Did I mention I like Sikh T-Shirts?
I like T-shirts. I am a self-described ‘scrub.’
Someone who doesn’t care much about what they do or how they look doing it. Or if you just do something very very stupid.
((Girl walks into classroom for a class one day dressed in XXL sweatpants and a huge baggy sweatshirt, no makeup, hair looks nasty, but shes in perfect good health, just very lazy))
“Wow Anne, you are dressed like a scrub.”
T-shirts are my staple. For every season I have a Sikh camp/organization T-shirt. Need brown, I got it; need blue, I got it; need maroon, I got it. Did I mention I like T-shirts?
Apparently, so do a group of Sikh high school students in Surrey. Recently, the Canadian press reported here and here that:
Thirty students at Princess Margaret Secondary School say they’ve been put on suspension notice after wearing contentious T-shirts to class.
[Quick note, another new website reported twenty students]
The students commented:
“At around nine o’clock they (school supervisors) yelled at me and said get into the office right now,” said one student, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “When I got to the office, they tried to explain to me this is not a political school.”
Another stated:
“(A teacher) asked me to take off the shirt, but I wasn’t wearing anything underneath I didn’t have anything else at school, so they said put on a jacket so I had to put on a jacket and zip it up,” said one student, who declined to give his name.
“They’re saying it’s politics in the school, and the school doesn’t do politics, you’re not allowed to wear political shirts, right. But this has nothing to do with politics.”
Now although, I do love T-shirts, I am not saying all T-shirts are equal. In a prior post, I suggested that Sikh kids should retire the BKI T-shirts and other T-shirts. In that post, I wrote:
The guns of the Babbar Khalsa logo has become ‘cool.’ It has become the Sikh youth Che Guevera T-Shirt. Find another logo kids.
If the T-shirts had images of guns, then I agree that they should not be worn and the school district did the right thing. However, from the image, I don’t see any guns. In fact one student vehemently denied the accusation:
But some witnesses say they also saw similar t-shirts with images of AK47s on them, although the students deny that claim.
One website shows a picture of a T-shirt with guns, but I have a feeling this is just stock footage and without context was added to the article for the intended hysterical reaction.
Now, I am sure the hoopla is connected to the much-ado-about-nothing stir from the Surrey Nagar Kirtan. Despite all the stir in the Canadian national press, the event was successful, peaceful, and even the police thanked the over 130,000 people in attendance for a great family affair.
“I have to tip my hat to the South Asian community,” Surrey RCMP Sgt. Roger Morrow said Tuesday. “It was truly a celebration, there were no police incidents, and I thank them and congratulate them for it.”
However, from what I see of the T-shirts it seems that while they do convey a political message, this is a freedom of expression issue. In fact I give respect to one student that didn’t back down:
But at least one student says he will probably wear the shirt again.
“I don’t care,” he said. “Our tenth guru said, when all means of addressing the wrongs have failed it is righteous to raise a sword.”
So I say let the kids wear it. In fact, despite the political message, send me one and I will wear it in solidarity. Plus I need another black T-shirt!
115 Responses to “Did I mention I like Sikh T-Shirts?”
Quick note: I just noticed something from the Surrey RCMP Roger Morrow's comments. When the Canadian press is reporting something inflammatory, then we are definitely 'Sikhs,' however when someone is commending the behavior of our community, then we transform into 'South Asians.' Is this just a single observation or is there something more to this?
Quick note: I just noticed something from the Surrey RCMP Roger Morrow’s comments. When the Canadian press is reporting something inflammatory, then we are definitely ‘Sikhs,’ however when someone is commending the behavior of our community, then we transform into ‘South Asians.’ Is this just a single observation or is there something more to this?
It's funny how we feel compelled to fight for our rights to wear T-shirts. Yet not a single person in the above photo is wearing a dastaar, which is what Guroo Saahib really prescribed for Sikhs to wear. Our sense of pride is grossly misplaced.
