This is the second post in my series on South Asia during South Asian Heritage Month. The theme for 2023 is stories to be told. Who is telling the stories of the plights of South Asians falling prey to structural and systemic racism, often losing their lives due to corruption/war/ethnic cleansing in our home countries and further afield?
In the midst of conflict and war, the experiences of South Asians often reveal a distressing reality: the prevalence of racism and the systemic disregard for the lives of individuals from the global majority.
The term “global majority” refers to the combined population of people from non-white ethnic backgrounds worldwide, who form the majority of the global population. It recognises that the majority of the world’s population consists of individuals from diverse racial and ethnic groups, particularly those historically marginalised or underrepresented in positions of power and privilege. The concept highlights the importance of understanding and addressing the perspectives, experiences, and needs of this majority in the context of global society.
This post aims to shed light on the alarming ill-treatment faced by South Asians, drawing attention to the migrant boat situation, disparities in help and support, differential treatment based on ethnicity, media bias, and more. We will explore real-life examples, including the firsthand account of an Indian student fleeing Ukraine and instances of dehumanising language by media figures like Katie Hopkins, as well as government reports on allowances provided to asylum seekers.
The Migrant Boat Situation: A Harsh Reality
One stark illustration of racism in times of war is evident in the migrant boat situation. Desperate individuals, including South Asians, risk their lives, braving treacherous journeys in search of safety and refuge. However, the lack of assistance and support provided to these vulnerable populations highlights a blatant disregard for brown and Black lives. While some refugees, particularly those of Ukrainian and white backgrounds, receive greater attention and aid, those from the global majority face significant challenges and systemic neglect.
You can read more about this here:
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/6/22/at-least-209-pakistanis-among-victims-of-greece-boat-wreck
As I reflect on the news article shared [^1], my heart aches for the victims of the Greece boat wreck, especially the Pakistani individuals who lost their lives in such a tragic incident. The fact that they were stuffed like sardines in the most dangerous part of the boat, on the bottom level, raises deeply troubling questions about a potential racial hierarchy even within the migrant and refugee population.
It is disheartening to witness such disparities persist, even in the midst of people fleeing their homelands in search of safety and security. It serves as a stark reminder that systemic discrimination and unequal treatment can permeate every aspect of our society, including the dire circumstances faced by migrants and refugees.
Instances like these compel us to confront the harsh realities of racism and to advocate for change. We must work tirelessly to dismantle the barriers that perpetuate inequality, ensuring that the rights and well-being of all individuals, regardless of their racial or ethnic backgrounds, are protected and respected.
The flags on social media, the flags in real life – whilst I’m pleased that there is support and empathy for Ukrainians, surely this support should extend to other refugees as well? We need to ask ourselves why there are different standards, norms and rules for different groups. If we truly believe in equality, equity and social justice, these standards should be applied equally.
Let us not forget that every human life holds immeasurable value and deserves to be treated with dignity and compassion. It is our collective responsibility to amplify the voices of the marginalised and work towards creating a world where no one is subjected to such perilous conditions solely based on their race or ethnicity.
A Firsthand Encounter of Racism in Ukraine Faced by a South Asian Indian Student Mohammed
The personal account of Mohammed Sajid, as shared in the Metro article, sheds light on the shocking experience of facing racism even in the midst of war. Mohammed was sent to Ukraine to study at a HE institution by his family with hopes of establishing a better life and supporting them. However, shortly after his arrival, war broke out, plunging him into a terrifying situation. Without knowing the local language and lacking the ability to communicate with others, he found himself feeling lost and vulnerable. As locals sought refuge, Mohammed encountered blatant discrimination, where taxi drivers prioritised white individuals and animals over him and his friends. When they did offer them a ride, they charged exorbitant prices compared to their white counterparts. This experience of pervasive discrimination and racism was overwhelming and deeply disheartening for Mohammed, who felt like an outsider in a country already ravaged by conflict. It took him nine days to travel from Kyiv to Lviv, enduring further hardships and even being robbed of everything he had along the way. Mohammed’s story highlights the need for greater awareness and action to address racism and discrimination faced by individuals, particularly during times of war and crisis.
Read Mohammed’s account here: https://metro.co.uk/2022/04/28/i-faced-racism-and-was-robbed-as-an-indian-student-fleeing-ukraine-16499876/
Media Representation and Bias
Another concerning aspect of racism in times of war is the media’s portrayal of South Asians. Mainstream media outlets have, in the past, propagated dehumanising language towards migrants. Katie Hopkins, a prominent figure, referred to migrants as ‘cockroaches,’ a term reminiscent of pro-genocide propaganda, as noted by the United Nations. Such derogatory language contributes to the devaluation and marginalisation of brown and Black individuals, further perpetuating systemic racism.
You can read about this here: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/katie-hopkins-migrant-cockroaches-column-resembles-progenocide-propaganda-says-the-un-10201959.html
Government Reports and Disparities
Government reports shed light on disparities in support and treatment for different groups of refugees. The report on the review of weekly allowances paid to asylum seekers in the UK indicates that the standard weekly allowance for supported individuals, including asylum seekers and failed asylum seekers, increased only marginally from £39.63 to £40.85 per person. This modest increase underscores the systemic inequality and inadequate support provided to those seeking asylum.
Real-Life Consequences
The impact of such disparities and biases is far-reaching. While some refugees are afforded the opportunity to participate in schemes like the House a Ukrainian Refugee initiative and receive financial compensation, others fleeing war and persecution in different regions often face perilous journeys at sea or are left in appalling conditions in hotels. In addition to facing inedible food and inadequate resources, they are expected to survive on a mere £40, exacerbating their already dire circumstances.
The plight of South Asians in times of war exposes the deep-seated racism and disregard for equality for all of humanity. The migrant boat situation, media biases, derogatory language used by public figures, and disparities in government support all contribute to a climate of inequality and marginalisation. It is imperative that we confront these issues head-on, challenge the ingrained biases, and work towards a more equitable society that values and protects the rights of all individuals, regardless of their ethnic background.
By amplifying the voices of those affected, utilising critical media analysis, and advocating for policy changes, we can strive for a world where racism in times of war is eradicated, and the lives of South Asians and other marginalised communities are truly valued and respected.
Sources:
- Article on Katie Hopkins’ language: Katie Hopkins ‘cockroaches’ column resembles ‘pro-genocide propaganda,’ says the UN
- Government report on weekly allowances for asylum seekers: Report on Review of Weekly Allowances Paid to Asylum Seekers
- Personal account of an Indian student fleeing Ukraine: I Faced Racism and Was Robbed as an Indian Student Fleeing Ukraine
- Greek Refugee Boat Tragedy: https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2023/6/26/greek-coastguard-faces-tough-questions-over-refugee-boat-tragedy
- 209 Pakistani’s Deceased in Boat Tragedy: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/6/22/at-least-209-pakistanis-among-victims-of-greece-boat-wreck
Doctoring a Career 