Hinduism is often a victim of cultural appropriation and stereotypical portrayals in American media and markets. This research identifies the effect of these flawed depictions on the perception of Hinduism in the United States by American college students. In this research project, relevant literature was reviewed and written survey responses were solicited from five current students at Spelman College to determine if appropriated Hindu imagery has influenced how non-Hindu Americans perceive and discuss Hinduism. Upon examining the qualitative data, it became clear that appropriated images of Hinduism were emerging as representative of Hinduism while the genuine images in context held little to no significance. In conclusion, there is evidence that American consumerism has made Hinduism neither better understood nor more visible as the appropriated images of Hinduism replace authentic Hindu culture in the minds of American college students.
