Scroll through Tiktok or Instagram for just a few minutes and you are almost guaranteed to come across a video mocking an Indian accent, making jokes about South Asians “smelling like curry,” or exaggerating stereotypes for entertainment. These videos get millions of likes, views, and comments. What seems like harmless humor online is quickly growing into normalized racism against South Asians. Behind the screen are real people watching their culture being mocked and used for profits.
This form of racism is often disguised as humor, making it easier for people to view it as innocent and, in the process, normalize discriminatory behavior. Countless videos have gone viral that exaggerate accents, mock traditional clothing, and make jokes about hygiene and the smell of South Asian food. While these videos might seem inconsequential to those scrolling past them, the sheer quantity of these videos and the harsh comment sections validating the message are impacting the mental health of those affected. In the span of one year, the number of hate comments directed towards South Asians has increased by 100 percent, surging from 23,000 to over 46,000.
Social media platforms are also unintentionally encouraging this behavior through their algorithms. Content which is controversial or shocking tends to gain more attention, making these racist skits and jokes more likely to be pushed onto feeds. As a result, racism becomes profitable, viral, and more likely to be consumed by younger people who are especially susceptible to believing what they see online. With such widespread exposure, more people see it and assume that it is acceptable, further endorsing the behavior.
This “harmless” racism is extending beyond screens and into real life, affecting the lives of young students in school as well as the South Asian community as a whole. Many young South Asians feel pressure to “Americanize” their names by shortening them or changing the pronunciation in order to avoid teasing or standing out from their peers. Others are hesitant to bring cultural food to school in fear of negative comments regarding the appearance or smell. The widespread South Asian stereotypes circulating on social media are being brought to the classroom, directly affecting young students’ self esteem and their willingness to express their culture.
Racism exists in many shapes and forms. Stereotypes from social media do not just stop on the internet; they influence how peers, teachers, and even strangers perceive South Asians. When scrolling through social media, it is important not to engage with behaviors that can harm members of the community. Online behavior can often creep its way into real life in both visible and subtle ways, affecting students’ sense of belonging.