Over the past few years, a disturbing trend has emerged in Tamil Nadu’s online space. Several YouTube channels have been spewing hate against migrant workers in the state, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and fueling bigotry. The content on these channels is often filled with misinformation, propaganda, and vitriol aimed at dehumanising and denigrating migrant workers. Through this article, we will take a closer look at the disturbing trend of YouTube channels spewing hate against migrant workers in Tamil Nadu.
Migrant workers from north India have been an integral part of Tamil Nadu’s economy and society for decades, contributing to various sectors such as textiles, construction, manufacturing, and services. They have also enriched the cultural diversity and harmony of the state with their languages, cuisines, and traditions. However, some YouTube channels have been spreading false and hateful narratives about migrant workers, calling them ‘invaders’, ‘parasites’, and ‘criminals’ who are ‘taking away jobs and resources from Tamils’.
The DMK, Seeman’s Naam Tamilar Katchu and other Dravidian Stockist fringe outfits have been elemental in fearmongering and peddling hate against migrant workers which has come to haunt them today. Given below are links to the articles in this regard.
1. Here Are Some More Instances Of DMK Leaders Peddling Hate Against North Indians
2. How Dravidian Stockists And Tamil Chauvinists Are Peddling Hate Against ‘North Indians’
3. ‘Tamils vs Vadakkans’: How Hate Is Being Peddled Against North Indian Migrant Labourers
Fuelling hate against migrant workers from states like Bihar, Odisha, and UP seems to be something that has become a job that YouTube channels like Jeeva Today, U2 Brutus, RedPix, Nakkheeran, etc have taken on.
The penetration of these channels into a common man’s life is unquestionable and hence to fight the competition and win the war of views, channels are resorting to such lowly tactics of spreading fake news. Let us look at a few of the videos on the platform.
IndiaGlitz (6.45 Million Subscribers)
This is a short video where the interviewer asks the labourers and the owners of the companies they are working at some simple questions, they do not stop at just asking, they also make sly remarks about Pan Parag which the naive workers reply to unsuspectingly.
Zhagaram Voice (2.84 Lakhs Subscribers)
Parisaalan in this video blames the influx of migrants into TN as the reason for the change in the food habits of Tamilians. Eating Pani Puri he says is unhealthy and not good for the body. Pori kadalai, which he says is the traditional food of TN and that it was being replaced by Pani Puri.
Parisaalan, who is known for peddling baseless conspiracy theories, claimed that migrant workers in Tamil Nadu are bringing with them a “deep-seated anger and hatred towards Muslims”. In the video, he suggests that this stems from North Indian history with Islamic invasions and the subsequent oppression of lower caste workers by upper caste North Indians. Parisaalan warns that the migrant worker population is an “angry” crowd that would support “Aryans” and Brahmins and could potentially change the politics of the state. He goes on to compare migrant workers with what he calls an “invasive species”, suggesting that they will take over local resources and establish their own colonies.
Slam Book Tamil (1.09 Lakh Subscribers)
This YouTuber accuses “North Indian” migrant workers of increasing in number by the day and tries to inflict the fear that eventually they will take over the Tamil Nadu government. This seems to be an echo of the views of politician Seeman. He justifies the lack of interest in labour jobs by Tamilian youth because they are now highly educated and would not be interested in doing menial jobs. The YouTuber questions the sudden influx of migrant workers in recent years as opposed to previous decades and believes these migrant workers should ideally learn the local language and know their place in Tamil society. He repeatedly refers to the migrants as “vadakkans” and claims they only come to Tamil Nadu because they receive boarding and lodging as part of their job.
In this article by Nakkheeran which is a page full of misinformation, the yellow journal spreads lies and spews venom on the unsuspecting migrant.
This article and video by Nakkheeran supposedly investigate the influx of migrant workers and feature an interview with a migrant who apparently came to Tamil Nadu as a labourer 8 years ago and now runs a shop in Madurai. However, the video also misinforms viewers about the e-SHRAM card, claiming that all cardholders can get a ration card and voter ID when in reality it is a centralised database that provides social security benefits to workers in the unorganised sector. The e-SHRAM scheme was launched in 2021 by the Modi government after the pandemic saw many migrants walk back home. Since then, there have been 28.6 crore sign-ups.
The video also falsely claims that TNPSC allows candidates from other states to get jobs in Tamil Nadu public service.
The intention of this video is clear and that is to spread misinformation and hatred against migrant workers. The article also mentions Uttar Bharat Bhavan as a haven for migrant workers. It seems the journal is ill-informed that it is supposed to serve as a hub for people from North India and it is much similar to Tamil Nadu House or Puducherry House in New Delhi for the people from the respective places.
