近日，加拿大社交媒體上出現一段引發爭議的影片，內容顯示疑似印度裔人士在公共湖泊中洗澡、搓洗身體，甚至使用肥皂等清潔用品，引來當地居民的不滿與抗議。影片中，有人明顯將湖泊當作私人浴室使用，旁若無人地進行清潔行為，而該湖泊原本是居民游泳、划船、垂釣與休閒的重要公共資源。部分目擊者還反映，除洗澡之外，還有人在湖邊或周邊草地隨地大小便，對環境衛生造成影響。

當地居民認為，這種行為不僅破壞湖泊的自然生態，還可能造成水質污染，威脅野生動物與人類的健康安全。加拿大許多湖泊屬於飲用水保護區或是公共休憩區，法律明文禁止在水中進行帶有化學清潔劑的洗滌行為，也不允許隨地便溺。此事被曝光後，引發社交平台上的激烈討論，有不少加拿大網友甚至直言：“加拿大的湖泊正在變成印度人的澡堂”，語氣中帶有明顯的惱怒與排斥情緒。

其實，這並不是第一次有印度裔移民在公共空間的行為引起爭議。根據一些加拿大、澳洲及英國等地居民的分享，部分印度裔移民的生活習慣與當地文化存在明顯差異，其中最常被提及的包括：在公共場所隨地吐痰、隨地丟垃圾、過度擁擠式群聚、在公園或綠地進行明火烹飪、在河流或湖泊清洗衣物與餐具、以及使用強烈氣味的香料或食物導致鄰里抱怨等。部分人甚至把印度傳統的街頭如廁文化延續到海外，在沒有公廁或嫌遠時，就在公共角落或草地解決，這在衛生觀念高度重視的西方社會引發極大反感。

社會學者指出，這種文化衝突的背後，除生活習慣差異，還與移民適應能力、社會規範意識、以及本地政府的管理與教育有關。如果移民社群缺乏融入當地規範的自覺，而當地社會又沒有有效介入與引導，就容易讓不當行為在社區中擴散，進而激化本地居民與移民群體之間的矛盾。此次加拿大湖泊事件之所以在網路上引爆討論，不僅是因為具體行為本身，更是許多人對於類似問題長期累積的不滿情緒的一次集中爆發。

Recently, a controversial video circulated on Canadian social media showing a man, suspected to be of Indian origin, bathing in a public lake, scrubbing his body, and even using soap and other cleaning products, sparking dissatisfaction and protests from local residents. In the footage, the individual appeared to treat the lake as a private bathroom, openly washing himself in full view of others. This particular lake is normally used by residents for swimming, boating, fishing, and leisure activities. Some eyewitnesses also reported that, in addition to bathing, certain individuals were urinating or defecating on the lakeshore or nearby grassy areas, raising concerns about public hygiene.

Local residents argued that such actions not only damage the lake’s natural ecosystem but could also cause water pollution, posing health risks to both wildlife and humans. Many Canadian lakes are designated as drinking water protection zones or public recreation areas, with laws strictly prohibiting the use of chemical cleaning agents in the water and forbidding urination or defecation in public spaces. After the incident was made public, it ignited heated discussions online, with many Canadian netizens bluntly saying, “Canadian lakes are turning into Indian bathhouses,” reflecting clear frustration and resentment.

This is not the first time the behavior of certain Indian immigrants in public spaces has caused controversy. Reports from residents in Canada, Australia, the UK, and other countries highlight that some members of the Indian community maintain living habits that conflict with local cultural norms. The most commonly cited examples include spitting in public, littering, forming large and overcrowded gatherings, cooking with open flames in parks or green spaces, washing clothes or dishes in rivers and lakes, and using strongly scented spices or foods that cause neighbor complaints. Some have even continued the traditional practice of public urination from India, relieving themselves in corners or grassy areas when public restrooms are unavailable or too far away—something considered highly unacceptable in hygiene-conscious Western societies.

Sociologists note that these cultural clashes stem not only from differences in daily habits but also from factors such as immigrants’ adaptability, awareness of social norms, and the extent of local government oversight and community education. When immigrant communities lack the willingness or effort to integrate into local standards—and when local authorities fail to guide or regulate—misconduct can spread within the community, heightening tensions between locals and immigrant groups. The recent lake incident in Canada became a viral flashpoint not just because of the behavior itself, but because it tapped into long-standing frustrations over similar issues, serving as a focal point for accumulated resentment.