Always Unwelcomed
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According to Ward, during the early twentieth century, East Indian immigrants in Canada primarily worked as common labourers, often finding employment in sawmills, lumber camps, railway construction, land clearing, and seasonal farm work. A small number eventually acquired land holdings or established themselves as independent businessmen and realtors, broadening their economic base. Economic fears regarding competition for jobs and the perception of East Indians as a source of cheap labour further fueled the hostility. This led to organized protests against immigration and the implementation of restrictive immigration policies aimed at limiting the influx of East Indian immigrants.
As stated by Ward, critics of East Indian immigration applied several stereotypes. Viewing them as unclean, diseased, and a threat to public health. They were often depicted as living in filthy and overcrowded conditions, which contributed to fears of disease transmission. Additionally, East Indians were seen as economically threatening, characterized as a lesser breed of men who were incompatible with Canadian customs and traditions, leading to concerns about their ability to assimilate.
The song "Liberation." relates to this as it highlights the lack of inclusion and hatred immigrants face. This is depicted in the following lyrics, "Kashti ko na kinara mila" (Roman Urdu transcript). This translates to "the boat could not find a corner or the boat was not given a corner". I believe the singer is trying to express how they were not welcome upon arrival to a Western country. Similar to the case of the Komagata Maru voyage, where their ship was stopped near the shore and they were denied entry to British Columbia, Canada. Additionally, the song is mixed with hip-hop beats and Sufi/Qawwali music. The woman's voice you hear singing in Qawwali reminds me of voices in pain, specifically the voices of struggling immigrants showcasing their pain.