ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the role of digital media in the process of cultural regrouping for the Hindu diaspora in the United States (USA). It argues that for Hindus living in the USA – particularly for those who do not live in or near a local diaspora community – the Internet plays an important role in mediating cultural and religious identity. As first-generation individuals, they straddle the Americanized/immigrant line more clearly, and thus may feel social prejudices more keenly as they negotiate their identity online and offline. As S. Bhatia’s research explores, Indian migrants are more comfortable with highlighting their cultural identity than racial identity in order to avoid the stigmas that people of color have in the USA. Disparate languages, regional practices and social divisions were among the reasons given for why Hinduism remains a difficult tradition to represent online.
