- Abby Johnson’s prejudiced remarks on Vivek Ramaswamy and the vitriol over his candidacy provide a glimpse into the racial biases still prevalent in American society.
- Vivek Ramaswamy’s candidacy and campaign have exposed the faultlines in US’s social fabric and show that it has a long way to go in ensuring equality and a non-discriminatory environment for all its denizens.
- The fact that a presidential candidate’s faith could be used as a weapon against them raises questions about the US’S commitment to equality and religious tolerance at the highest level of governance.
The United States of America is renowned for its diversity, commitment to non-racial discrimination, leadership in the realm of democracy, and dedication to individual freedoms and human rights. This image has long been upheld, even as the nation has grown and evolved. In this land of opportunity, a tapestry of cultures, races, and religions has been woven together to form the intricate fabric of American society. A notable thread in this mosaic is the Hindu American community, which constitutes around 1% of the population, roughly three million people. This group has contributed to the rich tapestry of American life, embodying the ideals of diversity and unity.
However, recent events have unveiled the undercurrents of bias that still run through this diverse nation. Just days ago, Abby Johnson, a vocal advocate of ultra-conservative white supremacy, launched a tirade against Vivek Ramaswamy, a presidential nominee of Hindu descent. Johnson’s words, dripping with prejudice, sought to cast doubt on Ramaswamy’s candidacy by citing his Hindu beliefs as a hindrance to his suitability for the role. Her words were a stark reminder that even in a nation celebrated for its acceptance and diversity, there are individuals who cling to discriminatory ideologies.
Johnson’s attack on Ramaswamy centred on his Hindu faith. She made a contentious comparison between Hinduism, with its myriad deities, and the concept of Satan as a source of confusion. This inflammatory analogy served to stoke fears and misconceptions about a religion unfamiliar to many. Johnson cautioned the American people against Ramaswamy’s “charismatic charm,” drawing parallels to former President Barack Obama. She urged them to reject Ramaswamy’s candidacy due to his belief in idol worship, framing it as elevating idols over Christian gods.
Vivek Ramaswamy, a 37-year-old biotech entrepreneur, has burst onto the political stage with a platform that encompasses staunch opposition to “wokeness,” abortion, and environmental-social-governance initiatives. His rise to prominence has been fueled by his vocal advocacy on issues critical to the nation’s well-being. Notably, Ramaswamy champions the reduction of America’s reliance on China and emphasizes the importance of nurturing domestic growth. He has strategically aligned himself with the evangelical wing of the Republican Party, positioning himself as a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump and a vocal critic of President Joe Biden. In addition to these stances, Ramaswamy proudly embraces his Hindu heritage, using it as a cornerstone of his diverse candidacy for the highest office in the land.
Abby Johnson’s recent diatribe has exposed the deep-seated biases that still persist in American society. Despite the nation’s progress, these biases, including racism, sexism, and various forms of discrimination, continue to fester beneath the surface. This incident has also highlighted the alarming presence of Hinduphobic rhetoric propagated by some Trump-aligned televangelists. The concerns that arise from this rhetoric are rooted in the principle of religious freedom enshrined in the American Constitution. The idea that a presidential candidate’s faith could be used as a weapon against them raises questions about the nation’s commitment to equality and religious tolerance at the highest level of governance.
This situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by America in its journey towards equality and unity. While strides have been made in areas such as education, employment, housing, and criminal justice, it is clear that obstacles remain. The fact that a vocal supporter of orthodox white supremacy, Abby Johnson, can openly express her Hinduphobic views and yet not deter Ramaswamy’s growing support highlights the complexities of the American electorate. It is a reminder that the response to such incidents is nuanced, and the support for a candidate can be influenced by a multitude of factors.
In conclusion, the recent episode involving Abby Johnson’s prejudiced remarks and Vivek Ramaswamy’s candidacy provides a glimpse into the intricacies of American society and the still prevalent racial biases. It showcases both the progress that has been achieved and the challenges that persist. The clash between Johnson’s discriminatory views and Ramaswamy’s diverse platform underscores the ongoing struggle for unity and acceptance. As the nation continues to evolve, it must confront its biases and prejudices head-on, ensuring that the principles of diversity, equality, and religious freedom remain at the forefront of its collective identity.
(The author is a Post Graduate student in International Relations at Amity University, Raipur. She writes articles and research papers regularly on international affairs and geopolitics.)
Aayush Pal 
Dr. Niranjan B Poojar 
Bhagyashree Gupta