Will the Revolution be Televised? Sikhs and the Media
So, I’m a fan of Waris Singh Ahluwalia. It should be no surprise – he’s an actor who makes incredible jewelry and I’m all about diverse talents. Last year, with the release of
The Darjeeling Limited, he did an interview and responded to being honored for his positive portrayal of Sikhs in the media. I thought it was significant,
I don’t want to be honored that much. I really don’t. I’m humbled and utterly confused to be put in this position. All these galas and fundraisers, they’re really important–especially after 9/11, when we’re seen as one of the major religions, and nobody knows who we are. In terms of the Sikh community, we’ll raise our families, go to work, pay our taxes, be American citizens, and that [should be] enough. Guess what? That’s not enough.
Why is it not enough? Regardless of how “citizen-like” we act, will we continue to fight the typecasts and stereotypes the media has imposed on an “unfamiliar” community?
The Sikh community is highly conscious of how we are represented. Waris’ comments are not new, but they point out that he understands how individuals’ opinions are socially constructed by the media. Many of us have experienced how untimely images shown on the television screen in conjunction with Sikhs creates a backlash against our community. And the need to establish legal response teams to address these concerns has only solidified the lack of trust many Sikhs feel for the media’s portrayal of our community.
“Sikh temple terror links alleged,” or “B.C. to watch charities for links to terror groups” are unfortunate, yet common headlines in the newspapers in Canada. It is clear that this type of, often sensationalized media attention, impacts relationships between minority groups and the larger community. A survey once pointed out that Sikhs were the least-liked religious minority group, in hypo-Sikh Montreal. This type of media attention does not seem to be going away, so what is our reaction to this? Is it simply to create our own media outlets through Punjabi Sikh newspapers and websites – or should we be taking a more active role to ensure accurate representations of our community are portrayed in the mainstream media?
The Sikh Canadian Action Alliance is a new organization which aims to respond to the inaccurate portrayal of Sikhs in the media. A statement from the organization reads,
As we know, the media play a very significant role in shaping public opinion around specific issues but also around the communities in general. While we can shape what those around us think of Sikhs, the vast majority of people judge us only by what they see on TV, hear on the radio or read about us in newspapers and online. These opinions translate into political views that influence public policy. We must work together to improve the accuracy and accountability of Sikh media coverage and the portrayal of Sikhs.
Will it be organizations like this that will help quash negative images and representations of Sikhs? What role do we as individuals play in educating the community and responding to inaccuracies we observe in the media? Are we doing enough?
135 Responses to “Will the Revolution be Televised? Sikhs and the Media”
"the vast majority of people judge us only by what they see on TV, hear on the radio or read about us in newspapers and online. These opinions translate into political views that influence public policy"
I can accept that the general public really is that influenced by media portrayal. The media is a very powerful body. However, are political policies really based on public opinion? Was it public opinion that influenced the decision on the war on Iraq? I can accept that public opinion has an influence on some policies but I think that ultimately political policies are the result of the values of those that make them. So – be very careful who you vote for!
Never the less, media representation of people, should be accurate. Unfortunatly, the media is a body which frequently and unabashedly manipulates accuracy to generate interest and sell stories. The media, is just self interested and the development of representative organisations for those under-represented / inaccurately dipicted is a good thing. It's a SIKH thing to do! :o)
re: Mr Aluwalia? – why are you such a big fan? :oP
“the vast majority of people judge us only by what they see on TV, hear on the radio or read about us in newspapers and online. These opinions translate into political views that influence public policy”
I can accept that the general public really is that influenced by media portrayal. The media is a very powerful body. However, are political policies really based on public opinion? Was it public opinion that influenced the decision on the war on Iraq? I can accept that public opinion has an influence on some policies but I think that ultimately political policies are the result of the values of those that make them. So – be very careful who you vote for!
