An NRI woman residing close to Toronto has ignited an online discussion after sharing her tale of experience with subtle racism, which she had to endure in Canada. Writing in a viral Reddit post, she recounted various mundane encounters that made her feel unwanted and exhausted. Recalling an incident at a local spa some time back, the woman stated that she was questioned about her place of origin by another customer. After she said "India", the woman wondered if she had acquired English after coming to Canada. "Your English is just like mine," the spa customer purportedly said, leaving the NRI woman shocked. It wasn't hostile, but it was so ignorant. This kind of thing happens far too often, and it's tiring," she posted on Reddit.

In her post, she highlighted other everyday harassments from having her ID double-checked at concerts to facing awkward assumptions at nail salons and restaurants. One remark that stung, she said, was being told “You’re not like other Indians” because of her fair skin tone. “How is that even a compliment?” she asked. The post found universal resonance with hundreds of comments. Some respondents said they have had similar experiences, while others contended that such occurrences are a result of ignorance and not racism.

One Reddit user advised handling such comments with calm questions to expose ignorance, "Just ask them politely what they mean, they'll dig their own hole." Another commented, "Most people here know very little about India beyond stereotypes. Education helps." Most concurred that although multicultural cities in Canada are more diverse, pervasive racism and lack of awareness still linger in small towns and certain social circles.

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Anti-Immigrant Rhetoric Grows

The debate follows a reported surge in anti-immigrant rhetoric across Canada, with Indians and South Asians being targeted most frequently. Experts attribute this to economic woes, lack of housing, and recent tensions in diplomatic ties between India and Canada. Hate crimes against South Asians increased by 143 per cent between 2019 and 2022, according to the Canadian Race Relations Foundation. Census statistics indicate Sikhs constitute 2.1 per cent of the population of Canada, but are regular victims of racist incidents and stereotypes. It got worse with recent viral social media posts. Disinformational or doctored clips making fun of Indian immigrants have gone viral, fueling xenophobic emotions online. The situation has been further complicated by Canada’s move to cut immigration numbers. A recent Environics Focus Canada survey found that 58 per cent of Canadians believe immigration levels are too high, the highest figure in over two decades.

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The ongoing vandalization of Hindu temples by extremist pro-Khalistani groups has contributed to the fear in the Indian community. Most NRIs now claim that they don't feel as secure and accepted in Canada anymore. As Canada grapples with diplomatic tensions with India and domestic debate on immigration, Indian-origin citizens are demanding greater awareness and more forceful action against racism.