It’s funny how we feel compelled to fight for our rights to wear T-shirts. Yet not a single person in the above photo is wearing a dastaar, which is what Guroo Saahib really prescribed for Sikhs to wear. Our sense of pride is grossly misplaced.
though i support the student's right to wear their T-shirts, i kind of agree w/ Mohanpal Singh. It's like the rap videos where the people wear big old crosses but they rap about drugs, killing, & so on (though here it's not so bad). Or buying a Che T-shirt from the market but not knowing what he stood for.
though i support the student’s right to wear their T-shirts, i kind of agree w/ Mohanpal Singh. It’s like the rap videos where the people wear big old crosses but they rap about drugs, killing, & so on (though here it’s not so bad). Or buying a Che T-shirt from the market but not knowing what he stood for.
It seems rather odd that we assume we know these kids, when we do not. It also seems rather odd that while these kids are taking an interest in their faith, unlike the apathy in many, but yet all we can do is criticize them.
While Mohanpal Singh and kprincess certainly have a point, I think the more relevant question is, was it right for the school to suspend the students?
Would the situation have been the same if the students were wearing "Free Tibet" t-shirts?
Or is this a case of the school buying the hype that Khalistan, and anything related to Khalistan has pro-terrorism connotations? That such t-shirts advocate violence against innocent civilians?
Is there any consideration that such t-shirts may be worn to highlight the very real history of gross human rights abuse committed by the government of India against the Sikhs? That the t-shirts exhibit pride for those Sikhs who gave their lives fighting against the tyrannies of I.Gandhi's despotic regime?
It seems rather odd that we assume we know these kids, when we do not. It also seems rather odd that while these kids are taking an interest in their faith, unlike the apathy in many, but yet all we can do is criticize them.
While Mohanpal Singh and kprincess certainly have a point, I think the more relevant question is, was it right for the school to suspend the students?
Would the situation have been the same if the students were wearing “Free Tibet” t-shirts?
Or is this a case of the school buying the hype that Khalistan, and anything related to Khalistan has pro-terrorism connotations? That such t-shirts advocate violence against innocent civilians?
Is there any consideration that such t-shirts may be worn to highlight the very real history of gross human rights abuse committed by the government of India against the Sikhs? That the t-shirts exhibit pride for those Sikhs who gave their lives fighting against the tyrannies of I.Gandhi’s despotic regime?
From reading the post, it appeared to me that those kids were just wearing the shirts for the hell of it, rather than for a particular reason. I don't think there's anything wrong w/ that, & I didn't mean to criticize them since I don't know the whole story. But from my own observations, I've seen the youth adopt symbols of a cause (or faith) rather than the cause itself. So I guess that's the reason for why I made the comment.
As to the school. I agree that they probably wouldn't suspend someone wearing a free-tibet T-shirt (as far as I know). I think it's an infringement of political speech.
From reading the post, it appeared to me that those kids were just wearing the shirts for the hell of it, rather than for a particular reason. I don’t think there’s anything wrong w/ that, & I didn’t mean to criticize them since I don’t know the whole story. But from my own observations, I’ve seen the youth adopt symbols of a cause (or faith) rather than the cause itself. So I guess that’s the reason for why I made the comment.
As to the school. I agree that they probably wouldn’t suspend someone wearing a free-tibet T-shirt (as far as I know). I think it’s an infringement of political speech.
Kprincess,
I understand what you are saying and I do believe it is a freedom of expression issue. You can just look at other Canadian news sources to see the reactions of many goray.
However, I only took issue to how I read that you felt that the kids wearing the T-shirts were adopting symbols of a cause that they may or many not understand.
From the post, it seems that some (as it was a quote from only 1 student) were very articulate about their beliefs:
Kprincess,
I understand what you are saying and I do believe it is a freedom of expression issue. You can just look at other Canadian news sources to see the reactions of many goray.
However, I only took issue to how I read that you felt that the kids wearing the T-shirts were adopting symbols of a cause that they may or many not understand.
From the post, it seems that some (as it was a quote from only 1 student) were very articulate about their beliefs:
oh good lord. while i support the kids and especially like the "free tibet" analogy above, that quote is a bit out of place and kind of indicates the misplaced priorities some above commenters and jodha (bki post) have noted. beyond their mere right to wear the shirts, maybe it's not a great choice to wear them. but, that's their call.
Sizzle helped me note that I may have read that quote out of context. If they were using the famous Zafarnama line of Guru Gobind Singh to refer to their right to wear a T-shirt that is sort of lame (especially if there is a veiled threat involved). If they were saying it to explain Bhindranwale's actions and why they believe he is a hero (which is how I originally read it), then it seems that at least some of the students are NOT as ill-informed as people are making them out to be.
