks, and Indian cricket players have been subjected to racist abuse.
Government and Media Role
Western governments and media often paint India in a negative light, criticizing its human rights record while overlooking their own issues. For instance, the United States has faced criticism for its police brutality and military actions in various countries. This double standard contributes to the perpetuation of negative stereotypes about India.
Response and Solutions
Indians have begun to fight back against racism, using their fluency in English to counter racist narratives online. The Indian government can further address this issue by ensuring political stability and economic growth, thereby enhancing India’s global influence. Promoting positive narratives through Bollywood and leveraging India’s soft power can also help counteract negative stereotypes.
In conclusion
racism against Indians has multiple facets, including historical legacies, international media narratives, and societal attitudes. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach, involving both government action and community efforts to promote a more positive and accurate portrayal of Indians globally.
