Did you watch the Oscars this year (2023? 

As an Indian-American who watched the Oscars and was excited to see a South Indian dance performance, I was disappointed with how it was executed. I grew up with a deep appreciation and respect for the diverse cultures that make up the Indian subcontinent, and I felt that the Oscars performance did not do justice to the rich history and artistry of South Indian dance.

One of the main issues I had with the performance was the lack of representation. Watching the performance, I couldn't help but wonder why they couldn't have hired skilled South Indian dancers to perform the dance, rather than relying on predominantly white dancers who may not have had the same cultural background or understanding of the art form. It was evident that the majority of the performers were white, and while some may argue that dance is a universal art form that anyone can appreciate, it felt disingenuous to have a performance that was meant to be a celebration of South Indian culture but featured so few South Indian performers. It felt like a missed opportunity to showcase authentic representation and celebrate the rich diversity of cultures in our world.

Furthermore, the performance seemed to blur the line between cultural appropriation and appreciation. While I understand that the intention of the performance was likely to celebrate South Indian dance, it felt like the performers did not have a full understanding or appreciation of the art form. The way that the performers were dressed and styled left a bad taste in my mouth. The makeup and hair seemed to have darkened the complexation of the performers in order to portray a South Asian character. It's crucial to distinguish between appreciation and appropriation, and to ensure that cultural practices are not being commodified or exploited for profit. It was disappointing to see the song be reduced to a brief performance at a Hollywood awards show, without any real effort to showcase its depth and complexity.

Finally, the performance highlighted broader issues of power dynamics and privilege in the entertainment industry. It is no secret that dominant cultures often appropriate or co-opt the cultural practices of marginalized communities, without giving credit or compensation to those communities. As someone who deeply values cultural diversity and the preservation of cultural traditions, it was frustrating to see a performance that felt like it was exploiting South Indian dance for profit, without giving proper respect or recognition to the art form itself. It felt like yet another example of Hollywood co-opting cultural traditions for the sake of spectacle, without giving proper consideration to the cultural context or the people who practice the art form.

It is disheartening to see the consistent underrepresentation, stereotyping, and whitewashing of our stories and characters in Hollywood and other film industries. For far too long, South Asians have been portrayed as exotic, foreign, and one-dimensional characters who are limited to roles as terrorists, cab drivers, or convenience store owners.

This misrepresentation of South Asians in cinema is not only harmful, but it also perpetuates stereotypes and erases the diversity within our community. For instance, Indian characters are often depicted as having thick accents and being overly religious or traditional, perpetuating the idea that South Asians are a monolithic group with a single shared experience.

Furthermore, even when South Asian actors are cast in Hollywood films, they are often limited to stereotypical roles that do not reflect the diversity and complexity of South Asian experiences. This limits the representation of our community and perpetuates the notion that South Asians are a one-dimensional group.

Whitewashing is also a major problem in Hollywood films, where white actors are cast to play South Asian characters. This practice is harmful and disrespectful, as it erases the experiences and identities of people of color in film. Casting white actors to play South Asian characters perpetuates stereotypes and limits the opportunities for authentic representation.

One show that I have mixed feelings about is "Never Have I Ever," a Netflix series created by Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher. While I appreciate the representation of South Asian Americans, the show's portrayal of South Asian culture reinforces stereotypes about our community. The predominantly light-skinned cast does not reflect the diversity of the South Asian and Asian American communities, and the show's focus on a predominantly light-skinned and upper-middle-class South Asian family perpetuates the model minority myth.

Moreover, the show's portrayal of Kamala, Devi's cousin, reinforces traditional gender roles in South Asian culture, limiting the portrayal of South Asian women to dutiful daughters who are expected to marry a man chosen by their family and who perform traditional gendered roles such as cooking and cleaning. This portrayal is not reflective of the diversity within our community and limits the opportunities for authentic representation.

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Additionally, the show's portrayal of the South Asian characters as high-achievers perpetuates unrealistic expectations and pressures for individuals in our community, contributing to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The model minority myth creates undue pressure on South Asian Americans to excel academically and professionally, reinforcing the idea that success and achievement are only attainable for those who conform to certain standards of appearance and socioeconomic status.

In all, it is imperative that Hollywood and other film industries take responsibility for the misrepresentation, stereotyping, and whitewashing of South Asian characters and stories. It is crucial that our community is accurately represented, showcasing the diversity and complexity of our experiences. The perpetuation of harmful stereotypes and limited representation not only does a disservice to our community but also harms society as a whole.

