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Anti-immigrant political rhetoric and hate speech online have led to a disturbing trend of anti-South Asian sentiment in Canada. The prejudice has manifested itself in verbal and physical attacks, discrimination and exclusionary policies, creating a hostile environment for South Asian communities across the country.
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Exclusionary policies and rhetoric: The Canadian government’s recent decision to reduce immigration levels, citing housing and healthcare concerns, has emboldened anti-immigrant voices. Observers note how politicians from both the conservative and liberal parties have contributed to a narrative that blames immigrants for these social problems. This rhetoric has real-world implications, as evidenced by a recent incident in Waterloo, Ontario, where a South Asian man was verbally assaulted and told to “go back to India.” Experts warn that such incidents are becoming more common, with South Asians and black people facing higher rates of hate crimes.
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Climate of fear: Online platforms, especially TikTok and Instagram, have become breeding grounds for anti-South Asian hate speech. The spread of the “Great Replacement Theory,” which falsely claims that South Asian immigration will lead to a non-white majority in Canada, is particularly concerning. Online hate often extends to offline spaces, with racialized migrants in the gig economy and service sectors particularly vulnerable to abuse. “There is certainly a trend within the far right, especially in Canada, to target South Asian communities,” notes researcher Peter Smith. “They make them the center of a lot of anti-immigrant narratives.” This normalization of hate speech has created a climate of fear and anxiety for many South Asians in Canada, who feel unsafe and unwelcome in their own communities.
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