A controversial post by the Facebook page Pro Australia has ignited debate on free speech or promoting racist stereotypes about Indian Australians, particularly the Sikhs and Sri Lankan communities.
The now-viral post features an AI-generated image of four turbaned Sikh men holding an Australian Indigenous flag, accompanied by the caption: “May we please have your free money please.”
The text of the post sarcastically reads: “Kangaroo Curry, very traditional apparently. Some Indians and Sri Lankans are not slow on the uptake.”
The post quickly attracted more than 300 comments, polarising users between condemnation and defence.
One commenter wrote:
“My home town is being taken over by Raj … he’s the parcel courier, the pizza delivery person, the call centre voice, the newsagent that fronts for a ‘bong’ shop, he’s security at the front door of the local dole office …. ol’ Raj is a busy bugger.”
Another added:
“Curry munchies in Australia are now starting to identify as Aborigines … this country is now becoming a third world country.”
However, the backlash was swift and pointed.
One user countered:
“You’re wrong on this one. Indians come here & work hard. Often more than one job.
They’re not the ones crying over the cost of living like white Aussies do.
They’re working hard, getting on with it and buying homes. Aussies could learn a lot.”
In response to criticism, the page’s administrator repeatedly defended the post, insisting the use of the word “some” absolved it of generalisation:
“Perhaps you missed the ‘some’ …. ‘Some’. I have Indian friends.”
Several users attempted to educate the admin and fellow commenters, pointing out the Indian-Australian community’s significant contributions, particularly in disaster relief, aged care, and local business.
One said:
“Are you sure Sikhs are on the bandwagon? They do a lot for communities and helped feed poor people during the Queensland floods.”
Another added:
“These people fought side by side with Australians in WWII. Try saying that to a Muslim and see what you get … fair is fair, mate.”
Some tried to shift the blame to broader systemic issues, arguing that the government has failed to manage integration and economic equality:
“We’ve created a society of entitlement and disempowerment … we need a complete reset.”
Others reminded the admin that Sikh Australians, especially in towns like Woolgoolga in NSW, are deeply rooted in the nation’s multicultural fabric and are among the hardest-working and most community-focused groups.
Despite multiple calls for the post to be amended, Pro Australia continued to justify its content under “truth-telling.” The page administrator reiterated:
“There are 1 million Indians in Australia, not all are honest. I have Indian friends. Pointing out facts is very difficult at times.”
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