International students from South Asian countries are facing increasing levels of discrimination and hate speech on social media platforms in Canada, sparking concerns among advocates and community members.
Miran Kadri, a student from Gujarat, India, who is pursuing his master’s degree in Windsor, Ontario, has encountered anti-Indian sentiment online, including comments about job competition and insecurity about Canada’s future. Despite being in Canada for over a year, Kadri says these comments still impact him, adding to the stress of exams and job searches.
Gaganeet Kaur, a master’s student in criminology from Chandigarh, India, has also witnessed discriminatory pages targeting Indian people in Canada. She feels compelled to be cautious in her actions, wanting to avoid being perceived as problematic.
The rise of anti-Indian hate online has had real-life effects, with some students experiencing difficulties finding jobs, leading to questions about whether tensions and opinions about the South Asian community play a role.
In response, the South Asian Centre of Windsor has established the Windsor Essex Anti-Hate Youth Collective, providing a space for students to share experiences and support one another. However, there is a reluctance among some students to report incidents of racism or hate, citing lack of trust in the police, fear of repercussions, and language barriers.
Advocates are calling for more action from governments and social media platforms to combat online hate. The Council of Agencies Serving South Asians (CASSA) has developed an online toolkit called “Eradicate Hate” to provide advice on engaging online in instances of overwhelming commentary.
Despite the challenges, there is hope for the future. Advocates and community members are calling for more conversations and for political leaders to speak up for international students. They believe that by sharing their stories and coming together, they can find solutions to combat online hate and discrimination.