I completely agree that racism and STEROTYPES are found within all groups however, this incident seems to occur a lot particularly with those of the indopak culture and I am wondering if it is educational issue (something taught in schools) I have read racist things in textbooks especially about Native Americans and blacks/Africans living in the United state.
Or is culture: maybe a particular race is scarce in that region so ignorance about the race or group is common.
The incident seems to occur alot particularly with those of the indopak culture because they are the largest Muslim immigrant group in the United States. There isn't a state where they didn't settle in and because they're coming from the largest Muslim country in the world as well as another large country, there are alot of them.
Regarding the discrimination about South Asians, I will be the first to admit that it exists. Alot of it is due to former British colonialism and idealizing the "white, blond, and blue-eyed individual" as the superior race. However, this was a double edged sword, as that same image was also designated the poster child image for the term "foreigner". Therefore, light skin is prized in that part of the world because A. it is not the norm and B. it is wrongfully associated with the idea of beauty and perfection. However, there is also a close-mindedness because culture comes first for many in that part of the world and so they want to be able to have their cake and eat it too. Basically, they usually go for light skinned women as long as they're still the same ethnicity but going for a light-skinned woman who is not of the same ethnicity equates to them losing their precious culture and embracing a foreign way of life.
And that's where the conflict arises.
So it's not to say that a particular race is scarce in that region and that's what's leading to ignorance. It's anything that threatens the culture.
Secondly, and this is something shameful, when Pakistan and India were one country, their ideals pretty much merged. So Hindu mentalities were adopted by Muslims and some Muslim mentalities were adopted by Hindus. Hinduism endorses a very exclusive caste system to pretty much "keep their people in check". They range from the most exclusive and privileged to the most taboo and unwanted. Suffice to say it is a HUGE source of racism and discrimination. Unfortunately, the Muslims learned to adopt this ignorant mentality as well and it migrated with many of them when they left for Pakistan.
Another fact is a sheer lack of ignorance and loss of adhering to true Islamic values. Lord knows there's alot of moral corruption in that part of the world but alhamdulillah true 'ilm of the Deen is spreading and people are starting to see that fine line between innovation and Islam.
Finally, much of it is due to illiteracy. South Asia boasts some of the highest poverty and illiteracy rates in the world and as a result, people are not able to learn their religion properly as well as broaden their horizons through a sound education in order to properly embrace the diversity Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala created. Narrow-minded thinking and no education usually make for a very small box to live in. Plus, due to the poverty, many have not seen the outside world and know nothing beyond their own society.
I am not here to offend but where I live it's common for ppl not attend a particular masjid if the demographics has a high indopak administration because those not apart of that culture often feel excluded and not wanted.
It is what it is and it is unfortunate. For those racist South Asian Muslims that insist on discriminating against fellow Muslims, they are responsible for tarnishing the image of South Asian Muslims.
But if you move to another state, you'll soon see that you'll have the same complaint about Arabs. And if you move somewhere else, you'll have the same complaint about African American Muslims.
Point being, you're being exposed to discrimination within the South Asian community. However, you've only experienced one sect of discrimination. It exists in other factions as well and regarding all of them, they do not speak for the rest of us. I'm sure you know that already and I hope I gave you some insight into why many South Asians behave the way that they do.
Irrespective of their reasoning, it is not right for them to treat you or any other Muslim the way that they do. Know that by initiating the salam you are better than them and like a brother said earlier, they will be asked about it. Racists and ignorants usually end up choking on their own ignorance in the end. I say let them drown in it no matter where they're from. Just don't go down with them.