Vivek Ramaswamy, race and American politics

Vivek Ramswamy’s decision to conclude his 2024 election campaign after the Iowa primary this week marked the end of a political journey characterised by challenges and controversial stances. Having entered the race with limited name recognition, Ramaswamy aligned himself with Donald Trump’s MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement, a strategy aimed at tapping into a particular political base.

However, as his campaign unfolded, Ramaswamy garnered attention for taking positions that raised eyebrows and stirred debate. One notable proposal was his suggestion to end birthright citizenship for Americans, conditioning it on the successful completion of the US Citizenship test. This policy drew criticism for its potential implications and feasibility.

Furthermore, Ramaswamy advocated the abolition of key US agencies, including the FBI and IRS — a stance that diverged significantly from mainstream political perspectives. Such proposals invited scrutiny and skepticism about their practicality and the potential consequences for the functioning of the government.

On climate change, Ramswamy made statements that were perceived as absurd by some observers. He said, for example, that “the climate change agenda is a hoax”. This contributed to concerns about his understanding of complex environmental issues and raised questions about the scientific basis of his positions.

Ramaswamy’s inexperience in international affairs became evident as he made controversial remarks about various countries. His proposal to end aid to Ukraine and preposterous statements regarding China and Israel indicated a lack of nuanced understanding of global dynamics. Additionally, his positions on Russia were viewed as dubious, further highlighting the need for a more comprehensive and informed approach to international relations.

Vivek Ramaswamy’s decision to end his campaign this week encapsulates a journey he marked by attempts to gain recognition, alignment with a specific political movement, and controversial policy proposals that brought attention but also raised concerns about his preparedness for the complexities of both domestic and international issues.

However, amidst the challenges and controversies surrounding Ramaswamy’s campaign, there was a notable aspect that shone through, not because of his stated policy positions but rather due to the spotlight it placed on his personal identity, faith, and cultural roots. Running for office, he inadvertently brought to the forefront the deep-seated racism that persists in some segments of the American electorate.

His campaign exposed instances of deliberate mispronunciation of his name, not only by Republicans but also by Democrats, revealing a disturbing trend of using cultural differences for mockery, with xenophobic and racist undertones. Some went to the extent of suggesting that he should “go back to his own country”. Born to Indian immigrants in the United States, Ramaswamy’s experience shed light on the challenges faced by individuals of diverse backgrounds in American politics.

Furthermore, his faith became a subject of scrutiny, with some expressing ignorance about Hinduism. This lack of awareness translated into questioning Ramaswamy’s faith, showcasing a broader issue of unfamiliarity and misconceptions about diverse religious practices. His candidacy, therefore, became a lens through which the prejudices faced by Indian Americans, particularly those of Hindu faith, were brought into stark relief.

In an era marked by increasing attacks on Hindu temples in the United States, Ramswamy attempted to normalise his faith and draw parallels between Hinduism and other religions. Despite these efforts, lingering apprehensions persist. The broader realisation is that Hindus in the US must actively address and counteract below-the-belt comments, trolling, and ignorance to ensure that future candidates do not fall victim to racism based on their cultural or religious backgrounds.

The challenges faced by Vivek Ramswamy underscore the need for a broader conversation on cultural and religious diversity in American politics. Moving forward, there is a growing responsibility for the Hindu community in the US to actively engage in dialogue, education, and advocacy to dispel misconceptions and foster an inclusive political environment.

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