Poonam Sharma
Within the past few days, a video has reached viral status worldwide. In the video, a man who is a supposed Pakistani migrant in Denmark makes a chilling threat to a Danish citizen: “In 10-15 years, there will be more Pakistanis than Danes … you’ll be exterminated … we have five children, you have one or two.”
The significance of the video has been amplified since Elon Musk, billionaire entrepreneur and proprietor of social media platform X (previously Twitter), strongly reacted. Musk reshared the video and captioned only: “His math is correct.”
This has caused shock, excitement, outrage, and controversy—most of all in Western nations, particularly Europe, over issues of immigration, Islam, demographic transformation, and free speech.
What Actually Happened
The content of the video: The Pakistani migrant states that because immigrants (him and others) have higher birth rates, in the near future, immigrants will exceed ethnic Danes. He employs statements such as “you will be exterminated” or “replaced.” He contrasts his five children with Danes having “one or two.”
Musk’s response: On his X page, Musk posted: “His math is correct.” This is one way of endorsing, to some extent, the speaker’s population projections—or at least validating them.
Public response: The reaction has been a mix. Some take the message to be a warning or “truth” regarding population trends; others interpret it as hateful, provocative, or fear-mongering. Most condemn Musk for exaggerating a message that is on the edge of incitement. There is worry regarding social tensions, xenophobia, Islamophobia, and polarization.
Historical and Strategic Context
To. understand why this is ringing so widely—and why it’s regarded as threatening by so many—it is helpful to look at the patterns of history and present strategies associated with migration, rather than minority communities, political culture, and identity.
Demographic anxieties: Anxieties over being “replaced” or outnumbered are old in political discourse within Europe. Phrases such as “The Great Replacement” have found their use within far-right political language as a way of provoking fear. Such claims typically link falling birth rates among indigenous groups with increasing immigration as a threat to national identity.
Social cohesion v. identity politics: European nations are having problems assimilating immigrants and their children. When immigrants talk about future “majorities” or “replacements,” it turns discussions about assimilation, multiculturalism, cultural identity, and religious v. secular values.
Amplification & media: A personality like Elon Musk has huge stature. When one of these kinds of videos is shared by a high-status person, it doesn’t simply go out to more people—it legitimates and contextualizes the message, whether or not it’s true or responsible.
Parallel in India & Assam: You are right, there are parallels with historical and contemporary conflicts in India (and in Assam specifically) over religious identity, migration, minority‐majority relations, and political representation. Demographic arguments are being politically used in both cases to inform policy, instill fear, and fuel identity politics.
Implications & Danger
Following are some risks and issues resulting from Musk’s response and the broader discussion:
Polarisation: Such narratives deepen divisions between communities. When one group feels threatened, defensive identities harden.
Hate speech & backlash: The rhetoric “you’ll be exterminated” is violent and threatening. Even if it’s not acted upon, it can incite hate or push reactions including Islamophobia or anti-immigrant policies.
Policy changes: Fear tends to become political currency. Governments may impose tougher immigration policies, family policies, or monitoring to “guard” identity—these can be oppressive or enhance discrimination.
Disrupting social trust: Minority groups can feel threatened, excluded, or assaulted. Social trust is broken.
Global echo: These arguments don’t remain localized; they travel. Something said in Denmark becomes heard around the world. Something said there can raise temperature elsewhere—perhaps in India or Assam, where there already are similar demographic fears.
Why Leaders Have to Respond, and Why They Don’t
You asked: if Elon Musk is able to identify and protest this “aggression,” why can’t Indian (or Assamese) political leaders like Mohan Bhagwat do it with the same lucidity?
Political risk vs. populism: Strong statements may be avoided by some leaders for fear of losing social or electoral support. A hard line could alienate part of their base.
Sensitivity of issues: Issues of religion, migration, identity are very sensitive in nature. Leaders tend to walk the tightrope so they do not trigger unrest.
Distinct national contexts: India possesses legal safeguards for religious liberty but also the history of communal violence. Similar statements by leaders invite accusations of hate or communal incitement.
Global versus local reach: Elon Musk has a worldwide platform. Local leaders will not receive similar amplification; issuing strong statements may have more drastic consequences at the local levels (e.g. protests, social strife).
Conclusion
This video is not only one viral video—it is part of an overarching and increasing global conversation. When a migrant in Denmark threatens Danes with replacement through demographic change, and when a influential global leader like Elon Musk responds by stating “his math is correct,” it heralds:
that demographic fears are going mainstream,that free speech & amplification of offense-giving statements are being normalized that identity politics are on the cusp in most societies.
For Assam & India, this is a warning: what occurs in Europe or Denmark isn’t contained. The same tactics are already apparent: leveraging demography as argument, fueling religious identity, political mobilization on majority-minority anxieties. Scale and visibility mark the difference. Whether here political or social leaders emerge to challenge these narratives convincingly will determine the future.