Sikhnet.com carried a story explaining the reason for the T-shirts based on interviews of Surrey youth by a sociology instructor at Langara College (Vancouver).
http://www.sikhnet.com/sikhnet/news.nsf/NewsArchi…
oh good lord. while i support the kids and especially like the “free tibet” analogy above, that quote is a bit out of place and kind of indicates the misplaced priorities some above commenters and jodha (bki post) have noted. beyond their mere right to wear the shirts, maybe it’s not a great choice to wear them. but, that’s their call.
Sizzle helped me note that I may have read that quote out of context. If they were using the famous Zafarnama line of Guru Gobind Singh to refer to their right to wear a T-shirt that is sort of lame (especially if there is a veiled threat involved). If they were saying it to explain Bhindranwale’s actions and why they believe he is a hero (which is how I originally read it), then it seems that at least some of the students are NOT as ill-informed as people are making them out to be.
Sikhnet.com carried a story explaining the reason for the T-shirts based on interviews of Surrey youth by a sociology instructor at Langara College (Vancouver).
http://www.sikhnet.com/sikhnet/news.nsf/NewsArchive/2D445992ECEFD3E5872574320059F736
Do the shirts say 'khalistan' on them? Where is this 'khalistan' going to be? In canada??? cuz I don't know why I am convinced that none of them will ever move to India if they were to be awarded a Khalistan.
Also, Khalistan is a political enough message for school authorities step in. I commend school authorities' effort.
Do the shirts say ‘khalistan’ on them? Where is this ‘khalistan’ going to be? In canada??? cuz I don’t know why I am convinced that none of them will ever move to India if they were to be awarded a Khalistan.
Also, Khalistan is a political enough message for school authorities step in. I commend school authorities’ effort.
RR,
You may or may not be correct. However, do you feel the same way about those that wear 'Free Tibet' T-shirts as well?
Yes, Mewa Singh, I would. Politics or political agendas should be left at a school's doorstep.
I meant Yes, I 'DO' feel the same way that 'Free Tibet' T-shirts should also not be allowed in schools. It is a political agenda.
RR,
You may or may not be correct. However, do you feel the same way about those that wear ‘Free Tibet’ T-shirts as well?
Yes, Mewa Singh, I would. Politics or political agendas should be left at a school’s doorstep.
I meant Yes, I ‘DO’ feel the same way that ‘Free Tibet’ T-shirts should also not be allowed in schools. It is a political agenda.
Dear Roop,
Thanks for correcting your website. While I do appreciate your consistency with Tibet, I don't believe that the high school classroom can be cut off from the world around it nor should it be. To deny a student a means to express herself/himself or to engage in the world around them, I believe is a 'mis(s)ed-ucation.'
Dear Roop,
Thanks for correcting your website. While I do appreciate your consistency with Tibet, I don’t believe that the high school classroom can be cut off from the world around it nor should it be. To deny a student a means to express herself/himself or to engage in the world around them, I believe is a ‘mis(s)ed-ucation.’
Fair enough, J :). We just agree to disagree in that case. I don't think kids at that impressionable an age should be encouraged to bring politics into a closed environment like school. They are more than welcome to wear what they please outside. School should be a place of secularism, equality, and no conflicting political ideas. It is a place to learn the curriculum for career reasons primarily and gain unbiased knowledge to form a basis for rational thought. Plus I am amazed that kids so young are involved in this. They should have time to grow. hmm I'll write a post on this in fact. Kids and their impressionable minds because if you look at Islam, it is the youth who the terrorist organizations target for suicide attacks. It's because youth are easily impressed. A sad end for such promising lives.
Also, I must say I applaud you for continuing this discussion in a restrained and a respectful manner as opposed to what I've seen on most 'even mildly controversial' topics. Thanks.