Unfortunately, Hollywood is not the only to embody these characteristics. I vividly remember the historic moment in 2014 when Nina Davuluri became the first woman of Indian descent to win the Miss America pageant. It was a moment of triumph and pride for me as an Indian-American, and for all South Asians. Finally, there was representation in the beauty industry that looked like us, and it felt like a step towards greater inclusivity and diversity. However, I quickly learned that this moment of progress was met with controversy and criticism.

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Instead of celebrating her win, many people took to social media to express their disappointment that Davuluri was not "American" enough to represent the country. Some even resorted to name-calling, labeling her a "terrorist" and questioning her American identity. It was disheartening to see this kind of hate and bigotry towards someone who had achieved such a significant accomplishment.

However, what surprised me even more was the criticism that Davuluri faced from within the Indian community itself. Some members of the Indian community believed that she was not "Indian" enough to represent the country's beauty standards. They even started online petitions to have her win revoked, citing her skin color and lack of "Indian-ness" as reasons for disqualification. It was appalling to see people within my own community tearing down someone who had accomplished so much, simply because she did not fit their narrow definition of what it means to be Indian.

This kind of colorism and discrimination is unfortunately all too common in the beauty industry, both in the United States and in India. Beauty pageants in India have been criticized for promoting Eurocentric beauty standards and for prioritizing fair skin and other Western features. Some organizers even suggested that Davuluri "needed a nose job" to fit the traditional idea of Indian beauty.

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Even being crowned Miss America was not enough to convince the world that a girl that looked like me was beautiful? 

As someone who has also been affected by these narrow beauty standards, it was disheartening to see this kind of negativity towards someone who had broken barriers and shattered stereotypes. It made me realize that even when we achieve great things, there will always be people who try to tear us down and keep us from feeling beautiful and accepted. But despite this, it's important to keep pushing forward and fighting for greater representation and inclusivity in all areas, including the beauty industry.

So far, I have highlighted examples highlighting the racially based experiences of South Asians in the United States. So, How does skin color play into this in the United States? 

In the United States, both South Asians and African Americans have experienced discrimination and prejudice due to their skin color. While lighter-skinned individuals in both communities may receive certain privileges and advantages, those of us with darker skin tones often face greater levels of discrimination and bias. This is a result of racism, which is a system of oppression based on race that has historically privileged white people and marginalized people of color. Both colorism and racism are deeply ingrained in American society and have led to systemic inequality and discrimination for people of color. 

The history of South Asians and African Americans in the United States is complex and multifaceted. South Asian immigrants first arrived in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, mainly from India and Pakistan, to work on railroads and in agricultural fields. African Americans, on the other hand, were brought to the United States as slaves in the 17th and 18th centuries. Throughout history, South Asian and African American communities have experienced intersecting struggles for justice and equality. One significant instance was during the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, where South Asian activists, such as Dalip Singh Saund and Bhagat Singh Thind, supported the movement and advocated for equal rights for African Americans. Additionally, the immigration and civil rights movements of the 1960s and 1970s brought together South Asian and African American communities in their struggle for justice and equality. Both communities faced discrimination, racism, and economic struggles, leading to solidarity and alliances between them. More recently, South Asian and African American communities have come together to address issues such as police brutality and systemic racism. For example, after the murder of George Floyd in 2020, South Asian Americans organized rallies and protests in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

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African Americans have faced systemic racism and discrimination for centuries, which has resulted in disparities in wealth, education, and health outcomes. Similarly, South Asians have faced discrimination based on their ethnicity, religion, and language, particularly in the aftermath of 9/11 and the rise of Islamophobia. Also, African Americans have often been seen as a monolithic group, with little recognition of the diversity within the community. Similarly, South Asians have been lumped together under the umbrella term "Asian" or "Desi," erasing the differences between various South Asian ethnicities and cultures.

Recently, there have been discussions and debates about the model minority myth and how it has been used to pit South Asians against African Americans. The myth suggests that South Asians are a "successful" minority group due to their hard work and intelligence, which perpetuates the idea of the "American Dream" and ignores systemic racism and inequality. This myth has been used to criticize African Americans for not achieving the same level of success, leading to tension and division between the two communities.

I have experienced the ways in which the model minority myth undermines the struggles that South Asians face. For example, when I have spoken out about issues of racism or discrimination, I have sometimes been met with dismissive or skeptical responses, as if these issues are not significant or do not exist at all. This can be frustrating and demoralizing, as it suggests that our experiences and struggles are not valid or important. In my opinion, the model minority myth has numerous negative effects on South Asians. It undermines the struggles they face and creates unrealistic expectations and racialized stereotypes. It is crucial that we recognize and address this myth in order to create a more just and equitable society for everyone.