Never the less, media representation of people, should be accurate. Unfortunatly, the media is a body which frequently and unabashedly manipulates accuracy to generate interest and sell stories. The media, is just self interested and the development of representative organisations for those under-represented / inaccurately dipicted is a good thing. It’s a SIKH thing to do! :o)
re: Mr Aluwalia? – why are you such a big fan? :oP
The media will often portray us through the lens of an outsider – hesitating to validate our practices and quick to criticize. So in response to the ultimate questions asked by Sundari -the Sikh role in a more accurate and fair portrayal is huge, but I don't believe that merely responding to inaccuracies is enough. At the moment we have many "watchdog" agencies that try and get corrections and apologies, but who, other than Sikhs, really cares? I don't mean to downplay the role of Sikh media watch agencies, because I think that what they do is also necessary, but in terms of effects – we need to do more as a community. When a front page article portrays Sikhs negatively and a correction is printed a week later, do most people really get it? Those who read the article are unlikely to read the "corrections" and actually connect the two. So in addition I think we also need Sikhs in the media world.
If we want to be portrayed fairly, we have to take some control of the media. To some degree we need to move out of our traditional professional bubbles and venture into the the professions that control the media – journalist, actors, writers, professors and such. Will this fix the problem entirely? Probably not – but it will definitely ensure a more fair reporting of Sikhs.
p.s. The reason I am not fully convinced is that Canada is a place where Sikhs are to a larger degree a part of the mainstream – from politics and journalism to financial sectors – yet in your post, Sundari, you reference (rightly) our negative portrayal in the Canadian media – validating that even when we begin to get control the media we will face challenges. But I am willing to wager that more Canadians are knowledgeable about Sikhs than Americans. So while problems may still exist, being more involved in the media defiantly puts us in a better position to combat inaccuracy and ignorance.
The media will often portray us through the lens of an outsider – hesitating to validate our practices and quick to criticize. So in response to the ultimate questions asked by Sundari -the Sikh role in a more accurate and fair portrayal is huge, but I don’t believe that merely responding to inaccuracies is enough. At the moment we have many “watchdog” agencies that try and get corrections and apologies, but who, other than Sikhs, really cares? I don’t mean to downplay the role of Sikh media watch agencies, because I think that what they do is also necessary, but in terms of effects – we need to do more as a community. When a front page article portrays Sikhs negatively and a correction is printed a week later, do most people really get it? Those who read the article are unlikely to read the “corrections” and actually connect the two. So in addition I think we also need Sikhs in the media world.
If we want to be portrayed fairly, we have to take some control of the media. To some degree we need to move out of our traditional professional bubbles and venture into the the professions that control the media – journalist, actors, writers, professors and such. Will this fix the problem entirely? Probably not – but it will definitely ensure a more fair reporting of Sikhs.
p.s. The reason I am not fully convinced is that Canada is a place where Sikhs are to a larger degree a part of the mainstream – from politics and journalism to financial sectors – yet in your post, Sundari, you reference (rightly) our negative portrayal in the Canadian media – validating that even when we begin to get control the media we will face challenges. But I am willing to wager that more Canadians are knowledgeable about Sikhs than Americans. So while problems may still exist, being more involved in the media defiantly puts us in a better position to combat inaccuracy and ignorance.
Yeah good question. As you might know, the Sikh Media Watch And Resource Task Force was founded for exactly this reason–to watch the media and correct inaccurate portrayals while encouraging positive ones. The organization was founded in 1996 and has since morphed into the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF). So these organizations are there, but it really comes down to you as an individual writing to people. For example, if you see a good article somewhere about Sikhs, write to the author and say you enjoyed the piece. That goes a long way in building goodwill. And if you see something you don't like, say you enjoyed the piece but point out the issues. 😉
Yeah good question. As you might know, the Sikh Media Watch And Resource Task Force was founded for exactly this reason–to watch the media and correct inaccurate portrayals while encouraging positive ones. The organization was founded in 1996 and has since morphed into the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF). So these organizations are there, but it really comes down to you as an individual writing to people. For example, if you see a good article somewhere about Sikhs, write to the author and say you enjoyed the piece. That goes a long way in building goodwill. And if you see something you don’t like, say you enjoyed the piece but point out the issues. 😉
It has always upset me that when a Sikh character is needed in a movie, a non-Sikh actor is used, along with a fake beard and turban. But whose fault is that? Sure, there aren't enough Sikh actors out there to fill that need but at the same time, it's offensive to see a fake beard glued onto an actor with a badly-tied turban. As a community we tend to complain continuously about the bad media attention we get, but other than a few organizations working hard to combat this issue, we don't really have any community-wide monitoring so your points are well taken Sundari. We, as a community, have only begun to respond to the negative representation of Sikhs in the media. Progress is being made in the West, but surprisingly stereotyping continues in India where our community is much larger (but probably not as well organized). Singh, you make a good point that having a larger community doesn't mean better representation – and we see that in both Canada and India.