Fair enough, J :). We just agree to disagree in that case. I don’t think kids at that impressionable an age should be encouraged to bring politics into a closed environment like school. They are more than welcome to wear what they please outside. School should be a place of secularism, equality, and no conflicting political ideas. It is a place to learn the curriculum for career reasons primarily and gain unbiased knowledge to form a basis for rational thought. Plus I am amazed that kids so young are involved in this. They should have time to grow. hmm I’ll write a post on this in fact. Kids and their impressionable minds because if you look at Islam, it is the youth who the terrorist organizations target for suicide attacks. It’s because youth are easily impressed. A sad end for such promising lives.
Also, I must say I applaud you for continuing this discussion in a restrained and a respectful manner as opposed to what I’ve seen on most ‘even mildly controversial’ topics. Thanks.
It is by examining contentious issues at a young age that youths' powers of analysis will be developed. High school age is young, but not too tender to do vichaar on politics. To forcibly remove such politics from school seems to be part of the trend in "dumbing down" education. We can see from the fact that people learn art and music in school (which very few people would be able to support themselves in), that school is about a lot more than just providing the basis for students to get jobs once they are out. It is providing education to promote the growth of the individual, and as politics touches everything in life, the absence of political understanding would certainly lead to lopsided growth.
And judging by the articulate response from the youth in the Voice article, at least some of them seem to have a pretty good idea what they are talking about.
It is by examining contentious issues at a young age that youths’ powers of analysis will be developed. High school age is young, but not too tender to do vichaar on politics. To forcibly remove such politics from school seems to be part of the trend in “dumbing down” education. We can see from the fact that people learn art and music in school (which very few people would be able to support themselves in), that school is about a lot more than just providing the basis for students to get jobs once they are out. It is providing education to promote the growth of the individual, and as politics touches everything in life, the absence of political understanding would certainly lead to lopsided growth.
And judging by the articulate response from the youth in the Voice article, at least some of them seem to have a pretty good idea what they are talking about.
I think it's unrealistic to think politics are, or even can be, "left at the doorstep" at schools. Politics inform everything from the content of curriculum to the physical infrastructure of classrooms. Speech is speech. I understand that in the U.S. context the Supreme Court has severely limited the rights afforded to youth, and I have no idea how comparative "free speech" laws apply in Canada — maybe, like the UK, they do not apply in the same way. I think high school is always a tricky time — folks are near the age of majority, but not close enough that communities and schools enforce their prevailing attitudes/standards on everything from dress to conduct. I think some of this, when related to the educational mission or the quality of community, can be relevant, but what if the school banned wearing t-shirts supporting a local candidate for office? Perhaps a "pro-environment" shirt? Where do these definitions begin and end?
I think it’s unrealistic to think politics are, or even can be, “left at the doorstep” at schools. Politics inform everything from the content of curriculum to the physical infrastructure of classrooms. Speech is speech. I understand that in the U.S. context the Supreme Court has severely limited the rights afforded to youth, and I have no idea how comparative “free speech” laws apply in Canada — maybe, like the UK, they do not apply in the same way. I think high school is always a tricky time — folks are near the age of majority, but not close enough that communities and schools enforce their prevailing attitudes/standards on everything from dress to conduct. I think some of this, when related to the educational mission or the quality of community, can be relevant, but what if the school banned wearing t-shirts supporting a local candidate for office? Perhaps a “pro-environment” shirt? Where do these definitions begin and end?
Mr. Prabhu Singh Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji ki Fateh indeed!! Finally, a man after my heart. You can't imagine how absolutely relieved I am to read your comments. Someone capable of a rational thought process and knowledgeable enough to hold a balanced point of view. More power to you!!
On the topic of freespeech – How about the black banners the students wore to protest the Vietnam war in the US. They were allowed to wear them because it was political speech – even if it offended many other students.
Also, most of the people who are protesting ag. the oppression of Tibetan people or the genocide in Darfur probably aren't gonna go live there. The kids might not go live in Khalistan, or maybe they don't even want a separate Khalistan. Maybe they're just wearing the T-shirts to point out the genocide/atrocities committed by the Indian government.
It seems ridiculous to me that people think wearing Khalistan t-shirts shows in interest in Sikh Dharma. As long as a single hair is cut, I don't believe these kids care at all about the Guru.
