Irish Man's 'Colonisation' Comment On Video Of Indian Family's Home Purchase Goes Viral, Ignites Furious Debate
An Irish man shared a video if an Indian family's new home in Limmerick and commented that the tiny island was being "colonised".
A heated debate was triggered on social media after a man, who claimed to be an Irish citizen, shared a video on X (formerly Twitter), showing an Indian family fixing their name plate at the entrance of their newly-purchased house in Limerick, Ireland, and called it "colonisation". The controversy erupted because of the user, Michael O'Keefee's caption, wherein he seemed frustrated and unhappy by Indians buying houses in Ireland.
"Another house bought up by Indians. Our tiny island is being colonised by a country of 1.5 billion people," he wrote. The video has gone viral on social media and garnered over five million views since it was posted on Thursday, September 19.
His caption and the usage of the term "colonised" is what kickstarted a barrage of responses from users. While some agreed to him, several others criticised him and opposed his comment fiercely.
📍Limerick, Ireland
— MichaeloKeeffe (@Mick_O_Keeffe) September 18, 2024
Another house bought up by Indians.
Our tiny island is being colonised by a country of 1.5 billion people. pic.twitter.com/tJh3Vldla2
Here's how the internet reacted:
A user called his thinking "rooted in ignorance" and highlighted that diversity always benefits every country.
Another commented: "How is it colonisation if they are simply buying homes? This rhetoric is harmful and unnecessary." Another remarked: "What does it matter if an Indian family buys a house? They’re contributing to the local economy, just like anyone else."
A user named Suv Chatterjee said that Indians are loving beings and asked Michael to not have "so much hate". "If india wants, can buy the whole of Ireland in 30 minutes and trust me that would be good for you guys, which will spare you from the other invasion that you are undergoing," Chatterjee commented.
Indians are loving beings. Don't have so much hate. If india wants, can buy the whole of Ireland in 30 minutes and trust me that would be good for you guys, which will spare you from the other invasion that you are undergoing.
— Suv Chatterjee 🇮🇳 (@subhasisc1) September 18, 2024
Firing back at the accusation, one user wrote: "Colonised? Dude, they paid for it and bought it because some Irish person needed the money. It’s not anything unlawful. If you’re so concerned, ask your legislators and government to create protective laws."
The reply underscored the economic and legal aspects of purchase and that such transactions are a result of market forces rather than any ill intent.
However, the original poster reiterated his stance, replying, "Indians can be whatever they want to be, in India. Stop colonising our country."
He also shared screenshots of various news websites showing crimes committed by Indians in Ireland. One of them was about an Indian origin man who allegedly attempted to abduct a child from Dublin. Additionally, he also shared videos of an Indian man who he claimed had come to Ireland a few years ago and claimed asylum. Michael claimed that the man was eventually given permission to remain in the country after he pretended to go on a hunger strike.
"We are so friendly and cause no trouble."
— MichaeloKeeffe (@Mick_O_Keeffe) September 19, 2024
Sure, lads.
Good one 😆
Here's just a sample of Indian crime in Ireland. pic.twitter.com/AMkHAUAY3z
"There are currently 201 Indians claiming asylum in Ireland. You have nuclear weapons and a space program, but we should look after your people?" he asked.
Responding to this, one user shared a chart showing crime rates by nationality. "Indians are the lowest crime-committing group, even below native Europeans... Please try to educate yourself," he said.
Indians are the lowest crime committing people even below native Europeans... Plz try to educate yourself pic.twitter.com/k3zCf8a5pU
— Decent Human (@Vepk65275) September 19, 2024
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