Lost in Conflation: Calling in Indian Hindu Americans to talk about Black Lives Matter

Vishnu as Vaikuntha-natha seated on the coils of the serpent Sesha between his two shaktis, Shri and Bhumi Devi; a third, Nila Devi, supports his right foot. From a series of 100 drawings of Hindu deities created in South India. (Trichinopoly, ca. 1825)

As I write, sirens are wailing down the street. For the past two months, ambulances have been transporting COVID patients to nearby hospitals. Now they are joined by police cars who are rushing towards protests. I am weary from the infinite loops of emotions this year has extracted. We are all drained from the normalcy of vigilance. I keep…