Why Rashi Agarwal says your “lazy” racism is the least interesting thing about her

How does a privileged woman from India become a “Person of Color” overnight? In this episode of Dam Yankee, host Zack Newmark sits down with stand-up comedian, storyteller, and activist Rashi Agarwal to discuss her viral rise in the Amsterdam comedy scene and her refusal to “play it safe” for Western audiences. The episode is out now on YouTube, with audio-only versions available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and on many more services.

Rashi breaks down the “lazy form of racism” she faces from internet trolls—and why she finds their insults about “shit on the streets” more boring than offensive. She also issues a provocative warning to fellow immigrants about the trap of being “white by proxy,” explaining why defending the status quo won’t grant you the belonging you’re looking for.

The most shocking moment of the episode? Rashi recounts the high-stakes night she performed for the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and pointedly told a VIP table of white ambassadors to “date your colonizer.” The room hit a wall of “uncomfortable feeling”—but the reaction she received once the microphones were turned off changed her perspective on the power of comedy.

From finally grabbing a Dutch passport – which she says is like striking gold – to the ironies of a culture where complaining is the national pastime, Rashi explores the layers of societal dynamics she never saw coming.

In this episode, we discuss:

• [02:20] The surreal transition of becoming a “Person of Color” only after leaving India.

• [07:13] The “Date Your Colonizer” moment: What happened when Rashi called out the Ministry’s VIPs.

• [17:24] Passport Privilege: Why a blue booklet feels like holding gold.

• [21:31] The “White by Proxy” trap: Why Rashi challenges fellow immigrants who over-assimilate.

• [24:45] How to dismantle “lazy racism” with a joke about Amsterdam’s canal water.

Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen on Spotify to hear the resolution to Rashi’s most daring stories.

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