Ramaswamy fumbles a photo op

In early October, Vivek Ramaswamy, the Republican candidate for governor of Ohio, tried to pick up a child at a campaign event in Vandalia, Ohio, on October three, twenty twenty-six.

Racist responses flood social media

The next day, Ramaswamy posted a picture of himself with his son. Many responses were ugly racist attacks against Ramaswamy that drew on anti-Indian stereotypes.

Stereotypes weaponised against him

Freelance journalist Zaid Jilani told Today, Explained co-host Noel King: "The people who had negative stereotypes about Indians in their mind said, 'Hey, look, the guy can't even pick up a kid…

“The people who had negative stereotypes about Indians in their mind said, 'Hey, look, the guy can't even pick up a kid…he can't even act like a normal American family man.'”

Broader shift on the right

This was the latest example of a broader shift on the right, where Indian Americans and Indian immigrants have become a conspicuous target of online conservative anger.

The stereotype versus reality

The stereotype of Indian immigrants and Indian Americans is people who go to college, often have advanced degrees, live in nice neighbourhoods, make good money, and are family-values people.

Visible success breeds resentment

Indian Americans are highly visible minorities, unlike Jewish Americans who are successful but not always identifiable. This visibility makes their success more conspicuous and potentially triggering.

Rising into white-dominated spaces

Indian Americans, one percent to two percent of the United States, are visibly rising into positions typically associated with white people. The head of Microsoft's Xbox division is an Indian American woman now.

Status threat, not criminal stereotype

Indian Americans are being seen as a status threat to middle-class Americans, not stereotyped as antisocial or criminal. Parents worry their kids must compete against the entire world, not just local peers.

Anti-globalization backlash

Jilani said: "It's a much larger anti-globalization backlash on the right, not only when it comes to things like immigration, but also trade and tariffs and restrictions like that."

“It's a much larger anti-globalization backlash on the right, not only when it comes to things like immigration, but also trade and tariffs and restrictions like that.”

Indian Americans respond with pragmatism

When Jilani spoke to Indian Americans for his piece, he found pragmatism rather than outrage. Many acknowledged economic struggles others face and expressed reluctance to flaunt their success.

Not rubbing success in faces

Indian Americans told Jilani they understand what is happening in the economy and that people see them rising to the top of organisations. They said it is important not to flaunt their success too much.

Ramaswamy's cultural commentary backfires

Several Indian Americans brought up Vivek Ramaswamy, saying his social media comments about deficiencies in American culture regarding studying and working hard were not helpful and could denigrate other people.

Right-wing activists frame success as unhealthy

Chris Rufo and Jonathan Keeperman, influential right-wing activists, called it "The Indian Question" and argued it is un-American to study for the spelling bee, which South Asian kids do.

Indian Americans are increasingly well-rounded

Jilani noted Indian American kids are actually getting increasingly well-rounded. They almost always play sports, are involved in extracurriculars, and more are going into arts, cultural fields, and Hollywood.

Normal immigrant pattern repeating

First-wave immigrants cluster in sectors where they can find success, then spread out as they establish themselves. Italian Americans followed this path and are now barely noticed as a distinct group.

Indian Americans will integrate like others

What right-wing activists describe about Indian Americans is very normal for first waves of immigrants. As they get breathing room and establish themselves, they will spread out across society like previous immigrant groups.