Kamal Ghorui
A Germany-based Indian entrepreneur, Mayukh Panja, described online backlash against an Indian folk dancer performing against the backdrop of the Washington Monument in the United States as “straight up racism.“Panja responded to a post that expressed concern that the historic site was converted to a “Telugu Tiktok dance stage,” and pointed to what he described as double standards and a questioning of anti-Indian sentiment.“If this were a group of white people doing a traditional Irish dance you would not find the slightest problem with it,” he wrote.“I am often critical of how the diaspora behaves on foreign shores. But the hatred towards this lady is just straight up racism,” Panja wrote.He said he was confused by repeated targeting and asked what explained “this obsession with Indians.”Addressing recurring hate for H-1B immigrants coming from conservative factions in the United States, Panja said the H-1B visa programme was signed into law by Republican President George W. Bush.On the economic side, Panja said average tech salaries for Indian professionals exceeded US $150,000, with many earning close to half a million dollars or more, and said these roles did not involve competing for ordinary jobs.“So, what exactly are you so sore about?” Panja said, and added that the proper response to the performance “should be appreciation with a touch of gratitude.”In a follow-up reply, he said such activities at iconic sites were permitted by law and shared a link to National Park Service guidelines.The controversy fuelled continued online discussion about cultural expression, public-space norms, and attitudes toward Indian immigrants in the US.
