We cannot blame others for our own failings. The reason why Hindus are so poorly represented in campuses,in the media, and in society is because we do not demand or provide anything better. If academics perceivegreater demand for balanced and thoughtful scholarship on Hinduism, the supply of such scholarship willincrease. Unless Hindus take up the responsibility of learning about their religious background,characterizations of the religion as one primarily concerned with caste hierarchy, subordination of women,primitive rituals, and myths fraught with Freudian sexual undertones, will self-perpetuate. Of course, freedomof thought and expression should be encouraged in academia, but more conscious reflection on the part ofHindus and non-Hindus alike about the religion may augment the diversity of ideas reflected in Americanscholarship on Hinduism. Unless Hindus begin to think of themselves as Hindu, there will be little communitymomentum for creating a stronger, more balanced Hindu presence in academia, campuses, the media, and societyat large.