I recently learned about racial triangulation theory, a sociological framework developed by Claire Jean Kim to explain the experiences of Asian Americans in the United States. This theory suggests that Asian Americans occupy a complex position within the American racial hierarchy, which is structured around a Black-White binary. According to racial triangulation theory, Asian Americans are situated between Black and White Americans, and their position is defined by the ways in which they are both elevated and marginalized in relation to these groups. There are three main dimensions to this theory.

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First, Asian Americans are often stereotyped as a "model minority," meaning that they are seen as successful, intelligent, and hardworking. This stereotype is often used to elevate Asian Americans above Black Americans, who are stereotyped as lazy, unintelligent, and lacking in work ethic. However, at the same time, Asian Americans face structural barriers to success, such as discrimination in employment, housing, and education. This structural inferiority is often invisible to White Americans, who may assume that Asian Americans are successful and privileged based on the "model minority" stereotype. Lastly, Asian Americans often occupy an ambivalent position in relation to political power. They may be courted by both major political parties, but are often excluded from meaningful representation in government. This can create feelings of alienation and disempowerment.

Overall, racial triangulation theory suggests that Asian Americans occupy a complex and often contradictory position within the American racial hierarchy. We are neither completely successful nor completely marginalized, but rather occupy a unique position that is defined by their relationship to both Black and White Americans. This theory highlights the challenges and forms of discrimination that Asian Americans face that may be invisible to others, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing their experiences in order to create a more just and equitable society.

Another important thing to note is that within the South Asian community, there are significant disparities in income, education, and access to resources. However, the model minority myth can create a false sense of homogeneity, suggesting that all South Asians are successful and wealthy. I have often felt pressure to excel academically and professionally. There is a widespread belief that South Asians are naturally intelligent and hardworking, and that we should be able to succeed without difficulty. This can create feelings of anxiety and self-doubt, as we may feel that we are not meeting these expectations even when we are doing our best.

By understanding the dimensions of racial triangulation theory, such as symbolic superiority, structural inferiority, and political ambivalence, we can better recognize and challenge the model minority myth that portrays Asian Americans as a monolithic and privileged group. We can also better understand the ways in which Asian Americans face discrimination and barriers to success, despite being stereotyped as successful and hardworking. Additionally, understanding racial triangulation theory can help us to recognize the ways in which Asian Americans are excluded from meaningful representation in government and other power structures, which can lead to feelings of alienation and disempowerment. This recognition can lead to efforts to increase political representation and empower Asian American communities.

Personally, there are many aspects of life in the United States as a South Asian that Make me as myself: Am I really American? Specifically, my father was subject to extra scrutiny at airports twice, pulled aside for additional searches or questioning. I believe that this strongly stems from this idea that all South Asians are potential terrorists or threats. It can be a humiliating and dehumanizing experience. My father is a priest in a Hindu temple. His occupation comes with the utmost respect within the South Asian, specifically hindu community. Given this, it was hard for me to watch my father be humiliated. Further, I was told to stay quiet and just wait. “We don’t want to cause more of a problem.” This is the same case when it comes to law enforcement officials. Even though these experiences can be terrifying, we are told to stay silent and to let it pass because we should not be creating conflict. 

For my project, I had the privilege of interviewing other University of Michigan students to gain insight into the unique experiences of discrimination, stereotyping, and prejudice faced by South Asians in various aspects of life, including the workplace, housing, media, and daily interactions. Through these interviews, the students graciously shared their personal stories of facing unjust assumptions and stereotypes based solely on their race and ethnicity. Sadly, these experiences often led to feelings of alienation, marginalization, and discrimination.

Interviewee 1: One of the most common assumptions I have faced is related to my English proficiency. Even though I speak English fluently and without an accent, people have often asked me where I learned to speak English so well, or complimented me on my ability to speak English "like a native." It can be frustrating because it undermines my identity as a fluent English speaker and makes me feel like I am not being recognized for my abilities. Also, I have been told that I don't look like a typical South Asian because of my lighter skin tone. These comments erase the diversity within the South Asian community and reinforce the idea that there is a specific "look" or appearance that South Asians should have.

Interviewee 2: I have been complimented on my "exotic" appearance or told that I have beautiful skin, which reinforces the idea that South Asians are inherently different or "other." These types of compliments may seem like compliments on the surface, but they can be harmful because they essentialize and exoticize South Asian identity, reducing us to a caricature rather than recognizing our individuality. Also, people ask us where we are "really" from, even if we were born and raised in the United States. This type of questioning can be hurtful because it makes us feel like we do not belong in the place that we call home, and it can contribute to feelings of alienation and isolation.

