The document discusses the importance of ethnic solidarity and community for the Indian community in the United States. It notes that globalization has allowed the spread of Indian culture internationally but has also led to misunderstandings following terrorist attacks. Several examples are given of Indians who were victims of violence motivated by racial hatred or prejudice in recent years. The document argues that the Indian community must work together to establish a strong social and political presence through cultural awareness initiatives to help dispel stereotypes and distinguish Indian culture from the actions of extremists. Only through education can prejudices against Indian culture be addressed.

1. The Importance of Ethnic Solidarity and Community in the 21st Century
In the modern era, it has become increasingly important for the Indian community to establish a strong
social and political presence in the United States. Globalization in the 20th century to the 21st century,
coupled with the nascent technological revolution, has allowed for the international spread of Hinduism
and Indian culture. However, the dissemination of cultures is as beneficial as it is malignant. In the
wake of the recent terrorist attacks, misconceptions regarding religious moderates and distorted
fundamentalists are prevalent. The subsequent rise of anti-South Asian racial sentiments has had
unfortunate consequences on the South Asian community.
Last January, Erika Menendez shoved Sunando Sen, a graduate student at New York University, onto
the subway tracks in New York City. Menendez cited her hatred for Hindus and Muslims following
9/11 as the motive for her attack. Last February, 46 year old Kanwaljit Singh was shot several times
near Daytona Beach by unknown assailants. Investigators believe the shooting was racially charged as
Singh was wearing a turban at the time of the shooting. After the Boston Bombings, Brown University
student Sunil Tripathi was mistakenly identified as a as a suspect in the bombings by members of social
media outlets, despite the fact Sunil had been missing since March.
In light of these tragedies, its imperative that the Indian community as a consensus establishes a
prominent social and political presence in America. Spreading knowledge about Indian culture is
necessary to eradicate such prejudice and stereotypes that consign a group of people to the status of
terrorists or a fundamentalist organization. The distinction between religious moderates and
fundamentalists can be achieved through awareness initiatives. Working towards preserving and
promoting Indian culture will allow people to distinguish between the actions of a few radicals and the
lifestyle of a group of people. Grassroot efforts such as are necessary language classes, religious
classes, and general cultural awareness programs are requisite if succeeding generations are to inherit
their culture. Establishing such programs, fostering relations with other cultural communities, and
taking more prominent roles in American society will contribute to the demise of the unwarranted
prejudice and stereotypes that have manifested following the 9/11 tragedy.
Although racially motivated violence can be isolated incidents, the existence of such sentiments is
detrimental to the perception of Indian culture. Only through knowledge can we truly hope to dispel the
stereotypes and prejudices that prevail against the realities of Indian culture. If we don't make the effort
who will?
References:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/26/us/sunil-tripathi-student-at-brown-is-found-dead.html?_r=0
http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/indian-shot-at-in-us-in-suspected-hate-crime-335467
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/subway-shove-victim-mourned-article-1.1230475