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A social media post mocking Indians and the customs of Hindu temples has sparked online backlash after a Texas woman, claiming to be running for governor, shared controversial remarks.
News18
A Texas woman, who is allegedly vying for the state’s upcoming gubernatorial election as a write-in candidate, has received criticism on social media over her recent comments that many interpreted as an insult to Indians, Hindu religious practices and immigrants in the United States.
Acting on information from the media, the woman, referred to as Kelly Smith, shared an AI-generated photo of herself in Indian clothing in front of a temple-like background. The caption read: “I decided to become Indian because they say they are American just like me. I will now call myself Priya – misspelled Priya.”
In addition, she made derogatory comments about eating hamburgers at the temple and wearing shoes inside the temple, which social media users found offensive. Screenshots of the comments were posted all over X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram.
Other posts Smith made on her account noted the growing importance of Indian-owned businesses in Texas and referenced Indian cultural events being held in public spaces. Such statements come at a time when there is much controversy in America regarding issues of immigration, political identity, and demographic changes in states such as Texas, where the numbers of Indian Americans have increased recently.
According to available information, Smith considers herself a write-in candidate for governor of Texas. In elections in Texas, write-in candidates are not automatically placed on paper ballots, but must be voted on by hand. However, it should be noted that there has been no confirmation from the media regarding her candidacy for this position.
The situation led to great anger among the Internet public, as many users expressed their indignation at these statements, describing them as outright racism. Others wondered if it was all about getting attention online.
Additionally, local political analysts have pointed out that the case shows how fringe or self-proclaimed candidates receive a great deal of attention due to the prevalence of social media despite not being officially recognized in the electoral process, demonstrating the growing relationship between social media and politics in America.
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