The rise of South Asian American political figures like Kamala Harris, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Usha Vance has been accompanied by a surge in anti-South Asian hate, according to a recent report by Stop AAPI Hate. Overt racism towards South Asians has increased since January 2023, with threats of violence up 17% and 43% of South Asians reporting experiencing hate acts in 2023. South Asians have been accosted on the street, denied hotel rooms, targeted with slurs, and threatened with violence due to assumptions about their support for Harris. Online hate speech directed at South Asians has also doubled, with extremist posts attacking Indian American identity in particular.
Even as South Asian Americans gain political prominence, racist incidents like verbal attacks, street harassment, and online threats have left many community members feeling scared and marginalized. The political atmosphere in the country, coupled with fears of violence and discrimination, has made many South Asians reluctant to speak out about their experiences. Some are questioning their place in the U.S. despite having sacrificed everything to pursue the American Dream.
Experts note that even with South Asian representation in political leadership positions, the broader anti-immigrant messaging from the current administration can still negatively impact ordinary South Asian Americans. The history of anti-South Asian hate in the U.S. is longstanding and continues to persist, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty within the community. Despite the accomplishments of individuals like Ramaswamy and Vance, the prevalence of racism and discrimination towards South Asians remains a significant issue that needs to be addressed and confronted.
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