Indo Canadians and Indo Americans..

Two countries, two perceptions
By KEN HERAR
It's hard to believe, but I am already planning my vacation for this year. It will be a long trip down the I-5 heading south where the climate is warm. I'm heading to the famous state of California where the beaches are packed and the air is full of smog. One of my stops includes a visit with my brother in the potato capital of the world, Boise, Idaho. On the recommendation of many Indo-Canadians and after speaking to several Indo-Americans throughout the U.S., I am told the life of Indian people in their country is one of pride. Many Indo-Americans have expressed their concerns over the Indo-Canadian image problem, especially here in B.C. We can't ignore or hide the fact that many violent acts in the last decade have riddled the Indo-Canadian community. Even though it includes only a few it is a growing concern, which leaves this community at a crossroad. Some may say singling out these event is a racist move by media outlets, but the facts are the facts. This problem stems from the fact that weak Liberal immigration polices over the last decade have been part of this problem and will continue to be unless we tighten our borders. Is Canada becoming a desired place for the undesired? I am afraid so! When we look at our neighbours down south their policies are much stiffer, and often attract the most desired from foreign nations. The majority of the Indo-Canadians in this country are from a Sikh background and the majority of the Indo-Americans are from the Hindu heritage. Bina Muraka, editor of India West, a weekly Indo-American newspaper based out of San Francisco, said the "Indo-Canadian community in the U.S. is a bit more professional than the Indians in Canada.'' She may sound a bit blunt but does raise a point of interest. Many of the issues Indo-Canadians face here in B.C. are not irrelevant down in the U.S. or even the rest of Canada. I am not saying there aren't any positive things happening in B.C. in my community, but it is unfortunately getting drowned out by all the negative press. Some 5.6 million Indo-Americans live in the U.S. - a small but vibrant community which is experiencing growth in many fields. Rashmee Sharma, who has lived in Seattle for the past 12 years after arriving from India, is a representative for India West. She said the image of Indo-Americans being taxi drivers and convenience store owners has faded away and many Indo-Americans are now in the dot-com industry. She claimed Indo-Americans are viewed as a timid (law abiding)community which has adjusted very well in the American workforce. She said crime rate involving Indo-Americans is very low nationally and the media perception of the community is very high. The recent trip by former U.S. president Bill Clinton to India has created an interest by Americans of Indian origin. As the election looms in the U.S., Indo-Americans have not experienced the success as Indo-Canadians have in the political arena, having only elected a handful of people to public office. There was a bright spot last year when Bobby Jindal, an Indo-American who ran for governor in the state of Louisiana, barely lost. The American electoral process is much tougher than in Canada and Indo-Americans are working hard to get representatives elected in their communities. Indo-Americans have many well-established associations, including the Indo-American Doctors Association, who meet with White House counsel on a regular basis. In my phone conversations with my Indo-American counterparts, I sense a vision of pride and optimism living the American dream. As an Indo-Canadian, I am very happy for my neighbours down south and look forward to learning more about them.
KenHerar@gmail.com
© Copyright 2004 Abbotsford News