Racism as a systematic form of oppression has been prevalent for centuries. The oppression guided by racism of the Black communities in 1800s is most notable as the abolishment of slavery on December 18, 1865, in the USA was a historic landmark towards the humane treatment of Black people not only in the USA but across the world. However, it is also imperative to note that they are not the only racially oppressed community, even if one is speaking historically. The existence of white privilege in every sector of society has resulted in inequality for everyone with a darker skin tone. This is an act of prejudice that has been passed down for centuries and continues to take place in real time. As a result, Indians are not only subjugated to racism due to their brown skin but also due to harmful prejudices that communities abroad tend to have of India as a country and therefore, its inhabitants.
While it is reasonable for one to assume that all minorities, who experience a similar form of oppression would naturally develop a sense of solidarity amongst themselves or at the very least, refrain from imposing said harmful stereotypes against one another—that is unfortunately not the reality. Of course, generalization is a dangerous game however one can simply not look past the sheer amount of discourse that prevails amongst these communities most notably- the Black community and Indians.
Breaking Down the Stereotypes: What Do They Look Like?
Racism against Indians often takes shape through deeply ingrained stereotypes and prejudices that unfairly paint the entire community in a negative light.
One of the most pervasive assumptions is associating India with poor sanitation and uncleanliness, which leads to the offensive stereotype of Indians being inherently unhygienic. Such beliefs are further exacerbated by negative portrayals in media, which often highlight issues like pollution or overcrowding while ignoring the diversity and richness of Indian culture.
This further ties into the assumption that implying that brown skin is inherently linked to an unpleasant smell. This unfounded stereotype not only demeans individuals but also reflects broader, flawed narratives about hygiene and worth being tied to physical appearance. These perceptions create barriers for Indians globally, making them vulnerable to discriminatory remarks, exclusion, and microaggressions in both personal and professional spaces. This particular stereotype gained significant attention in 2021, following a racially charged discourse on X (formerly Twitter). The discussion began when an African American user quoted a perfectly normal group photo of Indians, implying that the room must smell bad. Since that tweet, things spiralled, and alarming levels of racist language was utilised by both communities against one another. The privileged class, the White community enjoyed the show as the two groups they’ve oppressed most in history were now fighting amongst themselves.
This incident has marked an intense rise in racism against Indians on social media platforms—a trend that has since been normalized. Although the discourse was not initiated by an Indian, one can argue that they bore the brunt of its consequences the most, as any form of derogatory language against other marginalized communities seems to be condemned immediately, but the usage of the same language against Indians is scoffed at and dismissed. As we approach 2025, rather than challenging this growing prejudice, it appears that discriminatory attitudes toward Indians are being further entrenched and normalized in online spaces.
Unfortunately, racism isn’t just confined to online spaces but has been translated into real life, manifesting in threatening and harmful incidents. Hate and bigotry expressed online don’t exist in a vacuum—they actively shape perceptions, influencing real-world attitudes and behaviours. What begins as seemingly “harmless” remarks or memes on social media evolves into deeply ingrained biases, inciting individuals to act on these prejudices in their daily lives. This cycle of hate, born from online platforms, doesn’t end there—it actively shapes how people interact offline, influencing policies, behaviours, and attitudes across societies. Without accountability, unchecked prejudice continues to grow, creating an environment where racism and discrimination are not only accepted but perpetuated.
In 2023 alone, 86 Indian nationals were reported as victims of attacks or murders globally, including incidents in countries like the US, Canada, and the UK, according to data shared by the Centre. These unsettling figures demonstrate how online bigotry often fuels real-world hostility, normalizing discrimination and emboldening individuals to act on their biases.
For Indian Americans, the experience of discrimination is particularly troubling. Reports indicate that a significant number of individuals have faced bias in various forms, especially related to skin colour, gender, religion, and their Indian heritage. Interestingly, Indian Americans born in the United States report experiencing discrimination more frequently than their foreign-born counterparts, suggesting that the issue is deeply rooted in societal perceptions rather than just cultural differences.
The death of 23-year-old Indian student Jaahnavi Kandula, struck by a speeding police car in Seattle, also highlighted the rising racism against Indians and broader issues of systemic bias. Officer Kevin Dave, who was driving at 74 mph in a 25-mph zone, was not charged due to insufficient evidence, sparking public outrage. The situation worsened after body cam footage revealed Officer Daniel Auderer mocking Kandula’s death, stating she “had limited value.” This incident not only underscores the lack of accountability in cases involving police misconduct but also reflects how marginalized communities, including Indian immigrants, are often devalued, both in law enforcement and broader societal perceptions.
Racism is undoubtedly a global issue, but the rising discrimination against Indians—whether in online spaces or real-life encounters—requires urgent and focused action. This problem goes beyond overt violence or explicit bias. Indian communities, both within their own borders and abroad, often face microaggressions and systemic barriers rooted in deep-seated prejudices. Subtle forms of exclusion and stereotyping undermine confidence and fuel broader societal divisions, perpetuating harmful narratives that have their origins in online spaces but extend far beyond them.
Addressing these challenges calls for coordinated efforts across multiple levels—from promoting inclusivity to enforcing stronger laws against hate speech and securing justice for victims of discrimination. Only by taking decisive action can we break this destructive cycle and work towards a society where such prejudices have no place. Tackling the rising racism against Indians requires a focused strategy involving education, legal reforms, and sustained public awareness to prevent this harmful trend from taking root further. Only through addressing these root causes can we ensure that equality and respect are not just ideals, but realities for all.
