A new viral video prank involving video-calling loved ones and showing a clip of a desi man is sweeping social media, sparking a mix of reactions. In the prank, the person on the other end of the call is initially confused when they see a stranger, not realizing they’re being pranked. The reaction often turns from confusion to laughter once they realize it’s a joke.
The prank has been widely shared on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, with millions of views and likes. Users film their unsuspecting friends and family members, playing the clip of the desi man’s face on a video call, often capturing hilarious moments of surprise. While many enjoy the playful prank, others have raised concerns about its underlying racist overtones.
Critics argue that the prank, which features a desi or Indian-looking man, can be dehumanizing and racially insensitive. One video, where a woman pranks her mother, reached 11 million views on X (formerly Twitter), sparking debate about the potential harm of such content. Some users expressed discomfort with the trend, calling it racist and questioning why the joke centers on people of color, particularly with the increasing participation of white TikTok users.
One user referred to the prank as “dehumanizing,” while another pointed out the way indigenous people and people of color are often vilified in such contexts. The discussion has sparked further reflection on the ethics of using racial stereotypes for humor, leading many to rethink whether the trend is truly harmless fun or perpetuating negative stereotypes.
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