Jeeva Today (4.81 Lakh Subscribers)
Jeeva Today bases this video on the Nakkheeran article and furthers the agenda of the journal. He calls Uttar Bharat Bhavan an “embassy” for north Indians in Tamil Nadu. The Youtuber claims that the e-SHRAM card is only for North Indians and that it is a form of protection for them. The video urges Tamilians to wake up from hibernation and stop the supposed takeover. The creator also claims that North Indians are taking over Tamil Nadu’s businesses, land, and livelihoods and that they will eventually start ruling the state. The video spreads hatred towards North Indians and promotes Tamil nationalism, identity, and language. It warns of the danger posed to lower communities and asks why North Indians are taking away Tamilian jobs. The claims made in the video are untrue and contribute to xenophobia toward migrant workers.
There are several such instances of this channel peddling hate against north Indian migrant workers.
This is how these impotent bastards have been spreading hatred and now it is been taken to the next level.
pic.twitter.com/pCwmsm5nH1— Vishwatma 🇮🇳 (@HLKodo) February 16, 2023
In the above video of YouTube channel Liberty Tamil, Jeeva Sagapthan peddles that economic and cultural exploitation along with erasure of identity is happening in Tamil Nadu. “In Tamil Nadu, population of north Indians are going to go up. If there are more north Indians, national parties will have more influence and influence of Dravidian parties will go down.” He says that if north Indians begin to vote, parties like DMK, AIADMK, PMK, VCK will disappear.
“Today’s Biharis and Uttar Pradesh people know only BJP. So, electorally this will benefit only national parties.”, he says adding that anti-Tamil schemes will be imposed on Tamil Nadu.
“What will happen to Tamils? This is really scary and dangerous. Please think about it. Don’t stop at just seeing the video. Please share it with your mother, father, elder sister, younger sister, and everyone. Do you know that our job opportunities have been lost? In Central Government, only non-Tamil are more in number. They’ve already signed such laws. In Central government institutions like ICF, Trichy Goldenrock Workshop, everywhere there are north Indians. Even in Post Office there are north Indians, from postman to higher officials. North Indian who don’t have quarter of the brains as Tamils will be sitting there. Tamils will be standing beside them with folded hands. So, we’re losing everything!”, Jeeva Sagapthan fear mongers.
In all his videos against north Indians, he carries clickbaity and provocative thumbnails.
இந்த ஜீவா டுடேவில் மட்டுமே இவ்வளவு வெறுப்பை உற்பத்தி செய்யும் தலைப்புகள்… pic.twitter.com/4at0B3oTX9
— SundarRajaCholan☀சுந்தர்ராஜசோழன்☀ (@sundarrajachola) March 4, 2023
U2 Brutus (3.81 Lakh Subscribers)
U2 Brutus, a Tamil YouTube channel run by followers of EV Ramasamy Naicker is well-known for its video content disparaging the Hindu faith. The channel run by one ‘Minor’ Vijay is a vociferous supporter of the DMK.
He had released a video titled “Shall we chase away Vadakkans?”. Vadakkan is a slur for north Indians.
This video seems to be hell-bent on mocking the IQ level of North Indians and belittling their livelihoods in their home states. The video suggests that migrant workers come to Tamil Nadu to work in menial jobs like cleaning tables and washing vessels for lower wages than locals. The creators of the video use the term “vadakkan” frequently and compare the migration of North Indians to foreign countries for work with their arrival in Tamil Nadu. The video also accuses them of engaging in criminal activities like theft.
Aramental (62.5 Thousand Subscribers)
Aramental, a YouTube channel, is seen to be creating videos mocking “sanghis” and “vadakkans”. The channel uses the song “Ooru vittu ooru vandhu” from the movie Karakattakaran to poke fun at the financial status and lifestyle of North Indians in their hometowns. The creator of the channel justifies the idea that Tamilians study and hence look for better jobs and claims that menial jobs are best suited for North Indians. Furthermore, the channel suggests that the North Indians are leaving in droves from Tamil Nadu (as seen in news reports) not due to violence but to celebrate Holi.
Saattai (8.04 Lakh Subscribers)
Saattai Duraimurgan claims that people from the north are entering the state in the guise of workers and indulging in criminal activities such as ATM theft, chain snatching, and peddling ganja as indicated by politician Seeman. He goes on to talk about north Indians preferring to travel without tickets – as if no one in Tamil Nadu travels without a ticket on trains. One man who boarded a train without a ticket went on to rule a state. In another video of Saatai Duraimurugan, he claims that the north Indians work for 100-200 rupees and then will sell ganja at night to live a luxurious life.
In a video, a panipuri seller is shown bringing in his family and friends to sell different food items outside a Tamilian’s house. Months later, the entire street becomes “Vadakkan Theru” and the Tamilian retaliates. The panipuri seller then asks his associate to take out the “naatu thuppaki” implying that people from the north are violent and believe in using guns. The video then compares Tamilian and north Indian labourers, showing the migrant workers as hardworking but lacking in basic hygiene and nutrition. The north Indian worker is portrayed as Hindu with a tilak on his forehead but is shown to have multiple wives. Another segment shows that north Indians only communicate in Hindi and expect Tamilians to speak the language. Most (if not all) migrant workers learn the local language pretty swiftly and speak to near perfection over time. The final segment claims that north Indians are here for a political takeover of local bodies after establishing their businesses.
