Lack of warmth vs subtle racism against South Asians?
Hi there,
I’ve been living in Darwin for 10 years now and, as a South Asian woman, have never had any racism directed towards me in any capacity. There are of course, periodic subtle comments made every now and then at social events, but I understand that mainly comes from not having enough knowledge about my culture.
I have been reading lately about the hate against South Asians online and have started to realise the gravitas of the whole situation. Having had no racism directed towards me, I’m trying to be more aware of what my fellow South Asians (mainly men, unfortunately) might be dealing with.
With a bit more of an aware eye, I went out in the city today. While I was at a boutique shop, this lady welcomed me a few mins later (I was the only one in the shop) and didn’t say much afterwards when I asked her how her day was going. Assuming she probably didn’t hear me, I kept browsing. I didn’t find anything and left, but stopped for a few seconds to say thank you with a smile. She didn’t respond again and I, along with my disappointment, left the store.
Next, I went to Woolies, and this lady was handing out a veggie bag to someone as she was blocking the way while smiling at him. I was next to her and wanted to grab one as well, and she smiled but didn’t say anything. I saw her 2/3 times again, but she didn’t smile back at me.
I also tried testing if I smiled at more people, how many responses I was getting back, and it wasn’t much.
I’m not sure if this classifies as subtle racism or is just a genuinely non-responsive demeanour that people have adapted over the years and whether your race or colour doesn’t affect it whatsoever.
Would love to hear more about this from first-hand experiences and understand if the lack of warmth or responses could be due to my race or if it’s really just the standard these days?