Archive · 17 Nov 2025
CNN Faces Backlash for Article on US Anti-India Racism Using Controversial Sources
CNN wrote a story about racism against Indian Americans in the US.
They said that some people on the political right were targeting Indian Americans.
However, the people CNN interviewed to talk about this racism were themselves accused of being anti-India and anti-Hindu.
Critics said that using these people as sources was biased and made the story unfair.
They felt CNN should have used more neutral sources to discuss the issue of racism.
CNN published an article titled 'Racists are now openly targeting Indian Americans' on November 16, 2023.
The article attributed rising anti-India racism to the political right and fringe figures.
CNN quoted Raqib Naik, Rohit Chopra, and Siddharth Venkataramakrishnan as experts on the topic.
Critics argue that these sources have a history of expressing anti-India and anti-Hindu sentiments.
The choice of sources led to controversy, with critics accusing CNN of bias and using inappropriate experts.
- Who
- CNN, Raqib Naik, Rohit Chopra, Siddharth Venkataramakrishnan
- What
- Published an article on rising anti-India racism in the US, drawing criticism for the sources used.
- When
- November 16, 2023
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To report on anti-India racism but controversially employed individuals known for anti-India and anti-Hindu views.
CNN's Article
Critics' Concerns
Sources Used
CNN's Article
CNN quoted individuals like Raqib Naik, Rohit Chopra, and Siddharth Venkataramakrishnan as experts on anti-India racism.
Critics' Concerns
Critics argue these sources are biased, having a history of anti-India and anti-Hindu rhetoric, and are thus inappropriate for an article on racism.
Framing of Racism
CNN's Article
The article attributed rising anti-India racism to the political right, fringe figures, and Donald Trump's immigration policies, noting 'Some members of the MAGA coalition are openly suggesting that only white Christians belong in America.'
Critics' Concerns
Critics suggest CNN used the article to criticize Republicans and that the framing ignores other potential causes or contexts of racism.
Nature of Criticism
CNN's Article
CNN reported on instances of Indian Americans facing abuse for wishing followers on Diwali and highlighted concerns about racism.
Critics' Concerns
Critics contend that CNN's choice of sources and focus on specific political angles detracts from a balanced report on anti-India racism.
- Publication
- CNN
- Article Title
- Racists are now openly targeting Indian Americans
- Publication Date
- November 16, 2023
- Topic
- Rising anti-India racism in the United States
- Quoted Individuals
- Raqib Naik, Rohit Chopra, Siddharth Venkataramakrishnan
- Criticism Focus
- Use of biased sources with anti-India/anti-Hindu rhetoric