Introduction
In an era where diversity and inclusivity are celebrated, a concerning trend has emerged – the rise of Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry. This issue has garnered significant attention in recent times, prompting the introduction of House Resolution 1131 by Rep. Shri Thanedar on April 10, 2024. The resolution aims to acknowledge the contributions of Hindu Americans to the United States, celebrate the diversity they bring, and condemn Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry.
Shri Thanedar, D-Mich., at the U.S. Capitol last year.J. Scott Applewhite / AP file
The Historical Context
Hindus have had a long and complex history in the United States, dating back to the late 19th century when the philosophies of the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita influenced the American Transcendentalist movement. However, despite the positive view of Hindu teachings, there was little public understanding of the religion. The first significant exposure came with Swami Vivekananda's address at the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago in 1893, which helped establish the Vedanta Society of New York, the first Hindu center of learning in the United States.
Despite these early efforts, the late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed a backlash against Hindu immigration. Groups like the Asiatic Exclusion League actively lobbied to ban further Asian immigration, leading to violent attacks and the expulsion of Hindu and Sikh populations from cities like Bellingham, Washington, and Vancouver. This dark chapter highlights the deep-rooted prejudices and xenophobia that Hindu Americans have faced throughout history.
The Current Landscape
In recent years, the Hindu American community has witnessed a disturbing surge in hate crimes, discrimination, and stereotyping. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Hate Crimes Statistics Report, there has been an annual increase in anti-Hindu crimes in the United States, with Hindu temples and individuals being targeted. The FBI's 2020 data revealed a staggering 500% increase in hate crimes against Indian Americans, despite the fact that over 100 Indian-origin individuals occupy prominent positions in the government.
This rise in Hinduphobia is not limited to physical attacks; it extends to the media and public sphere, where Hinduism is often misrepresented and stereotyped. Media portrayals have perpetuated harmful stereotypes, including depicting Hindus as unclean, violent, supportive of caste discrimination, and oppressive towards women. Even public officials and community leaders have contributed to the spread of misinformation and biased narratives about Hinduism.
Key Provisions of House Resolution 1131
House Resolution 1131 aims to address this concerning trend by taking the following steps:
1. Celebrating the contributions of Hindus and Hinduism to the United States, acknowledging their significant cultural, economic, and social impact through various traditions, practices, and festivals.
2. Declaring the United States as a place that welcomes the diversity brought by Hindu Americans, who represent various racial, linguistic, and ethnic backgrounds.
3. Condemning Hinduphobia, anti-Hindu bigotry, hate, and intolerance, which have manifested in the form of stereotypes, disinformation, bullying, discrimination, hate speech, and bias-motivated crimes against the Hindu community.
4. Mandating the distribution of copies of the resolution to the public and press, promoting awareness and understanding of Hinduism and the issues faced by Hindu Americans.
The resolution not only recognizes the vibrant Hindu festivals like Diwali and Holi that have enriched American culture but also highlights the discrimination, hate speech, and bias-motivated crimes that Hindu Americans continue to face, despite their positive contributions to society.
Addressing the Opposition
While the resolution has garnered widespread support, it has also faced opposition from organizations like the South Asian Scholar Activist Collective (SASAC). SASAC has argued that the term "Hinduphobia" is a far-right notion propagated by Hindu nationalists and has suggested alternative terminology such as "Hindumisia" or "anti-Hindu bigotry." They claim that the idea of Hindus facing systemic oppression throughout history is false and that Islamophobia is a more pervasive issue in contemporary America. Dr. Audrey Truschke, an associate professor at Rutgers University known for her controversial views on Hinduism and historical figures, shared a statement from the South Asian Scholar Activist Collective (SASAC) on May 15th. The statement issued a "warning" against legislative efforts in the U.S. to introduce the concept of "Hinduphobia," which SASAC dismisses as discredited and far-right.
However, this stance has been vehemently criticized by lawmakers and advocates for minimizing the genuine issues faced by the Hindu community. Congressman Shri Thanedar, the sponsor of the resolution, has condemned those who deny the existence of Hinduphobia, citing numerous instances of hate crimes, vandalism, and discrimination against Hindu places of worship and individuals. Thanedar has emphasized that combating Hinduphobia is an American issue, rooted in the values of equality and racial justice, and has called upon colleagues across the political aisle to support the resolution. He has stressed the need for the community to stand together and fight against these attacks, questioning why this issue is not given higher priority by law enforcement agencies.
Audrey Truschke’s life of hating Hindus
Audrey Truschke, has become one of the most polarizing figures in India’s academic landscape today. Unlike other scholars who have faced controversy due to their longstanding ties with the Congress party and the Nehru-Gandhi family, Truschke has garnered notoriety in a remarkably short time. This rapid rise to infamy primarily stems from her controversial portrayal of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
While Aurangzeb is widely condemned as a genocidal tyrant by contemporaries and historians alike, Truschke attempts to contextualize his actions within the norms of his time, using the concept of 'nuance.' This approach, often employed by the liberal intelligentsia, reinterprets historical figures and events, sometimes reframing tyrants as merely 'controversial' and rebranding rioters and terrorists as activists and champions of justice.
Truschke’s involvement in various controversial activities and associations with problematic individuals necessitates further scrutiny.
