An Indian-origin man in Canada, Ashwin Annamalai, recently shared a distressing video that has gone viral. The incident took place on October 15, 2024, in the Kitchener-Waterloo region of Ontario. Annamalai was confronted by an elderly woman who subjected him to hate speech, telling him to “go back to India” based solely on his Indian heritage. This encounter highlights a troubling rise in hate crimes against the Indian community in Canada.
The Disturbing Encounter
In the video posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Annamalai recounts how he was out for a walk when a woman aggressively approached him. She flipped him off and made derogatory remarks, claiming there were “too many Indians” in Canada. Annamalai, who has lived in Canada since 2018 and is now a citizen, described the incident as unsettling. He stated that the once welcoming community of Kitchener-Waterloo has seen a significant increase in racial hostility towards people of color.
The confrontation escalated when Annamalai politely challenged the woman’s comments. Despite asserting his Canadian identity multiple times, she insisted he was not truly Canadian and demanded he leave the country. “You’re not Canadian,” she yelled, further fueling the tension. Annamalai attempted to de-escalate the situation by speaking French, one of Canada’s official languages, but this only provoked more hostility from her.
Rising Hate Crimes
Annamalai’s experience is not isolated; it reflects a broader trend of increasing hate crimes in Canada. Recent data indicates that the Waterloo region has the highest rate of police-reported hate crimes in the country. This surge in incidents correlates with rising diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, which have been exacerbated by various geopolitical issues.
In his social media posts, Annamalai expressed concern about how such encounters are becoming more frequent and aggressive. He pointed out that these incidents have been happening regularly since the beginning of 2024, suggesting that individuals feel emboldened to express their prejudices openly.
The once welcoming community of Kitchener-Waterloo has seen a disturbing rise in hate, particularly against people of colour. Here’s a personal account of what I experienced today: A random woman gave me the finger & spewed hate while I was out for a walk at Erb/Avondale 🧵 1/n pic.twitter.com/TxvXeXW3Yd
— Ashwin Annamalai (@ignorantsapient) October 15, 2024
Community Reaction
The video has sparked mixed reactions online. While many users supported Annamalai and condemned the woman’s behavior, others echoed her sentiments, revealing an undercurrent of anti-immigrant bias within parts of the community. This polarized response underscores the challenges faced by immigrants and people of color in Canada today.
Annamalai’s account also highlights the struggles faced by international students and immigrants who often experience discrimination and racism. He noted that until recently, he had not encountered such hostility during his time in Canada.
The once welcoming community of Kitchener-Waterloo has seen a disturbing rise in hate, particularly against people of colour. Here’s a personal account of what I experienced today: A random woman gave me the finger & spewed hate while I was out for a walk at Erb/Avondale 🧵 1/n pic.twitter.com/TxvXeXW3Yd
— Ashwin Annamalai (@ignorantsapient) October 15, 2024
Broader Implications
The incident raises important questions about inclusivity and acceptance in Canadian society. As Canada prides itself on being a multicultural nation, such incidents challenge this narrative and reveal underlying tensions that need to be addressed.
Annamalai’s experience serves as a reminder that while many Canadians are welcoming and inclusive, there remains a significant portion of society grappling with issues of racism and xenophobia. The need for dialogue and education around these topics is more pressing than ever.
