Why Racism Against Northeast Indians Still Continues

It is very disheartening not to be considered part of the society you belong to. Growing up, I was treated differently. I often encountered racist questions, such as “Are you Chinese or Japanese?” or sometimes the classic, “Are you even Indian?” All this is because I look different from the majority of Indians. People often refuse to sit with me and sometimes act like I’m some exotic species. From the beginning of my school life till now, I have come across absurd questions, which sadly include “Do Chinese people eat bats?” I am not Chinese, nor am I a Northeast Indian, but I can understand the struggles. Now I think mainland Indians love to play Q/A, “Guess your nationality,” which is more like harassment. Racism against Northeast Indians is so common that they are treated like an afterthought.

Most of the Indians don’t even know the names of the 7 sisters, or simply struggle or fail to accept the diversity of this nation. Yet, they never fail to rub in the achievements of Northeast Indian athletes or entertainers.

But the ground reality seems to be that they fail to recognize those who are different from them. This is why violence and racism against people from Northeast India are persistent, from ethnic conflicts to everyday racial abuse. Even the media and people in general barely talk about Manipur, 24-year-old student Anjel Chakma, and many others. But the question is, why is that? Is it the system, a lack of representation, or did we fail to educate children enough about diversity in this country, or are we unaware ourselves?

The Painful Reality of Racism Against Northeast Indians

The “Foreigner” Problem

Many Northeast Indians face racism and hate in their own country because many people still think “different” means “foreign.” People from states like Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh often hear comments like, “You don’t look Indian,” “Are you from China?” or “Do you even know Hindi?” Even if some people say these things as jokes, hearing them again and again can feel insulting and isolating. 

I remember when I was sitting in an examination in the 9th standard, I was seated next to a senior (in my school, during examinations, you’re paired with a senior who is one or two classes ahead of you); he slightly poked his friend with the pen and said, “Look, a Chinese girl,” while literally pointing at me. Please open your textbook and read.

Why People Think “Different” Means “Foreign”

Psychologically, people often divide others into “us” and “them.” When someone looks or speaks differently from what society deems “normal,” they are treated as outsiders. This is why racism against Northeast Indians exists. Questions like “Are you even Indian?” or calling you Chinese or chinky have become a way of deciding who belongs and who does not.

Lack of Cultural Awareness

One major reason behind this racism against Northeast Indians is a lack of awareness. Many Indians are not properly taught about North East India, its cultures, languages, traditions, and people. Because of this, people grow up with stereotypes instead of understanding. For example, many assume all Northeast Indians look and are the same, even though the region is extremely diverse with different tribes, cultures, foods, and languages.

Appearance also plays a big role. Since many Northeast Indians look different from the “mainstream Indian” image shown in the media, people wrongly treat them like outsiders. During COVID-19, many Northeast people were even called “Corona” or blamed for the virus because of how they looked. The violence against them significantly rose during that period.

Food and culture are also mocked. Traditional Northeast dishes are often called “weird” or “smelly” by others. Some students living in cities like Delhi or Bangalore have faced complaints from neighbors just for cooking their traditional food. The movie Axone showed this reality very clearly: a group of friends faced harassment simply for preparing a Northeastern dish in their apartment building.

Language and accents become another reason for discrimination. Some people laugh at Northeast accents or assume they are less educated just because they speak Hindi differently. In colleges and workplaces, this can make people feel excluded or judged unfairly.

People are usually more comfortable with what they see often. Because Northeast Indians are rarely represented properly in textbooks, movies, or advertisements, many people grow up seeing them as “unfamiliar,” which slowly creates bias and stereotypes. 

Mainstream Media Representation

Bollywood and the media have also failed to represent North East Indians properly. They are either ignored completely or shown as stereotypes and side characters. Because of this lack of representation, many Indians never truly learn about North East communities and continue believing harmful stereotypes. This is very similar to how Nepalis were portrayed in cinema as servants.

When the media only shows Northeast Indians as side characters or ignores them completely, people stop seeing them as part of everyday Indian society. This lack of normal representation makes it easier for stereotypes and racism to grow. 

The Reality Nobody Talks About

This racism may sometimes look “small,” like jokes, staring, or rude comments, but over time, it seriously affects confidence, mental health, and the feeling of belonging. Some people even struggle to find rented houses, make friends, or feel safe in public spaces. Over time, this racial discrimination is presented as jokes embedded in people and also becomes a representation of a certain community.

This can be understood by the poor representation globally being poor, and due to which Indians are unwelcome in other countries. Constant staring, mocking, and exclusion can slowly affect confidence, trust, and mental health. Over time, some Northeast Indians may even hide parts of their identity just to avoid judgment or harassment.

Things can improve only when people start respecting diversity instead of fearing it. India is made up of many cultures, languages, foods, and appearances. Northeast Indians are just as Indian as anyone else, and treating them like outsiders only shows how much society still needs to learn.

How Can India Reduce Racism Against Northeast Indians?

Better Education About North East India

Many schools do not adequately teach students about Northeast India, its history, cultures, languages, and traditions. Because of this, many children grow up knowing very little about the region. Schools can include lessons on Northeast festivals, food, clothing, and daily life to help students understand that India is diverse in many ways. Even interacting with them and learning about the culture can help students become more respectful and open-minded.

Better Representation in Movies and Media

Movies, advertisements, and TV shows rarely represent Northeast Indians properly. When they do appear, they are often stereotyped or treated as side characters. The media should show more Northeast actors, creators, journalists, and influencers in normal roles. Seeing Northeast cultures, fashion, music, and families in mainstream media can help people become more familiar with them instead of treating them as “foreign.”

Stop Treating Racist Jokes As “Funny”

Many people joke about North East accents, eye shapes, or food, and call it “harmless fun.” But repeated jokes slowly normalize racism. This is not just a joke; this is exclusion and racism against Northeast Indians people. A simple response like “That’s not okay” or “Don’t mock someone’s culture” can make a big difference. Speaking up helps people realize that racism should not be accepted as humor.

Listen To Northeast Voices

Instead of assuming what Northeast Indians feel, people should listen to their real experiences. Many have spoken about facing discrimination in colleges, workplaces, and public spaces. Supporting Northeast creators, artists, writers, restaurants, and filmmakers is also a way to respect and appreciate their culture rather than ignore it.

Explore the Culture With Respect

People should try to learn about Northeast cultures instead of mocking them. Trying traditional food, attending festivals, reading books by North East authors, or watching Northeast Indian movies like Axone can help break stereotypes and foster understanding. Curiosity is good when it comes with respect, not judgment.

Respect Diversity Instead of Fearing It

India is known for its diversity, with different languages, appearances, clothes, and traditions across the country. Northeast Indians should never have to prove they are “Indian enough.” Respecting differences instead of fearing them is the only way society can truly become more united and inclusive.

Real Change Comes Through Everyday Interaction

Psychologists believe prejudice reduces when people from different backgrounds interact regularly as equals. Real friendships, conversations, and representation help break stereotypes more effectively than social media debates or token support.

“Indian Enough?”

It’s hurtful when you’re treated like an outsider in your own country, leaving a lasting wound. The racism against Northeast Indians shows how ignorance can easily turn into exclusion, and how quickly difference can be mistaken for foreignness. Rather than mocking the diversity, learning to understand and respect it will change this exclusion. This problem will keep repeating itself in schools, workplaces, public spaces, and the media. True unity will only come when every Indian, including those from the Northeast, is seen, heard, and accepted as fully Indian without question.

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