Audrey Truschke serves on the advisory board of Students Against Hindutva Ideology (SAHI), a U.S.-based activist group with ties to the Democratic party establishment. SAHI gained attention for its 'Holi Against Hindutva' campaign in 2020, initially known as 'Students Against Hindutva,' which has been criticized for anti-Hindu sentiments.
The campaign was led by Ziad Ahmed, a young activist connected to prominent Democrats, including Hillary Clinton’s campaign. Ahmed also runs a consultancy firm focused on youth engagement. SAHI has worked with Stand With Kashmir (SWK), an organization aligned with Pakistan's stance on Kashmir, and has supported Islamists protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act at Jamia University. SAHI openly aims to lobby against India, raising concerns about Truschke's involvement with the group.
Ajit Sahi, on SAHI’s advisory board, is also the advocacy director of the Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC). He was formerly the executive director of the controversial Tehelka magazine and has been noted for spreading anti-India propaganda in the U.S. IAMC often collaborates with figures like Teesta Setalvad, accused of misappropriating funds meant for Gujarat Riots victims.
Students at Rutgers University, where Truschke teaches, have accused her of promoting anti-Hindu narratives. A petition alleges she falsely links Hindus to extremists and white supremacists involved in the Capitol Hill riots. She has reportedly claimed that the Bhagavad Gita "justifies mass slaughter" and violence, referred to Lord Ram as a "misogynistic pig," and made other derogatory remarks about Hindu deities. The petition asserts she depicts Hindus as "lustful and sex-obsessed" and portrays Hinduism as inherently oppressive and violent.
In response, Rutgers University issued a statement supporting Truschke’s academic freedom but later apologized for the misunderstanding, expressing regret for the hurt caused to the Hindu community and reaffirming their commitment to inclusivity.
In 2018, Truschke sparked backlash with a controversial statement alleging that Sita accused Rama of being "misogynistic and uncouth." Despite lacking textual evidence, this assertion led to significant outrage, and Truschke portrayed herself as a victim in defense. In April 2021, Truschke cited an Al Jazeera article to allege that five organizations, including the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), had ties to 'Hindu supremacist' ideologies and accused HAF of orchestrating a 'coordinated assault' against her. HAF Board Member Rajiv Pandit refuted these claims as defamatory and accused Truschke of targeted harassment, mocking Hindu texts, and promoting negative stereotypes about Hindus. In 2018, the Hyderabad Police canceled Truschke’s lecture amid protests over her alleged anti-Hindu views. She was also criticized for spreading unsubstantiated claims about student injuries during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act at Aligarh Muslim University.
On Rate My Professors, a platform for evaluating professors, Truschke holds a low rating of 1.7 out of 5. Students describe her as unknowledgeable, unhelpful, and dismissive of differing viewpoints. Comments include criticism of her teaching methods and attitude, with many advising others to avoid her classes due to a lack of clarity and respect for students' questions.
Overall, Audrey Truschke’s contentious views and associations have made her a highly polarizing figure, eliciting strong reactions from various communities and raising questions about her role as an academic and public figure.
Documented Instances of Hinduphobia
The resolution comes at a time when hate crimes against Hindus are on the rise, along with an increase in Hinduphobia in American society. The document provides a comprehensive catalogue of reported attacks on Hindu temples and houses of worship in the past fifteen years, including incidents of firebombing, vandalism, theft, desecration of sacred idols, and hate-motivated graffiti.
Notable incidents include the firebombing of a Hindu temple in Queens, New York, in 2012, as part of a series of attacks targeting Hindus, Muslims, and Arabs; the desecration of a Hare Krishna Temple in Alachua, Florida, in 2013, where vandals doused the floor in bleach and defecated on the premises; and the vandalization of the Hindu Temple and Cultural Center in Bothell, Washington, in 2015, where anti-Hindu and anti-Muslim messages were painted on the walls.
These documented instances serve as a sobering reminder of the reality of Hinduphobia and the urgency with which it must be addressed.
The Importance of Addressing Hinduphobia
Addressing Hinduphobia is not merely a matter of protecting a specific community; it is a crucial step towards upholding the fundamental principles of a diverse and inclusive society. By acknowledging and condemning Hinduphobia, the United States sends a powerful message that intolerance and bigotry against any faith or community will not be tolerated.
Furthermore, the resolution serves as a catalyst for promoting understanding and fostering dialogue. By distributing copies to the public and press, it aims to educate and raise awareness about the rich heritage and contributions of Hindu Americans, countering the stereotypes and misconceptions that fuel Hinduphobia.
Conclusion
House Resolution 1131 represents a significant milestone in the fight against Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry. It acknowledges the struggles and contributions of the Hindu American community while condemning the hate and intolerance they have faced. By taking a stand against Hinduphobia, the United States reaffirms its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and respect for all faiths and cultures.
As the resolution moves forward, it is crucial for all stakeholders – lawmakers, community leaders, law enforcement agencies, and citizens – to engage in open and constructive dialogue, promoting understanding and fostering an environment of mutual respect. Addressing the opposition's concerns and misconceptions through factual evidence and open discourse is essential to building a society that truly embraces and celebrates the diversity that enriches the fabric of the nation. Combating Hinduphobia is not only a matter of protecting the rights and dignity of Hindu Americans but also a test of the nation's commitment to upholding the values of equality, justice, and freedom of religion for all its citizens. By taking decisive action, the United States can set a powerful example for other nations, inspiring a global movement towards a more inclusive and harmonious world.
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