Rapper Heems had a conversation with his father recently about the Michael Brown shooting that enraged him.
Indian people mad racist. I’m all like SHUT UP DAD, YOU AINT WHITE.
— Champagne Papadum (@HIMANSHU) August 19, 2014
“Because the blacks have that reputation, himanshu” WHAT REPUTATION WHO MADE THAT REPUTATION WHY WAS IT MADE WHO DOES IT BENEFIT — Champagne Papadum (@HIMANSHU) August 19, 2014
All of us know other desi people who deny the reality of antiblack racism in this country and all over the world; desi people who buy into the narrative that white people have spun about black people, desi people who believe wholeheartedly in the stereotype that black people are thugs and criminals.
It’s jarring when you find these kinds of ignorant views in your own family, amongst people who you otherwise think are pretty great.
Heems speaks to that particular cross-generational clash that a lot of us face when talking to our family members about racism in America.
How I look like my dad but can’t talk to dude ever w out wanting to blow my brains out? Oh. I’m Desi.
— Champagne Papadum (@HIMANSHU) August 19, 2014
Bio: SHUT UP DAD, YOU AINT WHITE — Champagne Papadum (@HIMANSHU) August 19, 2014
My dad out of touch like a Indian lord jamar but like against black people.
— Champagne Papadum (@HIMANSHU) August 19, 2014
What are some of the ignorant attitudes you have come across in your family? How have you worked to counter them? How do you think we’ll change these kinds of beliefs in our community?
Jaya Sundaresh lives in Chandigarh, India. She grew up in various parts of the Northeast in the U.S. before deciding to study political science at McGill University. Follow her on Twitter at @anedumacation.
