Mubasshira Khalid, the coordinator of Ethnoculture Services (left) with Divine Nwaokocha, the marketing exec of the service
South Asians are prevalent on Western’s campus but their culture and history are rarely highlighted or talked about. In efforts to change that, Ethnocultural services at Western hosted a South Asian History event that showcased pioneers of the history and culture along with important events.
The event was at the University Community Centre where students could stop by to grab some food or watch some dance performances while also learning about South Asian history. It was also an introduction to the ethnocultural services at Western and what they aim to do.
Mubashira Khalid, the co-ordinator of Ethnocultural services said the event showcased the history and culture of the South Asian diaspora because although people consume south Asian “dance and food, they don’t necessarily understand the history it rooted from”.
“It highlights prominent leaders, influencers, women advocates and events that paved the way for the generations today”.
In Canada, there are 13 visible minority groups, of which Brown or South Asians are considered prominent, being the second-largest visible minority group yet they are not as highlighted or spoken about, either due to ignorance or due to the community itself not speaking up about it.
“When our parents immigrated to this country, we were quick to stay within our communities because it’s a sense of comfort which didn’t give us the chance to showcase our culture and traditions,” said Khalid.
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- Korean Student Association (KSA) members performing to K-pop
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- Maheen Javaid, henna artist at the event
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- Anchal Dahiya and Shefali Panicker performing Bollywood Fusion
Due to the lack of understanding of the culture and community values of south Asians, there is a growing misunderstanding of what the people represent and the stereotypes that come out of it.
In the media, south Asians are rarely represented in a positive light but rather as taxi drivers, maid/nanny, nerdy students or corner store owners who are introverts, conservative, religious and speak with an accent.
Within the culture, people face discrimination amongst skin tonality and body image
The event was a chance for students to explore the cultural differences which allows for “cultural appreciation and celebration,” said the coordinator of Ethnocultural services.
An audience member at the event who was enthusiastic during the dance performances was a 1st year student Ashviin Jeeva who said the event, “was important because its knowledge that allows for you to be more aware of people around you” and “stereotypes like brown people taking over Brampton” is a common analogy people use to associate with south Asians.
