Why are Indians being abused online globally? | The Dark Reality of India’s Online Image.

In this article, I have discussed the online image of Indians, which has often come into question and become a matter of mockery and trolling on the internet for people. I have compared the behavior and attitude of Indians with that of another developed country and tried to highlight the reasons for getting hate online. I have explained in detail how the online behavior of Indians, India’s online image based on the content of Indian creators and influencers, and Indians’ way of living life attract negative reactions on the internet.

Why Are Indians Abused Online Globally? | The Dark Reality of India’s Online Image

In recent years, the abuse of Indians online has become an unsettling global phenomenon, often manifesting through xenophobic remarks, racial slurs, and derogatory stereotypes. While the internet was once heralded as a platform for global unity and free speech, it has also become a breeding ground for cultural and ethnic abuse. Indians, in particular, find themselves the target of widespread online hate, and the reasons behind this trend are as complex as they are disturbing. This article dives into the dark reality of India’s online image, exploring why Indians are often abused online globally and what this reflects about the broader digital culture.

1. The Historical Context of Racism Against Indians

Historically, racism against Indians is not a new phenomenon. Colonialism introduced a system of racial hierarchies, where European colonial powers, particularly the British, positioned themselves as superior to their subjects, including Indians. These racist attitudes continued even after independence, manifesting in various forms over the decades. Indians living abroad often faced racial discrimination, from exclusionary immigration policies to casual racism.

In the online world, these deep-rooted prejudices persist. The global internet community is not immune to these historical influences. With internet platforms providing a veil of anonymity, racism, which might not be publicly expressed in face-to-face encounters, emerges unfiltered online.

2. Rise of Xenophobia and Nationalism

The rise of nationalism and xenophobia globally has exacerbated racial and ethnic tensions, and Indians have not been spared from these effects. Countries experiencing economic decline or political instability often scapegoat foreign workers or immigrants as part of the problem. In many parts of the world, particularly in Western countries, Indians have become a target of online abuse due to perceptions of job competition and cultural differences.

For instance, Indian IT workers, particularly those employed abroad in countries like the U.S. or the U.K., are sometimes targeted with accusations of “stealing jobs” from locals. This perception fuels online hatred, where Indians are often stereotyped as opportunistic and unwelcome invaders. This xenophobic rhetoric is amplified in online forums, social media platforms, and even in mainstream media.

3. Stereotyping and Misrepresentation of Indian Culture

One of the most significant contributors to the abuse of Indians online is the prevalence of cultural stereotypes and misrepresentation. Media portrayals of India in the global context often focus on extremes — from poverty, slums, and overpopulation to Bollywood glamour and “exotic” traditions. These simplified and skewed representations lead to a narrow and often negative perception of India and its people.

For many, India becomes synonymous with undesirable images — unhygienic conditions, corruption, and backwardness. These stereotypes feed into a cycle of online abuse where Indians are ridiculed for their accents, cultural practices, and even physical appearance. Such derogatory commentary often snowballs into a collective form of hate, where the complex and diverse realities of India are reduced to harmful caricatures.

4. Social Media as a Catalyst for Hate Speech

Social media platforms have unfortunately become a fertile ground for the propagation of hate speech. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram allow users to express opinions, often without any accountability. While these platforms have policies against hate speech, the enforcement is far from adequate.

India’s vast online population, particularly its growing internet users, has made it a frequent subject of both domestic and international trolls. Memes, jokes, and offensive commentary targeting Indian accents, food habits, skin color, and even religious practices regularly circulate, perpetuating the stereotype of the “uncivilized Indian.”

The anonymity provided by social media also allows for bullying and hate speech without consequence. Racists and trolls can hide behind fake profiles, unleashing abuse without fear of retribution. Indians, as one of the largest and most visible online communities, frequently find themselves at the receiving end of such attacks.

5. Political and Religious Polarization

The rise of political and religious polarization within India also plays a significant role in shaping the global narrative about Indians online. The increasing visibility of India’s internal conflicts — be it the Hindu-Muslim divide, caste-based discrimination, or political unrest — provides fuel for those seeking to demean or criticize India on a global stage.

Certain sections of the Indian diaspora, including right-wing nationalists, engage in online confrontations, often defending or promoting hardline stances, which further polarizes the global online discourse. This behavior can lead to backlash from those who oppose these views, contributing to a cycle of online abuse. Indian nationals or people of Indian origin may become symbols of larger political or religious controversies, facing harassment as a result.

