Listen to a reading of Aneesa & Priyah’s story.
What happened?
Aneesa’s friend Priyah has been having a tough time lately. Aneesa wants to help her friend but isn’t sure what to do. Today, Priyah opened up to her about receiving online hate after she posted a YouTube video talking about religious and cultural traditions at Hindu weddings.
Priyah loves posting social media content about her and Aneesa’s religion and culture. They both feel like it connects them to their families and histories. Last week, Priyah posted a YouTube video as a “get ready with me” for her cousin’s wedding. It was her first time wearing a sari to a special event, as she had just turned sixteen.
Priyah was excited about her video and posted it on YouTube after showing it to Aneesa, beaming with pride. After a couple of days, though, Aneesa found the video deleted from her friend’s profile, and texted her to check in.
She learned that Priyah had taken the video down after a group of classmates and even strangers left rude comments mocking her religion and culture and targeting Priyah’s appearance. There were taunts about Priyah not being thin enough to wear a sari or others pointing out her thick eyebrows.
Aneesa and Priyah were both familiar with the stereotypes and the aspects of their bodies that people liked to make fun of, but the comments soon spread to other places online too. She shared photos on Instagram of her and her family at her cousin’s wedding, where classmates called their saris and hennas cringey and embarrassing. Some other followers Priyah didn’t know well left other harmful comments and sent her racist messages.
Overwhelmed with how quickly hate seemed to be spreading, Priyah turned to Aneesa.
What did she do?
“I don’t want to stop posting about what I love, but I also don’t want to deal with these ignorant and rude people,” Priyah said to her friend. They were sitting in Aneesa’s room after school.
“That’s completely understandable,” Aneesa answered. She wanted to validate her friend’s feelings after hearing her explain everything that’s been happening.
“It’s so much easier for people to be mean online,” Priyah said. “Why does anyone want to spread negativity about something they aren’t a part of?”
“You’re right,” Aneesa agreed. “I’m so sorry you’ve had to go through this.”
“Thanks,” Priyah replied, nodding. She wrapped her arms around a pink pillow on Aneesa’s bed.
“How do you feel now?” Aneesa asked gently.
“Honestly, I’m angry,” Priyah answered. “I shouldn’t feel embarrassed for sharing who I am online.”
“Of course not.” She let her friend continue.
“I guess I’m sad too. I post about Hinduism and Indian culture because I care about it a lot.” Priyah glanced at Aneesa, who was nodding and listening intently. “It’s really disheartening that people can be so mean towards something so important to me.”
“I’m really sorry,” Aneesa repeated. “It’s frustrating and sad to not feel comfortable being who you are. Everyone wants to be accepted.”
Yeah, thanks,” Priyah said. “I’m not sure what to do now, though.”
“You still like posting to social media, right?” Aneesa asked, and Priyah nodded. “There are enjoyable parts of YouTube and Instagram. I know my little sister really likes your videos.”
Priyah smiled. “Yeah, my sister likes them too.”
“Even my mom watches your videos!” Aneesa rolled her eyes, but both the girls laughed. “You shouldn’t stop making content you enjoy, but maybe making your account private would be for the best. I can help you block and report the people who left those hateful comments, too.”
“Thanks, Aneesa,” Priyah said gratefully.
“Thanks for telling me about this. I’m always here for you.”
Both the girls worked together to report and block the hateful accounts on YouTube and Instagram.
“Hey, maybe you could make another private account for all the extra stuff you like to post,” Aneesa suggested. “You can share more about Indian culture there with family and friends you know will be supportive.”
“That’s a good idea,” Priyah said, smiling.
They spent the rest of the evening in Aneesa’s room, creating a new Instagram account for Priyah, doing homework, and scrolling social media. They even found a great Discord group dedicated to Indian cultural content and explored educational and inspirational videos from Indian creators on TikTok too. They both appreciated finding an online space to connect with others like them and celebrate their culture with pride. When it finally came time for Priyah to head home, the girls shared a thoughtful hug.
“I’m proud of you,” Aneesa told her friend.
Later that night, Aneesa felt glad she was there for her friend and encouraged her. She decided she would recruit some of her and Priyah’s other friends to send Priyah lots of supportive comments on her future posts. Aneesa wanted Priyah to know that her voice mattered as long as she had the courage to be who she was.
Written by Lauren Myers
Want to try the skills Aneesa and Priyah used?
Organizing Against Anti-Asian Hate
Want help now? There are free and confidential hotlines available 24/7. Call/text the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.