That's the problem, you don't see him as one of us.  He never once said white people.  America does need to strive for academic excellence again.  We are ranked 38th in the world.  You can't argue that Asian and Indian cultures in general push their kid's more academically.  American culture is declining.  Young people have high rates of depression, anxiety, and obesity.  But when Vivek points to it, people lose their shit. He wants us to be the best.