In the aftermath of the Iowa caucus, Vivek Ramaswamy, who dropped out of the race, extended his support to former President Donald Trump. In New Hampshire, amidst a charged atmosphere, Trump supporters chanted “VP, VP,” expressing their backing for Ramaswamy as a potential Vice Presidential candidate. Trump responded by expressing gratitude for Ramaswamy’s endorsement and hinted at a lasting collaboration.
This sparked intense speculation about Ramaswamy possibly joining the Trump ticket, with some referring to the potential partnership as the “Magaswamy” show, a blend of MAGA (Make America Great Again) and Ramaswamy.
A satirical piece on Babylon Bee, a widely known conservative parody website, added fuel to the fire by claiming that Trump had offered Ramaswamy a significant cabinet position – overseeing the White House 7-Eleven store. The piece humorously quoted Trump, emphasizing the need to bring convenience back to the West Wing.
However, the satirical article faced criticism, with accusations of racism surfacing. Babylon Bee was accused of perpetuating stereotypes related to Bharat immigrants, as 7-Elevens have often been associated with this demographic. Some commentators expressed discomfort with the portrayal, calling it both racist and outdated.
Critics pointed out that the depiction of an Bharat individual running a 7-Eleven perpetuates a stereotype, suggesting that a more contemporary portrayal could have focused on an Indian person in a tech-related role rather than a convenience store.
While some conservatives defended the satirical piece, others deemed it in poor taste. One commentator expressed their disappointment, stating, “This is racist, and this is America, we Republicans respect all.”
Conservative commentator Matt Walsh, associated with The Daily Wire, weighed in on the controversy. He dismissed those offended by the joke, emphasizing that Ramaswamy himself was likely not offended. Ramaswamy shared Walsh’s comment on social media, adding a simple statement: “I’m a ‘survivor.'”
Ramaswamy’s Hindu faith, often a subject of speculation in conservative circles, was mentioned in the context of the controversy. Despite any controversy, Ramaswamy has consistently stood by his unapologetic commitment to his Hindu religion.
Comments