How India’s media-driven divisions aid racism in Texas
Activists say white supremacists in Texas target South Asians alike, but sections of Indian media are turning shared struggle into India-Pakistan and Hindu-Muslim hate
WASHINGTON (MNTV) — As white supremacist groups intensify attacks on South Asian communities in Texas, civil rights activists are warning that a different threat is emerging from within the diaspora itself: The import of Hindu-Muslim and India-Pakistan divisions that undermine a united response to racism.
The warning follows a June 2 demonstration outside Frisco City Hall, where armed white supremacists denounced what they called an “Indian invasion” of Texas. Protesters displayed signs reading “Stop the Hindu Takeover in Texas” and “Deport 100 Million: Save America” while chanting slogans associated with white nationalist movements.
For many observers, the incident highlighted a simple reality. Racists do not distinguish between Hindus and Muslims, or between Indians and Pakistanis. They see all South Asians as outsiders.
Yet activists say some sections of the Indian media responded to the crisis by doing precisely the opposite.
One of the most controversial examples was a report by NDTV titled “How Pakistani Felon Tricked US Locals Into Hating Indians.” The report focused on Pakistani-American activist Zul Mohamed and suggested that his social media activity had provoked anti-Indian sentiment and contributed to the confrontation.
Analysts argue that such framing shifted attention away from the white supremacists who organized the rally and redirected blame toward another South Asian immigrant.
“This is exactly the problem,” said community activists involved in anti-racism campaigns in Texas.
“When white supremacists attack South Asians, some media outlets immediately look for a Pakistani villain or a Muslim villain instead of confronting the racism itself.”
The criticism reflects broader concerns about the influence of India’s increasingly polarized media environment on diaspora politics in the United States.
Several activists argue that parts of the Indian media routinely frame social and political issues through a Hindu-Muslim lens at home and are now exporting the same narratives abroad. They say such coverage encourages South Asians in America to see one another as rivals rather than allies in the struggle against discrimination.
According to activists, the Frisco controversy demonstrates why that approach is dangerous.
At city council meetings in Texas, opponents of mosque and temple projects have used nearly identical language against both communities. Far-right activist Jake Lang, who participated in the January 6 attack on the US Capitol, accused both Hindus and Muslims of trying to replace white Christian Texans.
“The Hindus and the Muslims are teaming up to take over Texas,” Lang told a public meeting.
For civil rights advocates, the statement revealed how white Christian nationalists actually view South Asians. They do not separate communities based on religion or nationality. Instead, they treat all immigrants from the region as part of the same perceived threat.
“The people protesting temples are often the same people protesting mosques,” activists noted. “The rhetoric is identical. The hatred is identical.”
Yet instead of emphasizing this shared reality, critics say some media coverage encourages divisions by portraying racism against Hindus and racism against Muslims as separate issues.
Activists warn that such narratives serve the interests of racist groups.
“If Hindus can be persuaded that only Muslims are under attack, or Muslims can be persuaded that only Hindus are under attack, then nobody builds the coalitions necessary to challenge discrimination,” one organizer said.
The debate has also surfaced in local politics. Frisco mayoral candidate Rod Vilhauer apologized for remarks that offended Hindu Americans after meeting members of the Indian community. However, he continued making statements warning about Muslims and claiming that Islamic law posed a threat to Texas.
Despite those comments, some Hindu political organizations endorsed his candidacy.
Community leaders say this reflects a growing trend in which politicians seek support from one South Asian community while targeting another.
Activists describe the strategy as a classic divide-and-rule tactic.
“The moment a politician can win Hindu votes by attacking Muslims, or Muslim votes by attacking Hindus, the entire community loses,” one advocate said.
Groups such as South Asian American Voter Empowerment of Texas, or SAAVETX, are pushing back by bringing together Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians to challenge anti-immigrant campaigns and defend religious freedom.
Their message is straightforward: racism cannot be fought selectively.
The lesson from Texas, activists say, is that the safety of every South Asian community is interconnected. White supremacists do not care whether a person is Indian or Pakistani, Hindu or Muslim. They see only brown immigrants who do not belong.
That is why activists insist that media outlets, political leaders and community organizations must stop importing South Asia’s divisions into the United States.
At a moment when racism is targeting entire communities, they argue, solidarity is not a slogan. It is a necessity.
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
