Blue-turbanned Sikh at the first presidential debate
Were you watching the Presidential debate last Friday? Did you catch flashes of a sardar in a blue turban? I assume that anyone who did was equally as surprised as I was (though happily so). Well, who is the mystery man? He’s Arvinder Singh Kang, a twenty five year old who was the only Punjabi, and the only Sikh at the University of Mississipi when he came from Punjab to do a graduate degree.
I came to the U.S. in the fall of 2005, as a graduate student at the University of Mississippi. From a proud Sikh family, I was the first kid from my village and from my maternal and paternal lineage to come to America for studies.
I brought twenty-something Puggs (turbans). I knew Japji Sahib by heart and had been exposed to Sikh history more than I had been to comics. All through my undergrad years, I had taught my juniors how to wear a turban. There was no doubt, whatever the circumstances might be, I would always be a Turbanator!
While boarding a plane from London’s Gatwick Airport, I sat beside a Sikh girl living in Houston who was born and raised in London. “…So it’s going to be hard to keep a turban in university”, she said in a lovely British accent.
“Much nee te kuch nee!” (What’s a man without a mustache) I had quipped. [link]
You can read more from Arvinder at Sikhchic.
16 Responses to “Blue-turbanned Sikh at the first presidential debate”
There was also an image of the Sikh in the new movie by Bill Maher, Religulous. The clip they played on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart had a brief image of a Sikh. I wonder if that individual played a role in the film at all.
It is ironic that the sardarji stands right behind Sean Hannity and the hardcore right wing of the world, Fox News. Perhaps a picture that speaks more than a million worlds. This year I saw two sardars with black turbans during a McCain debate. Then I saw another older gora Sikh during Obama's speech somewhere a while ago. It is always great to get that glimpse of a pugh and our Sikh community.
sikhpath, not sure why it is ironic or surprising to see a sardar supporting the right wing. Sikhs are just as diverse in their political beliefs as any other community. In my own community, many Sikhs are actually Republicans – they tend to support the fiscal policies of that party.
Yes, i saw that clip mentioned by Darsh too. I think he was just part of the community the 'scientologist' was preaching to.
Sikhpath-
Agreed! It's great to see that we have a presence at these events!
Darsh and Sundari- I remember that image from the Daily Show- I'm checking the movie (Religulous) out tomorrow so I can say for sure after that, but from the short clip, he just looked like a passer-by who stopped to watch the crazed man (Bill Maher) yell (things that followers of Scientology actually believe- for those who didn't see the clip)… we'll see what his role in the movie was, but it was still great to see a Sikh on a Daily Show clip …
It is ironic that the sardarji stands right behind Sean Hannity and the hardcore right wing of the world, Fox News. Perhaps a picture that speaks more than a million worlds. This year I saw two sardars with black turbans during a McCain debate. Then I saw another older gora Sikh during Obama’s speech somewhere a while ago. It is always great to get that glimpse of a pugh and our Sikh community.
sikhpath, not sure why it is ironic or surprising to see a sardar supporting the right wing. Sikhs are just as diverse in their political beliefs as any other community. In my own community, many Sikhs are actually Republicans – they tend to support the fiscal policies of that party.
There was also an image of the Sikh in the new movie by Bill Maher, Religulous. The clip they played on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart had a brief image of a Sikh. I wonder if that individual played a role in the film at all.
Yes, i saw that clip mentioned by Darsh too. I think he was just part of the community the ‘scientologist’ was preaching to.
Sikhpath-
Agreed! It’s great to see that we have a presence at these events!
Darsh and Sundari- I remember that image from the Daily Show- I’m checking the movie (Religulous) out tomorrow so I can say for sure after that, but from the short clip, he just looked like a passer-by who stopped to watch the crazed man (Bill Maher) yell (things that followers of Scientology actually believe- for those who didn’t see the clip)… we’ll see what his role in the movie was, but it was still great to see a Sikh on a Daily Show clip …
I really enjoyed reading the article written by the Sikh comedian in last weeks NEWSWEEK-MY TURN. "Educating people about my religion through comedy."
Wahe Guru
I really enjoyed reading the article written by the Sikh comedian in last weeks NEWSWEEK-MY TURN. “Educating people about my religion through comedy.”
Wahe Guru
I am personally a libertarian and many in my family are Republicans also due to fiscal principles. However, I was speaking more of Fox News and how they often use a very biased view in their reporting. I meant to disrespect for a republican Sikh at all. I apologize for not clarifying myself.
I am personally a libertarian and many in my family are Republicans also due to fiscal principles. However, I was speaking more of Fox News and how they often use a very biased view in their reporting. I meant to disrespect for a republican Sikh at all. I apologize for not clarifying myself.
I think this board is really great and the fact that it's remained friendly is great
I think this board is really great and the fact that it’s remained friendly is great