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The Experience of Indians Post 9-11
- By Bobby Castro
- Published 12/6/2011
- Destinations
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Bobby Castro
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The Experience of Indians Post 9-11
As the numbers of Indians continue to grow, they are amongst the most successful because of their educational attainment and high-income employment opportunities. Even with their successes, there are still many issues that Indians in America face especially after the events of 9-11.
Because of the backlash of Americans to any individual of Middle Eastern or Indian descent, many South Asians were subject to abuse, attacked and even killed. In the week after September 11, there were 645 hate related incidents affecting individuals of South Asian and Middle Eastern heritage. The first fatality was Balbir Singh Sodhi, a Sikh American who was attacked and killed by Frank Roque last September 11, 2001. Roque wanted to "kill a Muslim" as revenge for the terrorist attacks.
Even after a decade of the horrific event, many Indian-Americans still are subjected to bias, bullying, physical harm, harassment and racism. Many are often targeted not only because of their outward appearance but because they were wearing turban in public. Other incidents include racial taunts of Al-Qaeda and "go back to your country". Reports of vandalism and racial profiling resulting in not only physical harm but also emotional trauma on many individuals of South Asian descent.
Despite such difficulties, many Americans of South Asian descent have risen to positions of power in government. The most notable amongst them is Bobby Jindal, the governor of Louisiana and Nikki Haley, the governor of South Carolina. These are clear examples of how the South Asian community plays a vital role in the social, political and community development of the United States. Even as more South Asians rise in the ranks, the fear brought about by racism continues to be a major issue in everyday life for regular individuals.
The increased rhetoric on immigration also is a major concern for South Asians in the United States moving forward. Much of the current population of Indians in the country are born overseas and thus still retain major ties to the old country. The new immigration policies affect future Indians seeking greener pastures in the United States and the more stringent requirements may prove to be daunting to many applying for visas to the country.
Overall, the success of South Asians in the United States has been tempered with the racial issues concerning descent and traditions. Even as Indians continue to integrate themselves into American society, the specter of further discrimination and difficulty is a reality not just for today but for many others in the long run.
Because of the backlash of Americans to any individual of Middle Eastern or Indian descent, many South Asians were subject to abuse, attacked and even killed. In the week after September 11, there were 645 hate related incidents affecting individuals of South Asian and Middle Eastern heritage. The first fatality was Balbir Singh Sodhi, a Sikh American who was attacked and killed by Frank Roque last September 11, 2001. Roque wanted to "kill a Muslim" as revenge for the terrorist attacks.
Even after a decade of the horrific event, many Indian-Americans still are subjected to bias, bullying, physical harm, harassment and racism. Many are often targeted not only because of their outward appearance but because they were wearing turban in public. Other incidents include racial taunts of Al-Qaeda and "go back to your country". Reports of vandalism and racial profiling resulting in not only physical harm but also emotional trauma on many individuals of South Asian descent.
Despite such difficulties, many Americans of South Asian descent have risen to positions of power in government. The most notable amongst them is Bobby Jindal, the governor of Louisiana and Nikki Haley, the governor of South Carolina. These are clear examples of how the South Asian community plays a vital role in the social, political and community development of the United States. Even as more South Asians rise in the ranks, the fear brought about by racism continues to be a major issue in everyday life for regular individuals.
The increased rhetoric on immigration also is a major concern for South Asians in the United States moving forward. Much of the current population of Indians in the country are born overseas and thus still retain major ties to the old country. The new immigration policies affect future Indians seeking greener pastures in the United States and the more stringent requirements may prove to be daunting to many applying for visas to the country.
Overall, the success of South Asians in the United States has been tempered with the racial issues concerning descent and traditions. Even as Indians continue to integrate themselves into American society, the specter of further discrimination and difficulty is a reality not just for today but for many others in the long run.