Viral Train Ride
Three foreign vloggers, known as Emma, Ameena, and Alex Wanders, documented their train journey in Kerala. The vlog, which was shared on Instagram, showed
the trio crammed amongst passengers in a crowded general compartment. They stated that they struggled to find space, particularly near the toilets where the sink was overflowing. The video was shot on October 25. The video's opening featured Emma describing the coach conditions: it was hot, crowded, and humid, which caused the carriage to have a strong smell. The toilet was leaking, and the sink was spewing water.
Online Backlash Intensifies
The video went viral, accumulating over a million views, but it also provoked substantial criticism online. Numerous Indian users expressed their belief that the vloggers purposefully chose the worst possible conditions to generate viral content. One commenter questioned, "How do they always find places where most Indians avoid?" Another observed that the foreigners did not book in advance as suggested by the lack of availability of AC seats which was a budgeting decision: "We budgeted too hard". Many felt the portrayal was a one-sided representation of India, ignoring its positive aspects. This reaction led to accusations of 'rage-baiting', suggesting the vloggers aimed to provoke reactions for views and subsequent financial gain. The video sparked a wider discussion on how foreign travelers portray India and the potential for skewed perspectives.
Differing Perspectives Emerge
The controversy revealed a range of perspectives. Some viewers questioned why the vloggers chose such conditions, suggesting a deliberate effort to highlight negatives. One user said, “I’m an Indian, and even I’ve never travelled in such conditions. Do they intentionally pick the dirtiest spots just to prove a point?” Others defended the vloggers, explaining that there were no other seat options: they weren’t able to book AC seats and were instructed to just arrive at the station. Emma also clarified that their experience wasn’t exaggerated, further explaining the challenging conditions: “I’d like to clarify as I mentioned in the caption the toilet leaked and the sink (as you can see) which is why we were struggling so bad." The debate highlighted the complexities of portraying a country and the potential for cultural misunderstandings when differing priorities collide.
Similar Criticism Followed
Tyler Oliveira, a US-based YouTuber, faced a comparable online backlash after publishing a video from the Gorehabba festival in Karnataka. The festival involves villagers throwing cow dung at each other. His tone and presentation in the video led to strong criticism from Indian viewers. The incidents underscore a pattern of criticism toward foreign content creators who showcase specific aspects of Indian culture. One comment stated, “Madam, are you poor? You cannot afford good train tickets? Why do you always show India’s bad side? We also have luxury trains, go for that.” This mirrors the reaction to the train video, with a sense of frustration over perceived negativity and a desire for more balanced representation.
A Learning Experience
Despite the uncomfortable conditions in the general compartment, the vloggers described an unexpected sense of camaraderie. Emma mentioned, “But here’s the funny thing… after a while, we kind of made friends with everyone around us. People made jokes about the heat, and somehow it turned into this weird little survival bonding moment.” This experience emphasized the resilience of human connection, even in challenging environments. Emma added a travel tip: “If you’re coming to India – book your train early!!! Unless you want the full ‘sweaty chaos next to the toilet’ experience.” This highlights the practical advice for travelers while encapsulating the experience.
