Indians in the US need to think over their reality

Aditya Vashisht

The Trump administration’s inclusion of Indian-origin/Hindus in its cabinet has been an intriguing step, which has created quite a stir among its loyal fanbase. Kash Patel’s and Tulsi Gabbard’s explicit display of pride in their faith has been a talking point among many of the MAGA supporters, who might not appreciate the inclusion of non-Christians in the cabinet of the one who is considered by them as a favourite for White Christian nationalism in America. Such a situation has created a paradox, with the Trump cabinet balancing administrative priorities with the need to cater to its loyal audience.

But the inclusion of Hindus in the Trump cabinet comes at a very important moment, when racial hate towards Indians/Hindus is seeing a rise in the US and other parts of the Anglosphere. This undoubtedly forms part of the broad pushback against immigration and increasing racial diversity which is being increasingly perceived as a threat by many among the White population. The polarization of US politics has in a large measure emanated from these concerns.

One can find that popular social media spots like X, 4Chan etc. are rife with posts and threads which specifically target Indians and the Hindu faith.  Hindu gods and goddesses are ridiculed, which has long been a favourite activity of radical white Christians since centuries, and Indians are labeled with terms of ‘smelly’, pajeet’ or a population which does not know how to defecate properly. Memes and handles are popular where Indians are shown in a disgusting, bad light.

Popular Indian-origin figures have been a special target. Ranging from current Vice-president’s wife Usha Vance to Vivek Ramaswamy, from Indian-origin IT bosses to other political leaders, all have come under light because of their different culture and skin colour. This comes despite Indians/Hindus being a largely peaceful and a prosperous minority which has contributed and still continues to contribute to the development of the USA.

And one must not consider that anti-Indian sentiment is prevalent solely among the MAGA Trump supporters. It is not confined to any specific political party or an individual. A prominent example is of the ridiculing of the Mars Mangalyaan mission by the New York Times (NYT) through a cartoon, where a man with a cow is standing at the doorsteps of a house in which live other space powers. This comes despite the fact that the India’s Mars mission was accomplished in its very first attempt and was achieved at a cost which can be considered low in terms of the average price which these missions take. Nor it had anything to do with domestic politics in India.  The NYT has often come in the crosshairs of Trump and its base.

Thus this brings to light a serious question, which is concerned with the future of the Indian/Hindu population in the USA. Obviously there are many whites who are not concerned with their presence nor might lend support to the hateful rhetoric against Indians. But as polarization grows and the non-Indian population in the US feels exhaustion, and if Trump’s domestic and foreign policies bring greater distress and problems, then it would not be entirely wrong to say that Hindus in the US could well become the latest ‘Jews’. Prosperous minorities have often been special target throughout history, as they are the first to be highlighted because of their wealth and affluence. Be it the Jews in European states to the Chinese in Indonesia, all have been subjected to persecution when a significant portion of the majority feels frustrated.

An additional problem with Indians/Hindus in general has been their ‘soft image’, by which it is to be meant that they have failed to cultivate a very vocal strength in terms of their identity and faith. This obviously makes them lag behind other racial and religious minorities such as Blacks, Latinos, Muslims and Jews. In popular US culture, if one takes a very close look one can find films or other popular media which narrates the growth and success of other non-white populations. Such a medium is very important in carving out a separate space in society for a community. Indians/Hindus in general, have been slow, since in the popular culture their identity does not come out as strongly as say, that of Blacks, Latinos or the Chinese.

The expression of one’s identity is very much important, especially in a country like US where race is considered a very important factor in the society, similar to what caste is in India. In terms of any particular crisis, the cultivation of a strong identity plays a very big role in securing support. The killing of a Black man, George Floyd, in the US triggered such an outpour of political agitation that created widespread disturbance, which also spread across the Atlantic to European states too. Speaking out against the Jews could lead one to lose his/her job. Expression of Islamophobia can also create significant trouble for the one who expresses it.

This brings into spotlight the political capital which Indians/Hindus have been able to generate, since without it, all wealth earned and houses built would ultimately be meaningless. The Indian/Hindu community in the US needs to introspect well and should make concerted efforts to carve out a unique identity which gives them enough strength to pushback against any hateful rhetoric and tendencies displayed. Films should be made which show the success story of many Indian immigrants, more role models should arise who wear their faith on their sleeves and focus should be laid to the cultivation of a strong Indian identity which not just be explicitly confined to food, dance and religious philosphy, but displays other aspects of the country too. Every Indian/Hindu is an ambassador and they should act fast, since the US and the Anglosphere in reality is, ultimately, a white man’s world which shall work according to him.

(Author is a blogger based in Lucknow. The views expressed are personal.)