In the Northwest Territories, two advocates for the South Asian community expressed their lack of surprise over a recent music video that triggered racist backlash. Despite the video being removed, it depicted individuals driving cars in Yellowknife, brandishing what seemed to be firearms while lip-syncing to a Punjabi rap track.
The online reaction following the video’s circulation included a wave of racist and threatening comments aimed at South Asians residing in the city. Community members interviewed by CBC labeled the video as entirely inappropriate and a source of embarrassment for their community, denouncing the ensuing racist backlash.
Authorities, specifically the RCMP, have initiated an investigation into potential unlawful firearms activity related to the video. Silal Shafqat, the president of the Association of South Asians in Yellowknife, highlighted that such videos are rooted in Punjabi culture but deemed it inappropriate given the rise in gang violence and drug issues in N.W.T. communities. Shafqat emphasized the importance of respecting Indigenous laws, culture, and values as guests on Indigenous land.
Sukham Dhindsa, a Yellowknife-based lawyer with roots in Punjab, India, viewed the video as a lighthearted and fun creation. She attributed the subsequent racism to a manifestation of broader societal frustrations, noting that South Asian individuals often become scapegoats for various challenges faced by society.
Dhindsa stressed the significance of mutual cultural appreciation and learning, highlighting food and music as avenues for cultural exchange. She emphasized the diversity within society, stating that culture flows bidirectionally and that society is not homogenous.
The video creator, in a phone conversation with CBC, mentioned the need for legal advice before discussing the video’s production and reception. Yellowknife RCMP, in a news release, acknowledged the filmmaker’s cooperation in the investigation, emphasizing that any perceived threats or acts of violence will not be tolerated.
MLA Kieron Testart, representing Yellowknife’s Range Lake riding, acknowledged the controversy surrounding the video as an opportunity to address public safety and racism issues in N.W.T. communities. He urged against responding with hatred and emphasized the need for a mature and rational dialogue to confront sensitive community issues.
Testart apologized for a social media post that unintentionally caused harm to the South Asian community, clarifying that his intention was to condemn criminal gangs from southern Canada. He expressed zero tolerance for gangs and gang culture in the community, urging for a constructive approach in discussing the video and its implications.
The MLA underscored the necessity for the community to address such issues collectively, warning that failure to do so could exacerbate the situation.