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This presentation was created by the Sikh Communications Council in 2001 following the 9/11 attacks on the US. It contains basic information in Sikhs and Sikh Americans as well as messages intended to protect Sikhs from the post-9/11 xenophobic backlashes.
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YourSikh
Neighbors
Who Are Sikhs?
Articles of Faith
Kesh - uncut hair: Sikhs do not cut hair or beards to remain in the image that god gave us Kuchha – under-shorts (boxers) to represent modesty and fidelityKanga - comb, made of wood - to keep uncut hair neat and clean Kara - bracelet, made of steel worn on right hand –a reminder of noble actions, a symbol of eternityKirpan - ceremonial small blunt knife symbolizing freedom, liberty and justice
Sikh Turbans
Mideast headcoverings different
99% of people with turbans in US are Sikhs, not Muslims or Hindus
Covers long, uncut hair
Approx. 15 feet of cloth wrapped neatly around the head every time it is put on
Symbolizes discipline, integrity, humility, and spirituality
Religious requirement - must be worn at all times in public
Importance of Identity
Sikhs feel severely humiliated if asked to remove their turban in public, as this breaks a sacred covenant with god and exposes an intimate part of the bodyIt is very insulting and disrespectful to a Sikh to remove his or her turban Turbans are a mandatory part of Sikh faithA turban is not a hat. It cannot be casually taken on and off. It must be carefully retied each time it is removedTreat the turban with respect
Historical Origins Sikhism
• 22 million Sikhs worldwide• 20 million Sikhs in India
INDIA
CHINA
INDIAAFGHANISTAN
PAKISTAN
IRAN
GuruGuru Nanak Nanak•Founded Sikhism
•Born in 1469
•10 Gurus provided
spiritual guidance
•Guru Nanak founded
Sikhism based on
equality and justice
for all
Golden Temple, Golden Temple, AmritsarAmritsarHarmandir Sahib—1588Harmandir Sahib—1588Fifth GuruFifth Guru
Sentiment of SikhsSentiment of Sikhs
Symbol of strength & Symbol of strength & enduranceendurance
Survived tyrannical raidsSurvived tyrannical raids
Golden Temple
Guru Gobind Singh•Father Martyred to protect
the Hindus
•Created the Sikh Nation:
Khalsa – legion of the pure
with Saint/Soldier qualities to
protect anyone from
oppression and injustice
•Amrit - Sikh Baptism
Ceremony in 1699
•Prescribed the 5 Articles of
Faith
•Declared Guru Granth Sahib
as the eternal Guru and
ultimate spiritual authority for
the Sikhs.
Beliefs of the Sikhs
One god/creatorAll humans created equal
Goal is to be one with god
Human life a precious blessing
All carry a spark of divine light: consequently no race, pigmentation, gender, is intrinsically superior to others
Defenders of social and spiritual justice,
Truth, fearless,non-hateful spirit are important in attaining salvation
Beliefs of the Sikhs
Freedom of speech, religionEqual rights in all walks of life for all persons of all faiths and external looksNote that many countries still ask require religion,
race, or nationality on employment applications• Elsewhere, people discriminate based on looks
Compensation based on merit rather than outward differences
Justice and liberty for allOrigin of universe is from one light sourceLife is by god’s evolutionThere are many planets, solar systems and galaxies
Values & PracticesSeva: Daily selfless service to humanity
Vand Chakna: sharing with others
Langar: Community Kitchen, An expression of service to community
Kirat Kamaiyee: Honest LaborHonest earnings by hard workDo not become burden on the
societyDaily Prayers & MeditationNo passive mediation
• Maintain channel of knowledge by actively engaging in the society.
• Prevent stagnation of social and intellectual skills
Introspection connect now, don’t wait for later
Bhai Kanyia
pioneer of the Red Cross &
humanitarian aide organizations
Respect for All
Protectors of social and spiritual justice for ALLBelievers of non-violenceEquality of all religionsGive relevance to god rather than religionBelievers of interfaith diversity
Equality of personsSocial, spiritual, political rights for all women
GURDWARA (Place of Worship)Guru Granth Sahib
Nishan Sahib
Architecture
© 2001 Sikh Communications Council, Inc.
Inside the Gurdwara
All welcome
Hymns
Heads covered
Shoes removed
Sit on floor; meditate
Community kitchen
Gurdwara Functions
Education Initially schools were started in Gurdwaras. Now Khalsa schools are held in
Gurdwaras, where religion, language, history, art, and other subjects are taught
Shelter for stomach, mind, and soulCommunity kitchen: shelter from hunger
Tranquility: safe place to stay to travelers Prayers, meditation, & introspection for soul
Implementation of equality4 doors: one on each side
• Open to all persons without from all directions, religions, • Even the holiest Sikh shrines are open to persons of all
faiths
September 11, 2001
Sikhs grieve with America. Like many, Sikhs lost friends, loved ones and colleaguesSikhs unequivocally condemn the recent terrorist attacksSikhs continue to donate blood, food, and money, and participate in memorial servicesAt the WTC, Sikh doctors were first on the scene helping save lives
First to Help
Dr. Navinderdeep Singh Nijher, a fourth year resident
Set up the first triage center at ground zero, just in front of one of the collapsed towers.
He also helped organize a makeshift morgue in the lobby of the American Express building.
An American Hero?
Dr Nijher stayed until 2 a.m., mostly treating injured firefighters who had been pulled from the rubble. From there, he went back to the hospital, slept for an hour, and reported for his regular shift at 6 a.m.
A Hero’s Welcome?
"Every person was staring at me" "People were saying 'There goes one of them now.'
Someone yelled 'Go back to your own country!'"
Mesa, Arizona
Balbir S. SodhiFormer Bay Area Resident
Small Businessman
Why?
"On Sept. 11, America was attacked from abroad," said Maricopa County Attorney Rick Romley
"However, with the murder of Mr. Sodhi, we have now
been attacked from within."
Facts
More than 200 Incidents against Sikhs alonehave been reported since Sept 11th
Swaran Kaur Bhullar's car was idling at a red light when two men on a motorcycle pulled up beside her, yanked
open her door and shouted, "This is what you get for what you've done to us!"
And then, "I'm going to slash your throat!"
She was stabbed in the head at least twice before the men, hearing a car approach, sped off.
Victims of Sept 11
Victims: Sikhs have been victims of a hate backlash and harassment because of their appearance
Profiling: Sikhs have been victims of racial profiling at airports & on highways
Discrimination: harassment, racial profiling and employment discrimination is making it much harder for Sikhs to wear turbans and other articles of faith - a basic constitutional right
Mr. Balbir Sodhi was
killed in Arizona
Why Are Sikhs Targets?
HATE
BLIND RAGE
IGNORANCE
MISCONCEPTIONS
Similarities?
19 Terrorists0 with Turbans0 with Beards0 were Sikhs
Where is the cause for concern?
Similarities?
Head Coverings?
Compare the Turbans
Muslim Headcoverings
Mideast headcoverings different
Not a mandatory religious requirement
Very rarely seen in the western hemisphere
Viewed as passé by some Muslims
Summarizing
Questions?