A Sikh’s Response to “What Next?” – After the Oak Creek Gurdwara Massacre
The news is still a shock. The question of “why” has been one that I have heard most often. Followed by “what next?”
It is this second question that most interests me, as well.
The responses have been varied.
There are some that have called out that we are all American Sikhs, although most within the community would be a bit confused as most of us use the title “Sikh-Americans”, while the term “American Sikhs” is generally used for those sections in our community that often were first introduced to Sikhi by the late Yogi Bhajan.
There are others that are taking on the task to ‘teach’ others about Sikhi and raise talking points, when speaking to the media – either national or even regional. SALDEF and Sikh Coalition have been at the forefront and have even produced Sikhi 101-type materials that can be used when speaking to non-Sikh audiences. Both should be commended for their work.
Still far more interesting to me – and is often the case within The Langar Hall – is how Sikhs dialogue with each other. While still important – in some ways it seems a bit less significant how Sikhs speak to non-Sikhs, when compared to how we speak to one another. National attention will wane; the media will become bored; yet, we will still be there with one another. Two recent postings – one published on this very blog – largely speak to this very question.
12 Responses to “A Sikh’s Response to “What Next?” – After the Oak Creek Gurdwara Massacre”
Excellent conclusion Jodha, I sincerely hope this is a time where we begin to converse. Sadly, I think the opportunity to do so will come and go as it has before.
Thank you for pointing out the problem of commodification.
I saw the urge of making ourselves look 'harmless' to the general American public as problematic, but couldn't enumerate or describe the problem it created.
Thanks again.
YES. thank you brother.
Good stuff in your response, don’t agree with some of it. But. We aren’t racialized anything. We are sikhs. Don’t let your pomo classes run away with you.
Also we need in person forums to discuss next steps. The more the better. Our activists can help by organization with these. Leave the pomo identity theories for essay classes.
Either you don't understand what postmodernism is, or you don't understand what racialization means in this context. Which is OK, but no need for the dismissive comments.
Tell me if this is close – the wider society which constructs identity on the Other, in this case or community, sees us under the wider rubrick of the Other- Muslim. Much like the dichotomy between White and Black – where everyone non-White is treated and considered Black in varying degrees to which they vary from the standard of White-ness.
Therefore even though we know our identity as Sikh (which is Jodha's distinction that this is not a theological concept) we are treated by the wider society as Other (in this case Other is consider by the dialogue of Power to be "Muslim.") So therefore rather than try to define ourselves as Sikhs and go with our centuries old tradition of asserting our identity in a way that is respectful and generous to all, we should align ourselves and understand ourselves as the Other.
I think that's all pretty standard post-modernism.
I am so confused and concerned at how the most visible and powerful Punjabi ethnicity figure heads Gov Nikki Hailey and Gov Jindal didnt even come on TV to make any statement or offer condolences. Take Nikki is she embarrassed by her back ground and afraid of political fall out? This basically summarizes our attitude towards the community. Time and time again I have seen successful Sikhs talk down or avoid meeting folks who do business. There is no sense of kinship, us and them Need to unite folks ABCD vs IBCD etc this is it stay united we succeed.. Sikhs dont beg and believe in Self help so dont need hollow words form politicos but it does hurt..Give it to Deepak Chopra atleast he came to CNN I aint his fan but he earned some respect from me
Great post!!! Saying what no one dares. Jodha Singh is the most important Sikh thinker on the Internet today. Another tour de force!
My condolences to the families who've lost their loved ones at Oak Creek. Don't know if you'll welcome a comment from a non-Sikh. There are always the "other" haters (within our own communities too) but it helps to know that most folks are easy going about differences and your traditional langars are one place to meet with many such people. Unfortunately, in view of the current situation, letting things settle and then holding a langar in safety (in collusion with the police and to start with, by invitation only?) would be an idea worth considering.
BTW – Jodha – the Degh Tegh Fateh ppt is really good. Kudos to Jakara Movement for producing this.
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