Historically, most Indian-Americans have voted democratic. Whether it’s because of the open-mindedness of this well-traveled lot, or their keen awareness of being immigrants themselves, or their egalitarian outlook having come from a developing country themselves, it’s a blessing that they’ve continued their voting tradition, especially this election cycle.
There was a terrible fear in the air before the elections, what with Trump visiting India, and hosting the “Howdy Modi” meet in Houston with the Indian prime minister, and thousands attending the event. Modi has gained a devoted following with the headway he has made in bringing some structure to the chaos in India, efforts to curb corruption, and starting grass root development programs to help the economically underprivileged (although the plight of the poor farmer still remains tragic). Simultaneously, though, he has also raised ire, with his insidious rhetoric and actions toward Muslim minorities, and their liberal supporters. While he has done a lot of good, he has certainly fanned the flames of Hindu nationalism in India, and is no better than Trump in that regard.
Modi and Trump hold great appeal to those in the Indian-American diaspora, who, despite their college degrees and six figure income, would want to keep the “illegals” out- while conveniently forgetting that they were once groveling for citizenship at the altar of US Immigration and Naturalization themselves. It is a global mentality, I suppose, to not care about egalitarianism so long as they are on top. Like belonging to an exclusive international club meant for those who think they somehow earned their way into the United States because of their hard work and talents alone. They forget that not every person is lucky to be born in a safe country with opportunities, a secure family, and be surrounded by friends and/or family who value education.
Fortunately, the majority of Indian -Americans still remain democratic, and helped elect Joe Biden. And, while Kamala Harris certainly brought an element of cultural pride, it’s the values of inclusion, and kindness, along with concerns of pandemic leadership, better healthcare and economy for all, that drove the numbers to the polls. There is little doubt that Indian-American millenials, and Gen Xers are even more liberal than the first arrivals, and no doubt whatsoever that they will keep that liberal torch burning for years to come.
