Stereotypes of South Asians
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Stereotypes of South Asians are oversimplified ethnic stereotypes of South Asian people, and are found in many Western societies. Stereotypes of South Asians have been collectively internalized by societies, and are manifested by a society's media, literature, theatre and other creative expressions. However, these stereotypes have very real repercussions for South Asians in daily interactions, current events, and governmental legislation.
Some stereotypes of South Asians overlap with Stereotypes of Asians, such as the model minority stereotype and stereotypes of exclusion. However, not all stereotypes of Asians apply to South Asians, and South Asians have their own independent set of stereotypes as well.
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[edit] Model minority stereotype
South Asians as well as other Asian Americans have been stereotyped as "model minorities": hardworking, politically inactive, studious, intelligent, productive, and inoffensive people who have elevated their social standing through merit and diligence.
[edit] Stereotypes of exclusion: Hindu invasion
Both South Asians and Asian Americans were subject to stereotypes of exclusion, especially during the late 1800's and early 1900's with the advent of what Americans called the Yellow Peril and Hindu Invasion. American newspaper headlines illustrating stereotypes of exclusion towards South Asians include: "The Tide of Turbans" (Forum, 1910) and "The Perils of Immigration Impose on Congress a New Issue: the Hindoo Invasion - a new peril" (Current Opinion, 1914).
[edit] Confusion with Arabs
- See also: Stereotypes of Arabs and Muslims and Anti-Arabism
In light of this confusion, Hollywood would have few scruples in frequently casting Indians as Arabs. This phenomenon can be seen currently with South Indian British actor Naveen Andrews portraying the Iraqi, Sayid Jarrah in the television series Lost.