6. Economic Rise and Jealousy

India’s rapid economic rise has not gone unnoticed, and this success has generated envy in some quarters. As India becomes a global economic powerhouse, it challenges the established economic order, particularly in fields like IT, technology, and services, where Indian professionals have made significant strides. This success, while commendable, has also made Indians a target for jealousy and resentment in the online space.

Some feel threatened by the rise of India and its professionals, and this translates into xenophobic commentary. The idea that India is “taking over” certain industries becomes fodder for online hate, with Indians being blamed for economic challenges faced by other countries.

7. Internalized Inferiority and Insecurity

Interestingly, some of the online abuse that Indians face comes from within the Indian community itself. Decades of colonial rule, social stratification, and caste-based discrimination have left many Indians with a sense of internalized inferiority. This manifests in self-deprecating humor, where Indians joke about their own country’s shortcomings, often feeding into the broader narrative of Indian backwardness.

At times, this internalized insecurity plays out in online spaces where Indians themselves contribute to perpetuating negative stereotypes about their country. This kind of humor, though sometimes intended as light-hearted, often reinforces the global perception of India as a land of problems rather than possibilities.

8. Lack of Representation in Global Media

Another critical factor contributing to India’s online image is the lack of genuine representation in global media. Indian voices, while large in number, are often underrepresented or misrepresented in mainstream global discourse. This absence of authentic Indian perspectives in global news, entertainment, and cultural conversations allows for misinterpretations and stereotypes to flourish unchecked.

When the dominant narrative about India is crafted by outsiders or those with limited understanding of its complexity, it paves the way for misunderstanding, bias, and abuse. Without a balanced and nuanced portrayal of India in global media, the country and its people are reduced to convenient tropes, which are then exploited online.

9. Cultural Differences and Communication Barriers

Cultural differences, particularly language and communication styles, also play a significant role in the online abuse Indians face. English, though widely spoken in India, is not the first language for many Indians. Non-native accents, grammatical mistakes, and cultural references can often be misunderstood or ridiculed by native English speakers.

This linguistic barrier creates an easy target for trolls who mock Indian English speakers. Social media posts, comments, or even professional communications by Indians are often met with disdain, where trolls seize upon the slightest error to discredit or demean the individual or the community at large.

10. How to Address the Issue?

Addressing the issue of online abuse against Indians requires a multi-faceted approach. Social media platforms need to take stronger action against hate speech by implementing more robust reporting and accountability mechanisms. Additionally, global media needs to present a more balanced and accurate portrayal of India, showcasing the country’s diversity, achievements, and contributions to the world.

Education about the harmful impact of racism, xenophobia, and online abuse should be a priority, not just for those targeting Indians but for everyone. Raising awareness about India’s complex socio-political and cultural landscape can also help dismantle the stereotypes that fuel much of the online hate.

Indians themselves can contribute by countering the negativity with positive narratives, celebrating their achievements, and calling out abuse when it occurs. The global Indian diaspora, as one of the largest and most influential online communities, has the power to reshape the narrative about India and its people.

Conclusion

The abuse of Indians online is a reflection of deep-seated global prejudices, fueled by historical racism, cultural stereotypes, economic competition, and social media’s unregulated nature. However, this dark reality also presents an opportunity for change. By fostering understanding, representation, and respect, we can work towards a more inclusive and empathetic digital world, where no group is singled out for abuse based on their nationality, ethnicity, or culture.

India, with its rich history and vibrant future, deserves better than the toxic narratives that often dominate online spaces. It’s time to push back against the hate and stand for a more nuanced and respectful global conversation.

While the abuse of Indians online is a complex and multifaceted issue, it’s worth considering the role that political leadership and societal shifts under Prime Minister Narendra Modi have played in shaping India’s online image. Modi’s rise to power has been accompanied by significant changes in India’s domestic and international image, some of which may contribute indirectly to the hostile environment faced by Indians online. However, it is important to note that this issue cannot be attributed solely to Modi or his government; the roots of online abuse against Indians extend far beyond any single political figure.

Here are some ways in which Modi’s tenure might have influenced India’s online image:

1. Nationalism and Online Polarization

Modi’s government, particularly through its emphasis on Hindu nationalism and “India First” rhetoric, has sparked a sense of national pride among many Indians. However, this has also contributed to heightened political polarization, both within India and globally. Online, many right-wing nationalist supporters, often referred to as “bhakts,” have taken to social media to aggressively defend Modi’s policies, leading to increased online confrontations.

