Texas woman Kelly Smith posts an AI-generated photo mocking Indians and says her new name is Priya.
A Texas woman who claims to be running for governor in Texas has stirred up some new anti-Indian sentiment because she “decided to become an Indian” as she says all Indians, who claim to be “Americans like me”.
She posted a picture of herself in Indian dress in front of the temple background, and said that her new name is Priya. “I’m going to eat hamburgers at Temple and wear boots because I can’t give up my Texas culture. I’m Indian like y’all, and my new name proves it. In fact, we should all go Indian and grill some steaks at Temple. Thanks,” Kelly wrote.While the AI photo sparked significant backlash from the Indian community that has already become a target in the state, Kelly added: “You guys are very offended by a prank photo of me grilling burgers which is what Texans do.
Imagine how Texans would feel about you disrespecting that here in real life. Get off your high horse. True Texans are raised to respect our nature, not trash. Putting milk, statues, and fruit in our lakes is more insulting to us than some stupid photos an AI uses.
Texans are tired of seeing Indian stores popping up on every corner, and every new mall here is INDIAN!! This is not India! “It’s an insult to us,” Kelly added.
Although Texas does not suffer from a dearth of Indian-hating Americans, Kelly Smith says she is a write-in candidate for the state’s gubernatorial election next November. A write-in candidate is someone whose name does not appear on the printed ballot, and voters must write the name by hand. She has a fundraising campaign that has only 14 donations so far, and she knows that running for office is a longshot, but she is following the surefire way on social media to attract attention: spreading anti-India hate.“My name is Kelly Smith, and I’m a lifelong Texan. I grew up in Cedar Hill. I believe in America, and I believe Texas belongs to Texans. Let’s band together, and I will add my name to the ballot for governor as a write-in next November. It’s a long shot, but Texas is worth saving,” her fundraiser says.
