Allies
Are you witnessing a Hindutva assault on a colleague or friend? Are you unsure how to help? This section offers resources for how to offer solidarity and assistance. You don’t have to stand on the sidelines and watch hate go unchallenged.
Why be an Ally
Harassment flourishes when good people stand by silently. In the case of Hindutva aggression, harassment is intended to isolate and silence anyone who wishes to recognize the diversity of perspectives, experiences, and practices in Hinduism and more broadly in South Asian cultures. Hindutva also seeks to erase the presence and rights of non-Hindu religious communities in contemporary India and even in the historical past. A key aspect of the strategy of Hindutva harassment is to make the attacked person or persons feel alone and without support. Allies are crucial because we—each one of us—can prevent that isolation from occurring.
It can be scary to stand up to Hindutva harassment. But the more people who use their voices and call out the hate for what it is, the stronger we are. One of our greatest strengths is supporting each other.
How to be an Ally
Express empathy for victims of Hindutva-led harassment
Reach out to the target of the harassment and express sympathy.
If you feel safe doing this, express your empathy publically. This is crucial. Harassment works by isolating and silencing others.
Encourage targets of harassment to document incidents and report them.
Nobody deserves to be harassed. You may not agree with something the target of harassment is said to have written, said, or shared, but now is not the moment to bring that up. By fighting against Hindutva harassment, you stand up to bullying, aggression, and infringements on academic freedom. We all deserve to live in a society free of these vices.
Speak up. Then do something to change the situation
Make clear that you condemn the harassment when the opportunity presents itself. This is especially important if the harassment happens in your social circle or workspace.
Ask your institution or organization to make rules that ensure safe working and research conditions for colleagues.
In educational settings, remind others of the necessity for academic freedom.
Share your own experiences and thoughts about the diversity of perspectives in South Asian faith communities, cultural groups, and political movements.
Find resources and other allies to support your work
You can expect pushback and hostility when you stand up for those targeted but likely not as much as those who receive this harassment regularly. Find your own support.
Protect yourself. This toolkit is a good place to get started with basic online security measures.
Online harassment appears to be a growing problem across the board, with research showing that two-third of American adults have witnessed online harassment in some form. Of those, about half have responded or intervened in some way. You will not be alone in being an ally, and you can actively participate in standing-up for our shared values of knowledge, inclusion, and diversity.