PS: Waris Ahuluwalia looks sharp in that picture!
It has always upset me that when a Sikh character is needed in a movie, a non-Sikh actor is used, along with a fake beard and turban. But whose fault is that? Sure, there aren’t enough Sikh actors out there to fill that need but at the same time, it’s offensive to see a fake beard glued onto an actor with a badly-tied turban. As a community we tend to complain continuously about the bad media attention we get, but other than a few organizations working hard to combat this issue, we don’t really have any community-wide monitoring so your points are well taken Sundari. We, as a community, have only begun to respond to the negative representation of Sikhs in the media. Progress is being made in the West, but surprisingly stereotyping continues in India where our community is much larger (but probably not as well organized). Singh, you make a good point that having a larger community doesn’t mean better representation – and we see that in both Canada and India.
PS: Waris Ahuluwalia looks sharp in that picture!
Idiot, political policies may not be directly a result of public opinion but are definitely linked to how much (and what kind of) attention an issue is given in the media. All these terms are linked to each other and i think we can use the Laibar Singh case in Canada as an example. There has been a lot of debate around the deportation of Laibar Singh who is being sheltered at a gurdwara. In the past, this man may have been saved from the legalities of deportation but i believe that since the media has portrayed such a negative image of Sikhs, the government is under the pressure to not just sweep this issue under the rug. Like the link in the post suggests, Canadians don't exactly see the Sikh community in a favorable light.
Idiot, political policies may not be directly a result of public opinion but are definitely linked to how much (and what kind of) attention an issue is given in the media. All these terms are linked to each other and i think we can use the Laibar Singh case in Canada as an example. There has been a lot of debate around the deportation of Laibar Singh who is being sheltered at a gurdwara. In the past, this man may have been saved from the legalities of deportation but i believe that since the media has portrayed such a negative image of Sikhs, the government is under the pressure to not just sweep this issue under the rug. Like the link in the post suggests, Canadians don’t exactly see the Sikh community in a favorable light.
im from london uk– the sikhs are the coolest people in my high school. its easy to chat behind their backs but if any one was to offend them to their face- the sikhs wud fight untill they have juctice and have taught the other geezer that racism is wrong!
im from london uk– the sikhs are the coolest people in my high school. its easy to chat behind their backs but if any one was to offend them to their face- the sikhs wud fight untill they have juctice and have taught the other geezer that racism is wrong!
Savraj, thanks for highlighting SALDEF, an organization doing some very important work. Maestro, representations of Sikhs in India has always been dismal and is a huge issue for the Diaspora. I think this is beginning to change, though, with more Panjabi films (Dil Apna Punjabi, for example) being produced with Sikh/Panjabi actors.
Idiot, I do believe that the public influences policy and that the media is one of the most influential vehicles driving those opinions. It's unfortunate, but true that people are easily led and the majority of individuals do not question what they see in the media. It's fascinating to me that while we are such a visible minority, we are still so misunderstood, even in places like Canada/India/UK where our community has such a presence. I think we're beginning to see a change in representations of Sikhs mainly because we've decided we're not going to sit back and watch other individuals define us. I'm a fan of Waris because quite simply, I think he's breaking barriers for Sikhs. But most importantly, he doesn't have to compromise his identity to do it… and oh, i like his style.
Idiot, I do believe that the public influences policy and that the media is one of the most influential vehicles driving those opinions. It’s unfortunate, but true that people are easily led and the majority of individuals do not question what they see in the media. It’s fascinating to me that while we are such a visible minority, we are still so misunderstood, even in places like Canada/India/UK where our community has such a presence. I think we’re beginning to see a change in representations of Sikhs mainly because we’ve decided we’re not going to sit back and watch other individuals define us. I’m a fan of Waris because quite simply, I think he’s breaking barriers for Sikhs. But most importantly, he doesn’t have to compromise his identity to do it… and oh, i like his style.
