US Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has raised her voice in favour of Hindus in the USA after CNN’s show “Believer” stereotyped the Hindu community in the most grotesque and sensational way.
In a series of statements on twitter, Tulsi Gabbard, one of the most recognized Hindu voices, chose to speak her heart on the issue and said:
While good people across our country are working hard to increase mutual understanding and respect between people of different religions, I am very disturbed that CNN is using its power and influence to increase people’s misunderstanding and fear of Hinduism. CNN on Sunday aired the first episode of a new series called “Believer” hosted by Reza Aslan. For this episode, Aslan apparently sought to find sensationalist and absurd ways to portray Hinduism. Aslan and CNN didn’t just throw a harsh light on a sect of wandering ascetics to create shocking visuals—as if touring a zoo—but repeated false stereotypes about caste, karma and reincarnation that Hindus have been combating tirelessly. CNN promotional materials and trailers that included a scene showing a group of Hindus under a caption “CANNIBALS,” perpetuated bizarre and ugly impressions of Hindus and their religion.
10/ for people of different religions. It is my sincere hope that CNN and Aslan will engage with the Hindu community moving forward
— Tulsi Gabbard (@TulsiGabbard) March 7, 2017
Tulsi Gabbard further added that:
CNN knows well that sensational, even false reporting about religions only fosters ignorance that can lead to terrible consequences. Indeed, Hindus are still reeling after witnessing terrible hate crimes in the last few weeks. Our nation celebrates religious pluralism and diversity. CNN must do more to foster greater respect for people of different religions. It is my sincere hope that CNN and Aslan will engage with the Hindu community moving forward / to resolve the pain and outrage that the “Believer” episode on Hinduism has engendered in the community.
In the USA as in other parts of the world including New Zealand Indians, especially Hindus, have been under serious racist attacks hence, Tulsi Gabbard is right that this would harm the image of the Hindu community and make it vulnerable.
This is the footage of a racist attack on an Indian man in the otherwise peaceful New Zealand:
Tulsi Gabbard is right, but who cares?
Currentriggers.com was one of the first to report that Hinduphobia has reached a whole new level with series of systematic Hindu persecution happening across the world and the lack of outrage over it. However, it is sad that very little has been done to raise voice for the Hindus as has quickly happened in the cases persecution of Christians or the Muslims!
Tulsi Gabbard herself was profusely abused for her Hindu beliefs while an Indian man lost his life in the USA recently. In such times, such sensational portrayal of Hinduism is bound to earn the ire of the Hindu community, yet does the CNN really care?
