• Source:JND
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A Canadian engineer’s angry reaction to a Diwali greeting email from Netflix has gone viral, drawing widespread criticism and online trolling. Marty Belanger, a professional engineer from Alberta, expressed his outrage over receiving a festive greeting for Diwali, a festival widely celebrated by Canada’s Indian diaspora.

Belanger, in a strongly worded email response, told Netflix that he did not celebrate Diwali and was frustrated that the company had sent him the greeting despite having his personal data. “I am a middle-aged white man from Alberta who likes war movies, science fiction, and real crime documentaries. Stop sending me this nonsense,” he wrote.

He further added, “I don’t care if third-world immigrants enter my country and celebrate.” His comments sparked a storm on social media, with many users calling his response offensive and racist. Others mocked him for overreacting to a simple festive greeting.

Mixed Public Reactions in Canada

Social media users expressed diverse opinions about the incident. While some Canadians noted that they had never received similar emails from companies on Christmas or other Western holidays, many others criticized Belanger for his extreme response. Several comments labelled him “white trash” or “homeless” for his meltdown over a harmless greeting.

Diwali, known as the festival of lights, has become increasingly visible in Canada due to its significant Indian immigrant population. Prime Minister Mark Carney recently attended a Diwali celebration in the Greater Toronto Area, praising the festival for its central message of the triumph of light over darkness.

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The incident comes amid heightened attention to Diwali celebrations in Canada this year. A few days ago, a photo of Diwali-themed chocolates on sale in a Canadian store sparked an online debate. Similarly, the Mississauga City Council recently adopted stricter rules on fireworks during Diwali. Under the new regulations, fireworks are restricted to 6 PM to 10 PM on holidays, except New Year’s Eve; Roman candles are banned, and licensed vendors are required to maintain inventory and sales records. Fireworks sales on holidays are also prohibited to prevent last-minute purchases.

ALSO READ: Hindu Canadians Celebrate As Mississauga Cancels Fireworks Ban Ahead Of Diwali | Watch

Belanger’s reaction has reignited discussions on cultural sensitivity, diversity, and inclusion in Canada. While some argue that people should ignore greetings they do not celebrate, others emphasize the importance of respecting multicultural festivals in a diverse society.

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