Interviewee 3: Non-South Asians appropriate our cultural practices, such as henna or yoga, without proper understanding or respect for their cultural significance. It can be frustrating for South Asians who may feel that their cultural practices are being commodified or diluted. When non-South Asians appropriate these practices without understanding their cultural significance, it can also contribute to the erasure of South Asian voices and experiences. Also, people often make comments or ask questions that make us feel like outsiders or different from others. For example, they may assume that we all eat "spicy food" or that we are all vegetarian, reinforcing the idea that South Asians are inherently different from others. These types of comments can make us feel like we do not belong or that our experiences are not valued.

Interviewee 4: I have been called by a generic South Asian name like "Raj" or "Sanjay" instead of my actual name. It can be dehumanizing and erases our individuality as people. It is important to recognize and respect the diversity within the South Asian community, including our names and identities. Also, I have often been asked to speak on behalf of all South Asians or to explain my culture and religion to others. While I am happy to share my experiences and beliefs, it can be a heavy burden to assume that all South Asians are the same and have the same viewpoints.

Interviewee 5: Stereotypical portrayals of South Asians in the media perpetuate harmful stereotypes and can lead to discrimination and marginalization. I remember being compared to Apu from The Simpsons or asked if I worked in a convenience store or gas station. It was hurtful and made me feel like my identity was being reduced to a caricature. Another time, I was driving home from work when I was pulled over by a police officer for no apparent reason. The officer asked to see my license and registration, and when I asked why I had been pulled over, they said that I fit the description of someone who had been involved in a recent robbery. I knew it was because of my race that I was being targeted, and the fear and anxiety I felt during that encounter still stays with me today.

Interviewee 6: I have definitely experienced stereotypes that assume all South Asians are good at math, science, or engineering, or that we are all hard-working and diligent. While these stereotypes may seem like compliments, they can still be harmful as they generalize and homogenize the experiences and talents of South Asian individuals. Also, I have been paid less than my non-South Asian colleagues, despite having the same qualifications and doing the same work. It feels like no matter how hard I work, there is always a glass ceiling that I can't break through.

Interviewee 7: I remember walking into a store to grab some snacks, but instead of being able to shop in peace, I was followed around by a store employee the entire time. They never once asked if I needed help, but instead made it obvious that they were suspicious of me. I felt like I was being treated as a criminal, all because of the color of my skin and the assumptions that come with it. It was a humiliating and uncomfortable experience. I've also been on the receiving end of hate speech, being called derogatory names like "terrorist" or "camel jockey" simply because of my heritage. It's incredibly hurtful to be judged and targeted based on something that is out of my control.

The South Asian community here is incredibly diverse, encompassing a wide range of cultures, languages, religions, and experiences. However, despite this diversity, members of this community often face similar stereotypes and assumptions from others. By acknowledging the diversity within the South Asian community and recognizing the validity of each individual's experiences and identities, we can begin to break down these harmful assumptions and create a more welcoming and inclusive environment. It is important to actively work towards creating a society that values and respects diversity in all its forms, including within the South Asian community. This can involve advocating for policies and initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion, engaging in meaningful conversations and collaborations with individuals from diverse backgrounds, and actively challenging stereotypes and discriminatory behaviors when we encounter them.

As a student at the University of Michigan, I had the opportunity to participate in the South Asian Awareness Network (SAAN) Conference, which holds a special place in my heart. I was thrilled to attend an event that brought together individuals from all walks of life to discuss and celebrate our culture, identity, and experiences. The conference was not limited to the University of Michigan campus; in fact, students from neighboring universities such as MSU also attended.

The workshops, panel discussions, cultural performances, and networking opportunities offered at the SAAN conference were an excellent way to build community and learn about issues affecting the South Asian community. For many of us, this conference was a valuable space to connect with others who share similar experiences and challenges, especially for those who may feel isolated or disconnected from their culture.

Conferences like the SAAN conference provide a platform for education and awareness about South Asian culture, history, and current events. Non-South Asian attendees can learn more about our culture, traditions, and contributions to society, promoting a more inclusive and welcoming campus environment.

The SAAN conference also provided a space for discussion on critical issues affecting the South Asian community. From colorism to discrimination and mental health, the workshops, panels, and keynote speeches were thought-provoking and informative, promoting dialogue and action towards positive change.

Attending a South Asian awareness conference is not only a valuable experience for community building and education, but also for personal growth and development. Opportunities to learn from experts in various fields, develop leadership and communication skills, and connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about creating positive change make these conferences even more impactful.

In conclusion, South Asian awareness conferences like the SAAN conference are crucial for promoting education, awareness, and community-building on college campuses. They serve as a platform to connect with others who share similar experiences, raise awareness and understanding of critical issues affecting the South Asian community, and promote personal growth and development.