Indian American teens are increasingly confronting normalized anti-Indian hate, highlighting the impact of stereotypes and casual racism on their identity and self-esteem.
During middle school, I faced my first experience of racism when someone asked me, “Does your house smell bad because you are Indian?” This moment marked the beginning of my understanding that being Indian encompassed more than just my skin color—it was a stark introduction to the prejudices that exist in society.
Over time, I began to notice that racist jokes about Indians were becoming alarmingly common. These remarks were often met with laughter, even from those who prided themselves on being socially aware. Today, the prevalence of anti-Indian hate in classrooms and on social media suggests that the norms surrounding blatant racism have shifted, allowing such comments to go unchallenged.
Has this normalization of hate against Indians in America become a troubling reality? Comments about the smell of Indian food or assumptions that Indian children are “nerdy” or socially awkward were once dismissed as harmless observations. Now, challenging these stereotypes is often viewed as being overly sensitive.
Such mocking comments have become so frequent that they may no longer be recognized as anti-Indian racism. This trend is particularly evident online, where social media posts featuring Indians often attract derogatory comments. Videos depicting Indians preparing food in unflattering ways frequently draw attention, and the comment sections are rife with stereotypes that, if directed at other ethnic groups, would be deemed unacceptable. These comments are not only tolerated but are also liked, shared, and laughed at by viewers.
According to data from aapiequalityalliance.org, over 44,000 slurs targeting South Asians were recorded in extremist digital spaces during just May and June of 2024. This alarming statistic indicates a growing acceptance of hate speech directed at Indian Americans.
One contributing factor to this phenomenon may be the perception of Indian Americans as a model minority. With an average household income estimated at around $150,000 in 2023, Indian Americans have made significant strides in fields such as medicine, engineering, and technology, often outperforming other demographic groups.
Does this perceived success render Indian Americans immune to racist remarks? Is anti-Indian hate considered permissible simply because they appear to be thriving?
Talvin Dhingra, a student at Tufts University, notes, “There is definitely a difference in how they are seen in media and politics,” even as he acknowledges that “Indians aren’t totally seen as different in younger circles.”
Media representation plays a crucial role in shaping societal attitudes. Historically, Indian characters in American television and film have been relegated to minor roles or portrayed through racial stereotypes. For example, the character Baljeet in *Phineas and Ferb* is depicted as a quintessential nerd, while Apu from *The Simpsons* is portrayed as a convenience store owner with an exaggerated Indian accent, voiced by a white actor.
Such portrayals do more than reflect stereotypes; they reinforce them. When audiences grow accustomed to seeing a particular group mocked on screen, it becomes easier to justify similar behavior in real life. A 2010 study by the National Communication Association found that viewers who frequently encountered stereotypical portrayals of African Americans and Latinos were more likely to associate these groups with negative traits, influencing their perceptions in the real world.
This environment can be particularly damaging for younger Indian Americans. As teenagers navigate their identities, casual racism can subtly shape their self-perception. Kavi Kumar-Warikoo, an Indian American high school student from Cambridge, Massachusetts, reflects, “I remember not having any Indian role models to look up to in television and the media growing up. It definitely made me somewhat accept that Indian Americans weren’t meant to be ‘popular’ or ‘cool.’”
The Mental Health Foundation highlights that racism can diminish self-esteem and instill shame, leading individuals to question their identities. Many Indian children grow up feeling embarrassed by their names, food, or cultural practices.
“When I was younger, I didn’t always realize the meaning behind jokes directed towards my race, but looking back now, it’s obvious that it was because Indian hate is normalized,” Kumar-Warikoo adds. “Even now in high school, you hear jokes and comments about Indians that are just seen as ordinary.”
When racism becomes normalized, it sends a message to young people that certain aspects of their identity are fair game for ridicule. However, it is essential to recognize that not all forms of racism are identical. While anti-Indian racism may not be systemic in the same way as anti-Black racism, it is still harmful.
Small comments, such as calling Indians smelly, along with repeated jokes and stereotypes, accumulate over time. They shape how people perceive Indians and how Indians perceive themselves. It is striking how little public attention this issue has received in the past. However, advocacy groups are beginning to document this trend, and mainstream media is starting to take notice. A recent survey by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace reveals rising concerns among Indian Americans regarding discrimination, particularly amid recent U.S. policy changes and geopolitical uncertainties. Additionally, Stop AAPI Hate has reported a 115% increase in anti-Indian sentiment online over the past two years, while CNN has highlighted how racists are now openly targeting Indian Americans.
Reflecting on my own experiences, these anti-Indian comments did not lead me to believe I smelled bad or was only good at math. However, they subconsciously influenced my life choices. At times, I felt compelled to prove that I was like my peers, engaging in sports and consuming American food. Unbeknownst to me, this behavior contributed to a rejection of my Indian identity.
If American society genuinely believes that racism is unacceptable, this belief must be applied consistently across all ethnic groups. Challenging normalized anti-Indian hate is not about demanding special treatment; it is about seeking the same basic respect that society claims to uphold.
Real progress requires us to question the jokes we have grown accustomed to laughing at and to listen when individuals express their hurt, even if we are not used to hearing it.
According to India Currents, the normalization of anti-Indian hate is a pressing issue that deserves attention and action.