Khalistan is not a religious issue, it's a political issue. If they actually cared about Sikhi, they might wear the Guru's bana. How's that for a statement. These are more misguided and manipulated youth, who were born years after 1984 and are putting their western angst towards something they can identify with "Revolution." The problem is Khalistan is not a revolution it is a degradation of the fundamental concept of Ek Ong Kaar (we are all one). Khalistan is a pathetic excuse for those who can only see parts of this dusty earth as their domain. The Khalsa belong to God and their domain is infinite. Raj Karega Khalsa!
The Khalsa does not belong to India or Khalistan or any other division. Khalsa belongs to God and so too does victory. WaheGuru Ji Ka Khalsa, WaheGuru Ji Ki Fateh!
On the topic of freespeech – How about the black banners the students wore to protest the Vietnam war in the US. They were allowed to wear them because it was political speech – even if it offended many other students.
Also, most of the people who are protesting ag. the oppression of Tibetan people or the genocide in Darfur probably aren’t gonna go live there. The kids might not go live in Khalistan, or maybe they don’t even want a separate Khalistan. Maybe they’re just wearing the T-shirts to point out the genocide/atrocities committed by the Indian government.
It seems ridiculous to me that people think wearing Khalistan t-shirts shows in interest in Sikh Dharma. As long as a single hair is cut, I don’t believe these kids care at all about the Guru.
Khalistan is not a religious issue, it’s a political issue. If they actually cared about Sikhi, they might wear the Guru’s bana. How’s that for a statement. These are more misguided and manipulated youth, who were born years after 1984 and are putting their western angst towards something they can identify with “Revolution.” The problem is Khalistan is not a revolution it is a degradation of the fundamental concept of Ek Ong Kaar (we are all one). Khalistan is a pathetic excuse for those who can only see parts of this dusty earth as their domain. The Khalsa belong to God and their domain is infinite. Raj Karega Khalsa!
The Khalsa does not belong to India or Khalistan or any other division. Khalsa belongs to God and so too does victory. WaheGuru Ji Ka Khalsa, WaheGuru Ji Ki Fateh!
Politics should never be left at the doorstep of a school growing up in BC Current events was an essential part of our education. With Current events come politics and the world around you. With politics comes history and struggle and the plight of the few or the many.
The interview on Sikhnet just sparked a thought about what we discussed at some conferences and just round table discussions with friends and families.
At one of the conferences and kids day themes was Kartapur, and we discussed what is it where is it. I just feel this kid put it in terms I like that Kartarpur = Khalistan = A nation of people regardless of land mass = Khalsa = or taking liberties a great Sikh Nation. As point out by other Langarites "Free Tibet" is OK to the mainstream but Self Determination and Khalistan seem to be mad into Taboo subjects.
Bhuk Chuk Maaf (especially grammar).
Dear Prabhu,
It may seem 'ridiculous' that merely wearing a T-shirt shows interest, but it does. Movement occurs in steps and often piecemeal. However, what I am left wondering is why such a reflection of anger and hostility pouring from you? As you mentioned in another post, you are able to see the reflection of God, even in a stone object (particularly the Shiv Lingum), but then why can you not see God in your fellow man/woman? Why call them 'manipulated' or even their cause 'pathetic'?
Guru Gobind Singh loved people, not just the Khalsa. The Khalsa has a particular duty, responsibility, and role, but it is not to be born out of anger, hostility, and malice.
I have a feeling it comes out of your belief of a 'feudalistic' (to use your words) mindset that pervades many Sikhs. However let us begin with a dialogue, not anger and disgust. As you yourself said, see Ik Onkar.
Politics should never be left at the doorstep of a school growing up in BC Current events was an essential part of our education. With Current events come politics and the world around you. With politics comes history and struggle and the plight of the few or the many.
The interview on Sikhnet just sparked a thought about what we discussed at some conferences and just round table discussions with friends and families.
At one of the conferences and kids day themes was Kartapur, and we discussed what is it where is it. I just feel this kid put it in terms I like that Kartarpur = Khalistan = A nation of people regardless of land mass = Khalsa = or taking liberties a great Sikh Nation. As point out by other Langarites “Free Tibet” is OK to the mainstream but Self Determination and Khalistan seem to be mad into Taboo subjects.
Bhuk Chuk Maaf (especially grammar).