Parithabangal (4.53 Million Subscribers)
Recently a popular YouTube channel named Parithabangal, led by Gopi and Sudhakar, released a video attempting to portray North Indians in a negative light through their jokes and videos.
There are also influential individuals who are often platformed by some of the prominent Tamil YouTube channels like IndiaGlitz, Red Pix, Behindwoods, Nakkheeran, etc. These individuals stereotype migrant labourers as vadakkans and fearmonger.
Idumbavanam Karthik, a Naam Tamilar cadre, has been spreading hatred against North Indians by uploading random videos from crowded places, such as markets or railway stations, and claiming that North Indians are flooding into Tamil Nadu in large numbers, which has no veracity.
ஆவடியில் அணி அணியாய் வந்து இறங்கிய வடநாட்டவர்கள்! pic.twitter.com/3vORWr4URj
— இடும்பாவனம் கார்த்திக் (@idumbaikarthi) January 20, 2023
In a video, Idumbavanam Karthik has referred to the arrival of migrant workers as an “invasion” and accused them of taking over TNPSC jobs, businesses, and the entire region. He further claimed that businesses are importing northern labourers rather than utilising existing workers. Karthik accused the migrants of causing a demographic shift that will alter voting patterns, citing the example of how the Marwadis control Sowcarpet. He also accused the migrant workers of theft and chain snatching and compared their arrival to the Sinhalese takeover of Sri Lanka, which led to the Tamil genocide. Karthik wants the government to monitor the migrants’, get their identity papers and control their entry to prevent further issues. He warned that the influx of migrants could lead to violence against Tamilians.
In this video with Aadhan Tamil, Paarisalan repeatedly refers to them as an invasive species (see video above), and said they were the most indecent and uncivilised lot citing their tendency to travel in unreserved compartments and sit all over the train. He also compares the potential consequences of uncontrolled immigration to the Sri Lankan Tamil genocide. Paarisalan accuses migrant workers of having low IQs and lacking self-esteem, accepting violence and abuse without retaliating. He also alleges that they are ganja addicts and take a lion’s share of resources meant for the residents of the state. He claims that the influx of workers is hindering Tamil Nadu’s economic growth and suggests that they should work in other states in their region instead. Paarisalan further accuses Marwaris of taking control of all kinds of businesses in the state and claims the supremacy of the Tamil race over the Greeks and other invaders. His views have sparked controversy and raised concerns over the portrayal of migrant workers and the potential consequences of xenophobic rhetoric.
This man is the leader of Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi, an ally of the ruling DMK and is an elected MLA from Panruti. This leader of a rabid Tamil chauvinist party is known for peddling hate against north Indians in every stage he speaks. He had even stuck xenophobic poster asking north Indian migrant workers to leave the state.
வெறுப்பு பிரச்சாரங்களை செய்து விட்டு, உடனே எதையாவது சொல்லி சமாளிப்பதற்கு, வெறுப்பு பிரச்சாரம் செய்யாமலே இருக்கலாமே. pic.twitter.com/WQwN8mgrAE
— Krishna Kumar Murugan (@ikkmurugan) March 7, 2023
In an interview with RedPix 24×7, self-proclaimed activist Thirumurugan Gandhi and a rabid xenophobic Tamil chauvinist, alleged that the BJP was facilitating the influx of migrant workers from north India to Tamil Nadu with an eye on creating a future vote bank. He claimed that various sectors of the state’s economy and society, such as cinema, real estate, construction, electronics, automobile, gold, and textile industries, were dominated by north Indians, especially Marwaris. Gandhi accuses the Marwaris of not permitting anyone from outside their community to purchase property in the localities of their residence, blaming it on a 2-tier “problem” where there are business owners on one level and workers on the other. He questions their priorities and says that when the state (himself) was protesting for Cauvery water, these communities were enjoying the IPL match and questioned whether they would voice out for the Eelam issue ever. He also accuses the north Indians of investing a lot in the state to bring in their own labour force from the states.
Gandhi has argued that the labour workforce in Tamil Nadu is talented and should be given priority over non-local labourers. He has called for a minimum number of local workers to be hired and accused North Indian business owners of being exploitative. He has also accused Marwaris of wanting to control Tamil Nadu politics and of sponsoring festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi but turning a blind eye to Jallikattu. Finally, he argued that migrant workers are forcing Hindi on Tamilians and blankets all “north Indians” as those who will vote for BJP.
All the above instances amount to just tip of the iceberg. There are many more such channels which continue to spew venom every single day in the name of entertainment and to garner likes and views.
These videos are just examples of how these channels spread hate. These YouTubers have been at it for quite some time. Should we allow these channels to operate and spread such misinformation and cause possible unrest in society? Is it not time that as viewers we boycott these channels, report them, and take up the cause with the administration to take action against them?
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