Paromita Das
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 28th September. In today’s increasingly interconnected world, where diverse beliefs and religious sensitivities coexist, respect for every community’s faith is not just important, but essential. However, there is a growing trend of indifference toward Hindu sentiments, particularly within global media outlets. This bias is exemplified in a recent article published by Scroll.in, which accused Hindutva groups in the U.S. of adopting the tactics of white supremacists and Zionists. This comparison not only reflects a flawed and misleading understanding of Hindutva but also points to a deeper, often unchallenged bias against the Hindu community.
The Scroll.in article drew widespread attention, particularly due to an antisemitic trope embedded within it, suggesting that Jews “play the victim card.” This offensive statement, coming from the leader of a fringe U.S.-based group with a questionable reputation, sparked outrage. Rightly so, as it hurt not only the Jewish community but also Hindu groups, who have often stood in solidarity with Jewish organizations. Despite the harm caused, Scroll.in gave this narrative a platform, revealing an alarming level of disregard for the consequences on interfaith relations. Even more concerning is the global media’s selective silence when it comes to Hindu concerns, a silence that only deepens the divide between communities and fosters further misunderstanding.
The Unfair Comparison: Hindutva and Supremacist Movements
At the heart of the issue is the portrayal of Hindutva, which is consistently mischaracterized as a supremacist ideology akin to white supremacy or even Zionism. Hindutva, as defined by its proponents, is a cultural movement aimed at preserving and promoting Hindu identity and heritage. It seeks to safeguard the rights and culture of Hindus, especially in a pluralistic world where their voices have often been marginalized. The comparison to supremacist ideologies is not only inaccurate but deliberately misleading, as it conflates a movement focused on cultural preservation with those based on racial or ethnic superiority.
White supremacism, by definition, seeks to establish dominance of one race over all others, often through violent and exclusionary means. Zionism, while complex and multifaceted, is primarily about the Jewish people’s right to self-determination in their historic homeland. Hindutva, in contrast, focuses on protecting and promoting Hindu culture within a diverse Indian context and beyond, without advocating for racial or ethnic superiority. By drawing such false equivalences, media outlets like Scroll.in fuel a dangerous narrative that portrays Hindus as aggressors, when in reality, they are often victims of targeted hate and discrimination both in India and abroad.
The Role of Global Media in Fostering Bias
The article in question highlights a broader issue in global media: the marginalization and frequent dismissal of Hindu concerns. If similar accusations had been made against any other religious group, particularly one that is seen as a minority in the West, there would have been widespread global condemnation, protests, and demands for justice. However, when Hindu beliefs and movements like Hindutva are targeted, the outrage is often muted, if it exists at all. This selective treatment suggests that Hindu voices are not afforded the same level of empathy or respect that other communities receive.
This bias is not limited to one article or one publication. It is part of a larger trend in global media where Hindu perspectives are either ignored or vilified. Whether it’s the representation of Hinduism in international news or the portrayal of Hindu cultural movements like Hindutva, the narrative is often skewed. Instead of engaging with the complexities of Hindu identity and the concerns of the global Hindu community, the focus tends to be on highlighting the most controversial and negative aspects, often without proper context.
The Alliance Between Hindu and Jewish Communities
One of the most glaring omissions in the Scroll.in article is the longstanding alliance between Hindu and Jewish communities, particularly in the U.S. Both groups have historically worked together on issues such as combating hate crimes and promoting religious freedom. In fact, Hindutva groups have consistently stood in solidarity with Jewish organizations, recognizing the shared struggles of two ancient cultures that have faced persecution and marginalization.
This cooperation has extended to many fronts, from fighting discrimination to celebrating each other’s cultural and religious festivals. Yet, these positive interfaith relationships are often overlooked in favor of narratives that pit communities against each other. The omission of this crucial context not only distorts the reality of Hindu-Jewish relations but also undermines the efforts made by these communities to foster understanding and unity.
The Antisemitic Trope and the Fallout
The Scroll.in article’s inclusion of an antisemitic trope further compounds the issue. The offensive remark about Jews “playing the victim card” sparked outrage from both the Jewish and Hindu communities, leading to calls for the publication to remove the phrase and issue an apology. The antisemitic nature of the comment was not just an isolated instance of poor judgment, but rather indicative of the broader irresponsibility displayed by Scroll.in in allowing such statements to be published without thorough scrutiny.
This incident highlights a significant concern regarding how global media outlets handle sensitive topics related to religion and culture. While media has the power to inform and educate, it also has the power to harm and divide. In this case, Scroll.in chose to amplify a fringe voice with a history of defamation, despite the damage it caused to two communities with a long history of mutual respect and cooperation.
The World’s Selective Indignation
One of the most troubling aspects of this situation is the lack of widespread outrage. If such a comparison had been drawn against any other religious group, it would have likely led to protests, media condemnations, and calls for accountability. However, when it comes to Hindu sentiments, there seems to be an unspoken tolerance for such attacks. This selective indignation not only reveals a bias in global media but also sends a dangerous message that Hindu voices are less worthy of protection or respect.
This silence is not only frustrating for the Hindu community but also dangerous for broader interfaith relations. When one group’s concerns are consistently marginalized or ignored, it fosters resentment and deepens divides between communities. The global community must be vigilant in ensuring that all religious groups are treated with equal respect and that harmful stereotypes are not allowed to fester unchecked.
The Path Forward: Accountability and Respect for All Beliefs
The Scroll.in article serves as a wake-up call for the media to reflect on its role in fostering or damaging interfaith relationships. In an era where misinformation and bias can spread rapidly, media outlets have a responsibility to ensure that their reporting is balanced, accurate, and respectful of all communities.
Moving forward, it is crucial that media organizations recognize the importance of Hindu voices and address the biases that have allowed such narratives to flourish unchecked. If media outlets continue to demonize Hindu movements like Hindutva without understanding their cultural and historical context, they risk further alienating a community that has often felt marginalized in global discourse.
Similarly, Hindutva’s critics should engage in informed dialogue, rather than relying on reductive and inflammatory comparisons. By fostering open discussions, both media and society can work toward a more nuanced understanding of Hinduism and its cultural movements, promoting mutual respect between all faiths.
Conclusion: Recognizing and Addressing Media Bias
The marginalization of Hindu sentiments in global media, as exemplified by the Scroll.in article, is a pressing issue that demands attention. By drawing false equivalences between Hindutva and supremacist ideologies, media outlets fuel dangerous stereotypes that only deepen misunderstandings between communities.
It is time for the global media to take responsibility for their role in shaping perceptions and to ensure that Hindu voices are heard and respected. Just as offensive remarks against other religious communities are met with outrage, so too should harmful narratives about Hindus be challenged. Only by recognizing and addressing this bias can we move toward a more just and respectful global discourse.
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