These confrontations sometimes involve nationalist rhetoric, which may lead to backlash from international users or those who oppose Modi’s policies. This polarization can create an image of Indians as overly aggressive in defending their political beliefs online, fueling further online hostility.

2. Hindu-Muslim Tensions

Modi’s tenure has been marked by a perceived shift toward a more Hindu-centric governance model, which has exacerbated Hindu-Muslim tensions within India. Events like the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the handling of issues in Kashmir have attracted international attention and criticism.

This has led to Indian Muslims and other marginalized communities voicing their concerns online, while Modi’s supporters sometimes defend the government’s actions. These debates can turn toxic and lead to a negative portrayal of Indians online, with both sides engaging in vitriolic exchanges. Globally, this internal religious and ethnic tension may be seen as a reflection of India’s fractured social fabric, furthering the cycle of abuse.

3. Rise of Right-Wing Extremism Globally

The rise of right-wing populism and nationalism across the world, particularly in countries like the U.S., U.K., and parts of Europe, has created an environment where xenophobia and online hate are more prevalent. Modi’s leadership style, with its focus on nationalism, has often drawn parallels with other right-wing leaders such as Donald Trump.

This association with global right-wing movements may contribute to the online abuse faced by Indians, as certain groups view India through the lens of this rising tide of global nationalism. Modi’s strongman image and his government’s aggressive foreign policy stances, such as border tensions with China or Pakistan, can also be polarizing on the global stage, attracting both support and hostility.

4. India’s Global Assertiveness

Under Modi’s leadership, India has become more assertive on the global stage. Whether through foreign policy initiatives, economic ambitions, or cultural diplomacy, India is increasingly positioning itself as a major global player. While this has earned India respect in some quarters, it has also led to jealousy or resentment in others.

Indians abroad, particularly in fields like IT, business, and academia, are often seen as symbols of this rising India. Unfortunately, this can result in hostility or xenophobia, especially in countries where economic competition is felt acutely. Modi’s government, with its focus on economic self-reliance and global outreach, may indirectly contribute to the online targeting of Indians due to India’s growing prominence.

5. Digital Nationalism and the Role of Troll Armies

India’s online ecosystem has witnessed the rise of organized trolling, often driven by political motivations. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its supporters have been accused of promoting “IT cells” or online troll armies that target Modi’s critics and push nationalist agendas. While this isn’t unique to India (many countries have similar groups), it contributes to the perception of Indians as aggressive online participants, especially when nationalist rhetoric is involved.

These troll armies often go after journalists, intellectuals, and foreign critics who speak against Modi’s government. This can create an image of India’s online presence being dominated by hyper-nationalist rhetoric, which may contribute to a negative perception of Indians globally, fueling the cycle of online abuse.

6. Cultural Representation and Modi’s Persona

Modi has worked hard to craft a global image of himself and India that reflects strength, tradition, and progress. His visits to foreign nations often come with high-profile media coverage, and he has built a significant following among the Indian diaspora. However, some of these efforts can also lead to criticism or mockery, particularly from those who view Modi’s persona as too authoritarian or populist.

For example, his focus on traditional Indian values, yoga, and ancient Indian wisdom has been praised by some, but also ridiculed by those who see it as an attempt to project a regressive or overly spiritual image of India. This tension between India’s ancient cultural identity and its aspirations as a modern global power can fuel negative stereotypes online.

Conclusion: Modi’s Role in a Broader Context

While Modi’s leadership has certainly influenced India’s global image and online discourse, the online abuse of Indians cannot be attributed solely to his tenure. Long-standing issues like colonial history, global economic competition, cultural stereotyping, and the rise of xenophobia predate Modi’s rise to power.

Modi’s government has, however, intensified some aspects of this dynamic, particularly through the rise of nationalism and online polarization. His administration’s handling of domestic and foreign issues has attracted both fervent support and harsh criticism, which has contributed to a more contentious online space for Indians.

The abuse of Indians online reflects a broader global reality, where the internet amplifies existing prejudices, political tensions, and cultural misunderstandings. Addressing this issue requires more than just political change; it calls for a shift in how we engage with each other online, with greater emphasis on empathy, understanding, and respect for cultural diversity.