A Reddit post from an employee of a multinational cybersecurity company has brought to light allegations of cultural insensitivity, discrimination, and toxicity under a newly appointed Pakistani manager, especially towards Indian workers.
According to the anonymous Redditor, who claims to have worked in the marketing department of the firm for several years, the trouble began after the company’s acquisition earlier this year.
The acquisition reportedly brought in a new manager, based in the United States, who is a Pakistani that the employee alleges has been creating a toxic work environment, particularly toward Indian team members.
What does the post indicate?
“At first, he seemed alright. But over the last couple of months, it’s gotten bad,” the employee wrote.
“When I got intrigued about certain choice of words he was using on multiple calls and the way he looked down on Indians, I dug up a bit and understood that he is of Pakistani origin… His behaviour is very shady.”
The post alleges that the manager, whose background is claimed to include two failed visa attempts to enter India, has since made “painful remarks about Indian culture and people,” both in public meetings and in private interactions.
These remarks are described as subtle but consistent stereotypes implying Indian employees are “less capable” or “don’t get things.”
The Redditor further claims that the manager has already fired several team members, adding that at least one termination may have been more about asserting authority than addressing performance issues.
In addition, the manager has reportedly partnered with a new hire from Europe, with whom he allegedly shares and reinforces these prejudiced views, creating a more hostile environment for the Indian employees, who make up the majority of the team.
“He doesn’t bring much real value. It’s all buzzwords and surface-level talk, no actual substance in terms of marketing knowledge,” the employee stated.
“It’s honestly kind of draining watching him look down on us while he lacks basics and is not actually contributing.”
“With most of the management sitting in the US, I am not even sure they would understand what is going on if I escalate it. And even if I escalate it, this guy sucks up to the US management and he will spin things,” he concluded the post.
‘Please check with other Indians’
Netizens also posted their opinion. A user noted, “First you have to check with other Indians in the team. If 50% of them agree with you, escalate else start job hunting.”
Another claimed, “Record him make evidence then before leaving drop mail to hr with avps or head hr and head of department.”
“Give higher management a hint that they are allowing racism in their company and you guys are considering legal action. The Paki will be thrown out,” claimed another.