Dear Prabhu,
It may seem ‘ridiculous’ that merely wearing a T-shirt shows interest, but it does. Movement occurs in steps and often piecemeal. However, what I am left wondering is why such a reflection of anger and hostility pouring from you? As you mentioned in another post, you are able to see the reflection of God, even in a stone object (particularly the Shiv Lingum), but then why can you not see God in your fellow man/woman? Why call them ‘manipulated’ or even their cause ‘pathetic’?
Guru Gobind Singh loved people, not just the Khalsa. The Khalsa has a particular duty, responsibility, and role, but it is not to be born out of anger, hostility, and malice.
I have a feeling it comes out of your belief of a ‘feudalistic’ (to use your words) mindset that pervades many Sikhs. However let us begin with a dialogue, not anger and disgust. As you yourself said, see Ik Onkar.
I don't mean to show hostility towards any people, just towards depravity and unrighteousness. I think my post reflects that.
What seems ridiculous is not the interest shown by the t-shirts, the idea that the interest is Sikh related, when it is purely political. Khalistan has nothing to do with the message of the Guru, it's about a homeland for a select few Punjabis. I think it's a misguided idea and is not favorable to the majority of Sikhs.
If Khalistan is made then will Hazoor Sahib be a part of it? What about Nankana Sahib?
I know very few level-headed Khalistanis. Most, if you question Khalistan or the status of "Sant" given to Bhindranwale, they accuse you of being aligned with the RSS and not deserving of the name Singh (this type of behavior can be described as feudal).
So, if you feel the heat from my words, it's an expression of the heat given to me by limited feudal minds.
I see the light of God in them and I know they believe their anger to be righteous. But anger is one of the five thieves that rob us of a spiritual life. If you really want to nail the GOI for what they've done, yelling about Khalistan won't do anything. Helping the people of Punjab to live as Khalsa will get them to tremble at the knees.
I don’t mean to show hostility towards any people, just towards depravity and unrighteousness. I think my post reflects that.
What seems ridiculous is not the interest shown by the t-shirts, the idea that the interest is Sikh related, when it is purely political. Khalistan has nothing to do with the message of the Guru, it’s about a homeland for a select few Punjabis. I think it’s a misguided idea and is not favorable to the majority of Sikhs.
If Khalistan is made then will Hazoor Sahib be a part of it? What about Nankana Sahib?
I know very few level-headed Khalistanis. Most, if you question Khalistan or the status of “Sant” given to Bhindranwale, they accuse you of being aligned with the RSS and not deserving of the name Singh (this type of behavior can be described as feudal).
So, if you feel the heat from my words, it’s an expression of the heat given to me by limited feudal minds.
I see the light of God in them and I know they believe their anger to be righteous. But anger is one of the five thieves that rob us of a spiritual life. If you really want to nail the GOI for what they’ve done, yelling about Khalistan won’t do anything. Helping the people of Punjab to live as Khalsa will get them to tremble at the knees.
Mr. Prabhu Singh Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji ki Fateh indeed!! Finally, a man after my heart. You can’t imagine how absolutely relieved I am to read your comments. Someone capable of a rational thought process and knowledgeable enough to hold a balanced point of view. More power to you!!
I doubt these kids even understand what all the issues about Khalistan.
Everybody brings up issues like if the kids had Free Tibet shirts or some other political issues there would not be outrage. I would have to agree with that.
The problem with the Khalistan T-Shirts is that alot of people in Canada think of the Air India bombing when they think of Khalistan. With that being the worst terriorist attack in Canadian history, there will be very little support for this movenment here in Canada.
I doubt these kids even understand what all the issues about Khalistan.
Everybody brings up issues like if the kids had Free Tibet shirts or some other political issues there would not be outrage. I would have to agree with that.
The problem with the Khalistan T-Shirts is that alot of people in Canada think of the Air India bombing when they think of Khalistan. With that being the worst terriorist attack in Canadian history, there will be very little support for this movenment here in Canada.
All I have to say is that there is a major identity crisis in Canada amongst Sikh youths that manifests itself in feudal minded belligerence and confrontation and I can only see it increasing. The amount of double speak and hypocrisy on this issue is amazing. As for 'freedom of expression', the school has a right to refuse to allow political or sectarian slogans which can lead to division within its student body. Anybody who says this is not the intention of a co-ordinated wearing of these t-shirts is at best being disingenuous, at worst is being provocative in the extreme.