Singh, you make some really good points. Watchdog agencies are important and have been a huge resource for our community – but there has to be more than a few organizations monitoring our representation. I don't think people bother with reading corrections and by then, a judgment most likely has already been made, whether consciously or subconsciously. Perhaps the gap is that we don't have a strong representation of Sikhs working in the media field who can monitor information before it is made public. One of the good things about the Spinning Wheel Film Festivals is that they highlight up and coming Sikh filmmakers who are committed to creating films that portray our community accurately. It's one step in the right direction, but at the same time, we have to support this art form as a community and currently we don't do a good job of doing that. I completely agree with your comment that even when we have large Sikh communities or Sikhs in positions of power, it does not necessarily ensure that Sikhs will be represented accurately and that's why it is the responsibility of our community to take a stand against these inaccuracies.
Singh, you make some really good points. Watchdog agencies are important and have been a huge resource for our community – but there has to be more than a few organizations monitoring our representation. I don’t think people bother with reading corrections and by then, a judgment most likely has already been made, whether consciously or subconsciously. Perhaps the gap is that we don’t have a strong representation of Sikhs working in the media field who can monitor information before it is made public. One of the good things about the Spinning Wheel Film Festivals is that they highlight up and coming Sikh filmmakers who are committed to creating films that portray our community accurately. It’s one step in the right direction, but at the same time, we have to support this art form as a community and currently we don’t do a good job of doing that. I completely agree with your comment that even when we have large Sikh communities or Sikhs in positions of power, it does not necessarily ensure that Sikhs will be represented accurately and that’s why it is the responsibility of our community to take a stand against these inaccuracies.
Savraj, thanks for highlighting SALDEF, an organization doing some very important work. Maestro, representations of Sikhs in India has always been dismal and is a huge issue for the Diaspora. I think this is beginning to change, though, with more Panjabi films (Dil Apna Punjabi, for example) being produced with Sikh/Panjabi actors.
'But most importantly, he doesn’t have to compromise his identity to do it…'
and does he maintain his values as well?
The problem I have with modern day Sikhs and our discussions is that they are so identity focused. It's a lot to do with 'our place in the world' which is fine in itself but we sometimes (more often than not) forget the VALUES that the outward identity represents. Are our personal choices condusive with those values? Career choice, personal decisions, behaviour etc?
Are we simply looking to 'fit in' with the world or are we trying to shape ourselves and our environments with our beliefs?
This is not just a critism of others, It is one of myself too. I think recently I have fallen into the trap of reacting to the world (not positively – I'm not so interested in 'fitting in') and I have forgotten to act in accordance with my beliefs / with the teachings of Guru ji.
Ultimately – what are we trying to protect / represent? our 'community'? have you seen the state of it? are we fixing problems within it? Frankly I've disassociated myself with this scene, with the exception of a bit of contact with a few individuals. Sad isn't it – but I see no reason to promote something which is destroying itself.
why am I still writing and taking an interest in things that affect it? Actually I don't know. But some of the things you write about here still touch me.
‘But most importantly, he doesn’t have to compromise his identity to do it…’
and does he maintain his values as well?
The problem I have with modern day Sikhs and our discussions is that they are so identity focused. It’s a lot to do with ‘our place in the world’ which is fine in itself but we sometimes (more often than not) forget the VALUES that the outward identity represents. Are our personal choices condusive with those values? Career choice, personal decisions, behaviour etc?
Are we simply looking to ‘fit in’ with the world or are we trying to shape ourselves and our environments with our beliefs?
This is not just a critism of others, It is one of myself too. I think recently I have fallen into the trap of reacting to the world (not positively – I’m not so interested in ‘fitting in’) and I have forgotten to act in accordance with my beliefs / with the teachings of Guru ji.
Ultimately – what are we trying to protect / represent? our ‘community’? have you seen the state of it? are we fixing problems within it? Frankly I’ve disassociated myself with this scene, with the exception of a bit of contact with a few individuals. Sad isn’t it – but I see no reason to promote something which is destroying itself.
why am I still writing and taking an interest in things that affect it? Actually I don’t know. But some of the things you write about here still touch me.
