The Center for the Study of Organized Hate (CSOH), a Washington D.C.-based think tank, recently released a report that sheds light on a disturbing trend of anti-Indian sentiment on the social media platform X. This surge in hateful posts was in response to the appointment of Indian-American Sriram Krishnan as the White House Senior Policy Advisor for AI and a post by Vivek Ramaswamy discussing American culture and mediocrity. The report, titled ‘Anti-Indian Hate on X: How The Platform Amplifies Xenophobia and Racism,’ analyzed 128 posts that collectively received a massive 138.4 million views.
The Root of the Problem
The posts highlighted in the report primarily centered around right-wing social media users expressing disdain for the H-1B visa system, which allows many Indians to live and work in the United States. Both Krishnan and Ramaswamy have been vocal supporters of the H-1B system, which has drawn criticism from far-right figures such as Laura Loomer. Loomer argued that Krishnan’s appointment contradicted the “America First” principle and claimed that STEM jobs should be reserved for Americans rather than immigrants.
Deeksha Udupa, one of the report’s co-authors, pointed out that the anti-Indian posts were not limited to attacking H-1B visa holders but reflected a broader anti-immigrant sentiment prevalent among Trump supporters. Udupa highlighted the Great Replacement Theory, which posits that immigrants will take away opportunities from white Americans, as a driving force behind the hateful rhetoric.
Expanding Targets and Solutions
Furthermore, the report underscored that these attacks were not solely aimed at Hindus but encompassed individuals of Indian descent, including members of the Sikh community. In response to the escalating anti-Indian hate on social media, Democratic Congressman Rep. Shri Thanedar introduced a bipartisan bill to combat Hinduphobia and address the broader issue of xenophobic attacks.
Despite violating X’s policies on hateful conduct, many of the posts remained active on the platform, garnering millions of views. The report highlighted derogatory language and stereotypes used against Indian immigrants, such as portraying them as an invasive force or making derogatory remarks about their culture. Udupa expressed concern over X’s tolerance of hate speech, emphasizing that the platform’s promotion of controversial content for views and engagement perpetuates a culture of intolerance.
A Call for Action
The report recommended that X take proactive measures to identify and remove anti-Indian slurs and hateful content from its platform, as well as prohibit monetization on such posts. Udupa emphasized that algorithms play a significant role in amplifying certain messages and called for a more responsible approach to content moderation.
In conclusion, the CSOH report serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of online hate speech and the urgent need for social media platforms to address these issues. By shedding light on the harmful impact of xenophobic rhetoric, the report advocates for a more inclusive and respectful online environment for all users.
The fight against hate speech is ongoing, and it is crucial for both individuals and platforms to take a stand against intolerance in all its forms. As we navigate the complex landscape of social media, maintaining civility and empathy is more important than ever in fostering a truly inclusive digital community.