Why the right turned on Indian Americans

In early October, Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy of Ohio made a mistake during a campaign event when he clumsily picked up a young boy, sparking widespread ridicule on social media. To address the backlash, Ramaswamy posted a photo of himself with his son, a move that received comparatively positive reactions.

However, the incident highlighted a troubling trend of anti-Indian racism on the right, particularly against Indian Americans and immigrants. Journalist Zaid Jilani, who wrote about the surge in anti-Indian bigotry for Vox, discussed the phenomenon with Today, Explained co-host Noel King, exploring its roots in status envy and the growing visibility of Indian Americans in high-profile positions.

Jilani noted that while Indian Americans are often stereotyped as educated and successful, their visibility in the tech industry and other high-status roles has triggered resentment among some middle-class Americans. The backlash is more about perceived competition than direct discrimination, as Indian Americans are not stereotyped as criminals or illegal immigrants.

Instead, they are seen as a threat to the status and opportunities of white Americans. Jilani emphasized that despite their outrage over racism, many Indian Americans are pragmatic, understanding the broader economic context and acknowledging the struggles of others. They also recognize the opportunities afforded to them through their success in America, while still being acutely aware of the shifting dynamics in the job market and educational institutions.