HOW ELON MUSK’S ANTI INDIA MASTERSTROKE CAN DESTROY USA?

SHOCKED BY RACISM

STANDING IN SOLIDARITY WITH INDIAN IMMIGRANTS

I’m deeply shocked to hear about the rising racism and discrimination against our neighbours, the Indian people, in the United States. As a Pakistani born and raised in Denmark, I know firsthand how it feels to face racism daily. Denmark is ranked as one of the top four nations globally for hate crimes and systemic racism. This harsh reality is something many of us grapple with every day.

But today, my heart goes out to the Indian immigrant community in the U.S., who are being vilified despite their immense contributions to the nation. It’s a painful reminder of how easily immigrants, regardless of their background or contributions, are reduced to stereotypes and scapegoats for political agendas.

Here in Denmark, we’ve heard our own Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, speak of “taknemmelighed” (gratitude) when addressing immigrants. This term, while seemingly harmless, carries a weight of condescension. It suggests that we, as immigrants or descendants of immigrants, owe something extraordinary to the nation simply for existing here.

The reality is that immigrants, whether they come from India, Pakistan, or anywhere else, have been pivotal in building and sustaining economies, from the factories of Denmark to the tech hubs of Silicon Valley. Yet, instead of respect and acknowledgement, they face suspicion and hostility.

INDIA’S IMMIGRANTS

CONTRIBUTING AGAINST ALL ODDS

Indian immigrants in the U.S., particularly H-1B visa holders, are being called parasites and accused of stealing jobs. This rhetoric is not only false but also dangerous. Indians make up only 1.5% of the U.S. population, yet they contribute 6% of the nation’s taxes and dominate sectors like healthcare, technology, and STEM fields.

This mirrors the experiences of immigrants in Denmark, where many of us are pigeonholed despite our hard work and achievements. Our parents came here as “guest workers,” building the foundation of the Denmark we see today. Yet, we continue to face systemic discrimination and are often made to feel like outsiders.

As a Pakistani, I understand the struggles our Indian brothers and sisters face. The history between our nations may be complex, but our shared experiences as immigrants and minorities unite us. Whether it’s the U.S. targeting H-1B visa holders or Denmark’s condescending “taknemmelighed” rhetoric, the immigrant experience is marred by the same themes of exploitation and discrimination.

A CALL TO ACTION

We must challenge these harmful narratives and stand together. Immigrants are not a burden—they are a vital part of any nation’s success. Whether in Denmark, the U.S., or anywhere else, it’s time to shift the conversation. Let’s recognize and celebrate the contributions of Indian, Pakistani, and all immigrant communities. Let’s build bridges, not walls, and fight against the racism that divides us.

RACISM IS A GLOBAL PROBLEM

WE MUST TACKLE TOGETHER

To our Indian friends: you are not alone. As someone who has lived through racism in Denmark, I see your pain and struggle. Together, as neighbours, colleagues, and friends, we can challenge these systems of discrimination and create a more just and equitable future for all.

THE TRUE COST

A SHARED STRUGGLE

INDIAN AND PAKISTANI SOLIDARITY

As a Pakistani, I feel an unspoken bond with my Indian brothers and sisters in the U.S. Our nations may have a complicated history, but the immigrant experience unites us in profound ways. My parents were “guest workers” in Denmark, yet they faced systemic discrimination while contributing to the foundation of the society we see today.

Indian immigrants in the U.S. share a similar story, working tirelessly in STEM fields and other critical industries while battling stereotypes and exclusion. Elon Musk’s recent actions to limit opportunities for H-1B visa holders are not just an attack on Indian immigrants—they are an attack on the very ideals of diversity and inclusion that make nations like the U.S. thrive.

THE TRUE COST OF GLOBALIZATION

I grew up understanding that clothing is more than just fabric—it’s a way to express identity. But today, the fashion industry has turned something meaningful into an exploitative system fueled by materialism and greed. The promises of globalization were simple: rich nations would benefit from cheap goods, while poor nations would gain jobs and economic growth. But the reality is far darker.

In tragedies like the Rana Plaza collapse, where over 1,000 factory workers died, we see how cheap clothing comes at an unimaginable cost. Workers in countries like Bangladesh and Cambodia are forced to endure inhumane conditions for minimal wages—all so we can buy $5 t-shirts.

WHAT DO IMMIGRANTS & WORKERS HAVE IN COMMON?

The parallels between factory workers in developing nations and immigrant communities in the West are impossible to ignore. Both groups are exploited by the same system, one that prioritizes profit over people. Indian H-1B visa holders are scapegoated for “stealing jobs,” just as factory workers are blamed for “taking away opportunities” from local labourers.

But here’s the truth: these individuals are not the problem. The system that exploits their labour while denying them dignity is. Whether it’s a garment worker in Bangladesh or an Indian engineer in Silicon Valley, they are victims of a capitalist structure that thrives on division and inequality.

A CALL TO ACTION: WE CAN DO BETTER

It’s time to challenge the harmful narratives that demonize immigrants and marginalized workers. Immigrants are not a burden—they are a vital part of the global economy. Without their contributions, industries would crumble, and societies would stagnate.

To my Indian friends in the U.S.: you are not alone. As someone who has faced racism in Denmark, I see your struggles and stand with you. Together, we can push back against the systemic injustices that divide us.

FASHION, IMMIGRATION, AND THE FUTURE

Reflecting on The True Cost, I am reminded of someone saying:

When something seems too cheap, someone else is paying the price.

Whether it’s through our consumption habits or our views on immigration, we must recognize the real cost of our choices. The question isn’t just what we’re willing to pay—it’s what we’re willing to sacrifice.

The path forward is clear: build bridges, not walls. Support immigrants, demand ethical fashion, and stand against the systems that exploit and divide us. Racism and exploitation are global problems, but together, we can create a world that values dignity over profit.