Navigating Identity, Mental Health, and Loyalty
I am an Indian immigrant to the United States of America. I arrived in the nineties and enlisted in the U.S. Army. I faced the harsh realities of adjusting to a foreign country and getting used to a new culture, new people, new friends, and, dare I say, new enemies. I was hand-picked by senior Army leaders to fight in Afghanistan and Iraq after the tragic events of September 2001. I saw the brutality of war and the toll it takes on those soldiers like me who were "lucky" enough to survive. Now coping with complex PTSD, I have become a devoted Hindu enlightened by studying the Advaita Vedanta philosophy. I dedicate my life to assisting fellow veterans in their struggles with mental health as a rationale that puts context and meaning behind my survival in circumstances where so many others did not.
As we examine my unique story as an Indian immigrant who has interwoven his life with the United States, I hope the reader gains insight into the complex interplay of identity, mental health, and loyalty. For Indian-American immigrants, the right to vote embodies more than a civic duty; it represents their integration into this diverse and democratic nation. However, they must navigate unique challenges when casting their ballots, including reconciling dual identities and understanding the implications of their decisions on both their adoptive and ancestral homes. Maintaining cultural roots while embracing American values often requires an emotional balancing act. When voting, the burden of their dual identities may loom large, causing emotional distress for some. Mental health concerns arising from loyalty and identity struggles can be particularly acute for Indian-American immigrants.
A more insidious aspect emerges when individuals, despite willingly embracing citizenship in another country, continue to serve the interests of their native nation, potentially betraying their new homeland in the process. This treacherous path can exacerbate existing mental health challenges, intensifying feelings of guilt, shame, and anxiety. To address these complex mental health issues, Indian-American immigrants must seek community support, engage in open dialogue, and foster a strong sense of self to include their immigrant identity. They can move forward with greater clarity and resilience by acknowledging and confronting these concerns.
Voting in the best interest of the United States is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly by anyone - whether Hyphenated-American or White. Indian American immigrants must prioritize America, recognizing that their decisions shape the future of their chosen country as their new and better home. To make informed and rational choices, they must immerse themselves in the political landscape, educate themselves on relevant issues, and consider the long-term implications of their votes. Take, for example, the recent push to insert caste legislation issues into U.S. politics. While a few Indian American individuals attempt to introduce caste into American discourse, it is crucial to recognize the incompatibility of these issues with the fundamental principles of American democracy. It is essential to emphasize that the caste system does not exist in the United States and that the selfish interests of a few are promoting this new form of discrimination as a new tool for themselves to make money, which in turn, provides those in power with the gift of a minority-legitimized justification to exhibit bigoted and racist tendencies against all brown immigrants, particularly those from India, or who even resemble those from India. The United States is built on the ideals of equality, justice, and the pursuit of happiness, as enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. These founding principles starkly contrast with the caste system, a false premise that, even if one considers it accurate for a moment, claims to be based on a predetermined social hierarchy - such a hierarchy does not exist in the United States among immigrants. Indian American voters must remain vigilant in ensuring that the divisive politics of their homeland do not infiltrate the United States. By promoting a system that has no basis in American society, these individuals risk creating unnecessary tension and fostering discrimination based on unfounded assumptions. This type of legislation can have far-reaching consequences. It could encourage those in power to target all brown immigrants, particularly those from India and those working in high-tech fields, under the guise of addressing caste-based inequalities. The area of technology significantly contributes to the American economy. It has been a driving force behind innovation and job creation. Indian immigrants and Indian Americans have played an essential role in this sector, contributing immensely to the growth and development of numerous tech companies. Introducing caste-based legislation increases the risk of being unfairly targeted and subjected to discrimination. This could hamper the ability to contribute effectively to the industry and ultimately undermine the strength of the American economy. There is a saying in Hindi for just such a situation "आ बैल, मुझे मार!" loosely translated, it means "Come, bull, impale me!" Lastly, those advocating for caste-based legislation in the United States pursue their selfish interests, often at the expense of harmony and unity within the broader community. Indian American voters must be vigilant and ensure that the divisive politics of their homeland do not seep into the United States. By remaining informed and engaged, they can help prevent the spread of misguided and harmful ideologies that only drive a wedge between different communities. The focus should be on fostering unity and celebrating the rich diversity that defines the American experience rather than promoting unnecessary division based on a system that has no place in American society.
My story of an Indian immigrant who served in the U.S. Army and now dedicates his life to assisting fellow veterans exemplifies the complex interplay of identity, mental health, and loyalty many Indian-American voters face. The push to import caste legislation issues into U.S. politics stands as a misguided effort that not only undermines the core principles of American democracy but also threatens to legitimize discrimination against brown immigrants. It is incumbent upon Indian American voters like me to remain vigilant, informed, and engaged to prevent the infiltration of divisive politics from their homeland. By fostering a sense of unity, embracing diversity, and rejecting discrimination in all forms, the Indian-American community can build a more inclusive and just society that upholds the values that bind us as a nation. If nothing else, I hope the reader can draw motivation from my dedication and loyalty to my adopted country, my new home, the United States of America.
