From Model Minority to MAGA: Indian American Republicanism and the Politics of Racial Identity

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Abstract

This study explores how four prominent Indian American Republican leaders navigate and represent their ethnic, religious, and immigrant identities within a party shaped by assimilationist norms, and how this engagement influences dominant racial narratives in U.S. political discourse. Using postcolonial theory and DesiCrit, this qualitative, comparative case study examines their rhetorical and visual strategies, speeches, debates, interviews, news, and imagery. The analysis uncovers patterns of representation and ideological framing these leaders use strategically to mobilize or erase ethnic and cultural identities. Data was analyzed across four codes: assimilation, cultural pride, strategic erasure, and religious performativity. Results indicate that while these figures project racial diversity, their calibrated performances rarely disrupt dominant power structures, exposing the paradox of representation in conservative politics.

Author

• Madhavi Tandon, University of Colorado - Denver