Perhaps I shouldn't have written such a derogatory comment on such a public forum. I think the work that you do on this website is positive. You display the right intentions – and I should have respected that before hitting the submit key.
I just feel so jaded about the current state of affairs in Sikhi. Everywhere I look I see people manipulting its basics in order to promote and aid their own interests. Since when has the gathering of wealth been condusive to Sikh ideals? Since when has 'power' been representitive of the teachings of our Guru Sahibaan? Since when has personal gain been a motive of Sikhi? But everywhere I look I see this going on.
I still – 24 years on – don't get the Khalistan debate. I tell you why – because those who will end up running this state will do just a brilliant a job of screwing up society as those who ran india during the riots. Because at the end of the day we are all human – and we all respond to human instincts.
If Guru Gobind Singh Ji had wanted Sikhs to have physical leaders / they would not have established Guru Granth Sahib ji as our eternal Guru. Maybe they recognised / predicted that humans in the age of kajug would not be fit to rule. I don't know.
I apologise for sounding off – I'm not trying to provoke anyone or 'cause trouble' or instigate a reaction. I'm airing my thoughts. Rightly / wrongly. I'm not saying all the things I'm saying are right. Most probably they're not – But hey everyone else seems to run around doing and saying what they want without serious thought of the consequences.
Is said somewhere before that I'd pick and choose my rules (from the rehat maryada) this is not practice that I condone – I think the rehat maryada is or at least was when first instigated a pious set of guidlines but I don't get what gives one person in modern society the right to make rules for others particularly if those rules are unfair / don't take into account the complexties and difficulties of those that are supressed.
Perhaps I shouldn’t have written such a derogatory comment on such a public forum. I think the work that you do on this website is positive. You display the right intentions – and I should have respected that before hitting the submit key.
I just feel so jaded about the current state of affairs in Sikhi. Everywhere I look I see people manipulting its basics in order to promote and aid their own interests. Since when has the gathering of wealth been condusive to Sikh ideals? Since when has ‘power’ been representitive of the teachings of our Guru Sahibaan? Since when has personal gain been a motive of Sikhi? But everywhere I look I see this going on.
I still – 24 years on – don’t get the Khalistan debate. I tell you why – because those who will end up running this state will do just a brilliant a job of screwing up society as those who ran india during the riots. Because at the end of the day we are all human – and we all respond to human instincts.
If Guru Gobind Singh Ji had wanted Sikhs to have physical leaders / they would not have established Guru Granth Sahib ji as our eternal Guru. Maybe they recognised / predicted that humans in the age of kajug would not be fit to rule. I don’t know.
I apologise for sounding off – I’m not trying to provoke anyone or ’cause trouble’ or instigate a reaction. I’m airing my thoughts. Rightly / wrongly. I’m not saying all the things I’m saying are right. Most probably they’re not – But hey everyone else seems to run around doing and saying what they want without serious thought of the consequences.
Is said somewhere before that I’d pick and choose my rules (from the rehat maryada) this is not practice that I condone – I think the rehat maryada is or at least was when first instigated a pious set of guidlines but I don’t get what gives one person in modern society the right to make rules for others particularly if those rules are unfair / don’t take into account the complexties and difficulties of those that are supressed.
idiot, I think you're not alone in feeling this way. And I think your other question (are we living lives in accordance with Sikhi, or is it simply about outward [physical] appearances) is also relevant. I think, among the many things we hope to do here, this is a forum to find like-minded folks and think of positive and progressive actions we could take to help ourselves live more "Sikhi-infused" lives. Change has gotta come from within our community, but it's bound to be frustrating and complicated with mixed results. That said, I think you should keep asking these questions, and maybe we'll have time/space to discuss them as this blog continues to grow.
idiot, I think you’re not alone in feeling this way. And I think your other question (are we living lives in accordance with Sikhi, or is it simply about outward [physical] appearances) is also relevant. I think, among the many things we hope to do here, this is a forum to find like-minded folks and think of positive and progressive actions we could take to help ourselves live more “Sikhi-infused” lives. Change has gotta come from within our community, but it’s bound to be frustrating and complicated with mixed results. That said, I think you should keep asking these questions, and maybe we’ll have time/space to discuss them as this blog continues to grow.