What an irony too, that they are all moneh and are utilising the symbols of Sikh to bolster a belligerent 'gangster' image. I can see the same dysfunction and militancy and self-generated amongst a section of Sikhs in Canada as I see in a section of Pakistani Muslims here in the UK, which has led to some very dark and horrible places, and I can only hope that the same does not happen amongst Sikhs in Canada.
Oh, and by the way, Prabhu Singh Khalsaji, I love you man.
WaheGuru!
I feel absolutely humbled and appreciative of both RR Ji and Bobby Ji. Really thank you for your kind words and I am really am touched by your thoughts. Actually Bobby Ji, after reading your two comments, I thought, 'Wow this guy feels the same way as me, but states it more eloquently.'
WaheGuru Ji Ka Khalsa, WaheGuru Ji Ki Fateh!
All I have to say is that there is a major identity crisis in Canada amongst Sikh youths that manifests itself in feudal minded belligerence and confrontation and I can only see it increasing. The amount of double speak and hypocrisy on this issue is amazing. As for ‘freedom of expression’, the school has a right to refuse to allow political or sectarian slogans which can lead to division within its student body. Anybody who says this is not the intention of a co-ordinated wearing of these t-shirts is at best being disingenuous, at worst is being provocative in the extreme.
What an irony too, that they are all moneh and are utilising the symbols of Sikh to bolster a belligerent ‘gangster’ image. I can see the same dysfunction and militancy and self-generated amongst a section of Sikhs in Canada as I see in a section of Pakistani Muslims here in the UK, which has led to some very dark and horrible places, and I can only hope that the same does not happen amongst Sikhs in Canada.
Oh, and by the way, Prabhu Singh Khalsaji, I love you man.
WaheGuru!
I feel absolutely humbled and appreciative of both RR Ji and Bobby Ji. Really thank you for your kind words and I am really am touched by your thoughts. Actually Bobby Ji, after reading your two comments, I thought, ‘Wow this guy feels the same way as me, but states it more eloquently.’
WaheGuru Ji Ka Khalsa, WaheGuru Ji Ki Fateh!
Prabhuji, it needs to be said. I believe the overwhelming majority of Sikhs feel the way we do, but don't articulate it enough. It's only those with an agenda, those belligerent ones, who need to scream the loudest precisely because they are so marginal already.
This is what happens when you pump people so full of rhetoric of belligerence, militancy, hatred, separatism. Of course nobody in India is interested in 'Khalistan', so all that brainwashing has to find an outlet somewhere, and it finds it in a pathetic little bullying campaign to wear political and sectarian slogans at a school in Canada and then act as if they are oppressed when told to take them off. This is really ridiculous. What are they going to do next, declare a massive morcha and dharamyudh against Canada? More and more they resemble the mentality of these [edited by admin: no name calling] jihadis we have in England who sulk in their own self-generated militant hatred and separatism and then blame everyone else for it.
And this is only happening to this extent in this part of Canada. Everywhere else in the diaspora Sikhs are doing without this attitude and ridiculous posturing bar a few exceptions. Canada has some major problems of mentality amongst a section of the Sikhs there — Taliban Sikhs I call them.
Prabhuji, it needs to be said. I believe the overwhelming majority of Sikhs feel the way we do, but don’t articulate it enough. It’s only those with an agenda, those belligerent ones, who need to scream the loudest precisely because they are so marginal already.
This is what happens when you pump people so full of rhetoric of belligerence, militancy, hatred, separatism. Of course nobody in India is interested in ‘Khalistan’, so all that brainwashing has to find an outlet somewhere, and it finds it in a pathetic little bullying campaign to wear political and sectarian slogans at a school in Canada and then act as if they are oppressed when told to take them off. This is really ridiculous. What are they going to do next, declare a massive morcha and dharamyudh against Canada? More and more they resemble the mentality of these [edited by admin: no name calling] jihadis we have in England who sulk in their own self-generated militant hatred and separatism and then blame everyone else for it.
And this is only happening to this extent in this part of Canada. Everywhere else in the diaspora Sikhs are doing without this attitude and ridiculous posturing bar a few exceptions. Canada has some major problems of mentality amongst a section of the Sikhs there — Taliban Sikhs I call them.