Return to India!" Racist Outburst Against Indian-Origin Man in Canada Goes Viral!
In a disturbing incident highlighting the rise of hate crimes against the Indian community in Canada, Ashwin Annamalai, a Canadian citizen of Indian origin, recently shared a personal account of being the target of a racist outburst. The incident occurred in Kitchener-Waterloo, a community that Annamalai says has become increasingly hostile toward people of color. The video, which Annamalai posted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), shows a woman verbally attacking him and telling him to "return to India," mistakenly assuming he was an Indian national.
Annamalai described the experience as deeply unsettling, sharing how the woman also expressed disdain for the presence of Black people in the community. “She wrongly assumed I was Indian and insisted that I leave immediately. When I politely challenged her, she went on a racist tirade, accusing me of not speaking English and telling me to leave,” he wrote in his post.
The once welcoming community of Kitchener-Waterloo has seen a disturbing rise in hate, particularly against people of colour. Here’s a personal account of what I experienced today: A random woman gave me the finger & spewed hate while I was out for a walk at Erb/Avondale 🧵 1/n pic.twitter.com/TxvXeXW3Yd
— Ashwin Annamalai (@ignorantsapient) October 15, 2024
Rising Concerns Amid Diplomatic Tensions
This incident comes at a time when diplomatic tensions between India and Canada are at an all-time high, adding to the concerns of many Indian-origin Canadians. Annamalai voiced his fears over the increasing frequency of such incidents, noting that hate crimes against the Indian community are becoming more common. He linked the rise in hate to ongoing political tensions, suggesting that these issues are exacerbating xenophobic sentiments.
Annamalai also pointed to statistics from Statistics Canada, showing that the Waterloo region has the highest rate of police-reported hate crimes in the country. He shared a news report from Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), which highlighted the alarming growth in hate-motivated incidents in the area.
A Growing Issue in Canada
The video shared by Annamalai has sparked widespread concern across social media, with many calling for stronger measures to combat racism and hate crimes. Several community members expressed solidarity with Annamalai, while others urged authorities to address the underlying issues fueling such hate. The rise in hate crimes has not only targeted the Indian community but has also impacted other minority groups, causing distress and anxiety among those who once felt welcomed in Canada.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the growing challenges faced by immigrant communities in the country, and the importance of addressing hate crime at both societal and governmental levels. As Canada grapples with its complex diplomatic and social dynamics, incidents like these raise important questions about the safety and inclusiveness of its diverse population.
For now, Annamalai’s experience is one of many that reflect the unsettling shift in public sentiment, with many hoping that increased awareness will lead to meaningful action against hate and discrimination.
