Indians in America are a disturbed lot, yet behind their obvious apprehensions is a staunch belief that the common man will rise above hate, and spread harmony.
Siddarth Lakshmanan, studying a masters in manufacturing and mechanical systems integration at Rochester Institute of Technology feels, “While there are instances of danger, I think the idea of unsafety is a little far-stretched. Most reputed universities go all out in ensuring their international students feel safer. Yes, hate crimes can be a little disturbing, especially since you know there aren’t many folks out there who can relate to your fears. But, doing research is key. There are many groups and communities that foster harmony and make you feel at home. So, I’d say, it all depends on your choice — being a little watchful goes a long way.”
Salimeh Khaleeli who lives in Maryland is married to an American. “I have never faced any major issues.. The only issue I have faced is from the black and Jewish community who treat me differently because I don’t belong to their community. With white people, I have never faced any problems at all. And it’s very rare also here. I’ve noticed that some Indians tend to have an attitude problem, while living here and that could be avoided.”
Sushma Murthy, entrepreneur and a US citizen who lives in a predominantly white neighbourhood in Atlanta, explains, “I have never encountered any major issues during my two decade stay here. The recent hate crime was an unfortunate but rare incident. It is being blown out of proportion. People tend to forget that it was an American guy who intervened and tried to save the Indian. Right now, it is too soon to tell whether hate crimes will increase.”
Gautham C (name changed on request) from Asheville, North Carolina opines, “I’m not sure if the social dynamic has changed or if it’s because the place itself is so rural and away from migration. You are considered ‘different’ if you have a beard or are a brown man. Several taxi drivers don’t even give you a ride from downtown if you are a brown man with a funny accent — partly because of the fear that an incident like what occurred at San Bernardino might happen. I even saw a guy from the black community stopped and told by ‘kids’ from a high school that they finally got their guy as the king of the country, and that he was going to catch his coloured *ss and throw him into the Atlantic Ocean! I think it’s all about taking precautions — don’t go out very late or alone, stick with your circle and basically stay away from rural areas.”
Voicing similar misgiving is Meera G (name changed on request) from Austin, “This hate crime is exactly what all Indians and other immigrant communities were concerned about under the new administration. We continue to believe in law enforcement and the judiciary and don’t think the murderer will go unpunished. But the increase in hate crimes since the election is undeniable and makes immigrants wonder whether they will ever belong here,” says Meera.
But there are also those that highlight how easily news can create a wave of fear, some of which is taken out of context as well, Dhruvika Ram, student in Minnesota says, “I think the incident was blown out of proportion by mostly Indian media. It was a stray incident as I have been here on visa for over a year and have not felt unsafe. The political scenario is a little tight at the moment but my friends circle is a mix of Indians and Americans who don’t have any qualms towards us whatsoever. But I think it works best if we keep a low profile, and go on with our activities without making too much of the incident, because honestly, it could have been anybody.”
— Team Bengaluru Chronicle