Idiot, I completely agree with you and don't believe that upholding an external identity necessarily means you are a good Sikh. Does Waris maintain Sikh values in addition to maintaining an outward identity? I cannot say for sure because I [unfortunately] don't know him. But from what I have read about him in interviews, he does suggest that the tenets of Sikhi play an integral role in his life. So far, he hasn't felt the pressure to compromise those principles simply because of the industry he is in. Other actor/models, such as Vikram Chatwal for example, may maintain an external appearance of a Sikh but don't uphold the values you speak of.
Like Camille, I would say that we hope this blog will be a forum for you to discuss your issues with the current state of Sikhi affairs. There is a rising voice amongst young Sikhs who take real issue with the way our Guru's teachings are being manipulated and practiced today.
Idiot, I completely agree with you and don’t believe that upholding an external identity necessarily means you are a good Sikh. Does Waris maintain Sikh values in addition to maintaining an outward identity? I cannot say for sure because I [unfortunately] don’t know him. But from what I have read about him in interviews, he does suggest that the tenets of Sikhi play an integral role in his life. So far, he hasn’t felt the pressure to compromise those principles simply because of the industry he is in. Other actor/models, such as Vikram Chatwal for example, may maintain an external appearance of a Sikh but don’t uphold the values you speak of.
Like Camille, I would say that we hope this blog will be a forum for you to discuss your issues with the current state of Sikhi affairs. There is a rising voice amongst young Sikhs who take real issue with the way our Guru’s teachings are being manipulated and practiced today.
I don’t mean to downplay the role of Sikh media watch agencies, because I think that what they do is also necessary, but in terms of effects – we need to do more as a community. When a front page article portrays Sikhs negatively and a correction is printed a week later, do most people really get it? Those who read the article are unlikely to read the “corrections” and actually connect the two. So in addition I think we also need Sikhs in the media world.
Just like any course of action, it starts small. The civil rights movement, equality for women and even negative agenda's like the one al queada is trying to fuel are examples of how ideas and change start small. So, I would say that merely making an issue of such a negative portrait and having the publisher/editor print a "correction" is a great stepping stone of achievement. If the same author/editor/publisher makes the same mistake next time, they don't have an excuse (not that professionals in media should use the ignorance plea to begin with). I'm thinking of the "nappy headed hoes" comment by Don Imus. The next time such a felony takes place it deserves a louder unified response by our community.
This is how change starts, by merely "counting" the mistakes and inaccuracies.
I don’t mean to downplay the role of Sikh media watch agencies, because I think that what they do is also necessary, but in terms of effects – we need to do more as a community. When a front page article portrays Sikhs negatively and a correction is printed a week later, do most people really get it? Those who read the article are unlikely to read the “corrections” and actually connect the two. So in addition I think we also need Sikhs in the media world.
Just like any course of action, it starts small. The civil rights movement, equality for women and even negative agenda’s like the one al queada is trying to fuel are examples of how ideas and change start small. So, I would say that merely making an issue of such a negative portrait and having the publisher/editor print a “correction” is a great stepping stone of achievement. If the same author/editor/publisher makes the same mistake next time, they don’t have an excuse (not that professionals in media should use the ignorance plea to begin with). I’m thinking of the “nappy headed hoes” comment by Don Imus. The next time such a felony takes place it deserves a louder unified response by our community.
This is how change starts, by merely “counting” the mistakes and inaccuracies.
I am not sure if this will hijack the thread and I am wary about posting this, but I do think that with our extreme lack of institutions within our community, redundancy and representation are also problems.
Most of our non-Gurdwara organizations are engaged with media watch and representation. Those that immediately come to mind are Sikh Coalition, SALDEF, SCORE, and I am sure there is a litany of others. (Obviously there are non-Gurdwara organizations not focused on this as well, Ensaaf has been highlighted on this blog, SRI also comes to mind, so do youth-oriented initiatives such as Jago, the Jakara Movement, or Surat.) However, where is the fine-line between media watch and legal/governmental advocacy, and claiming 'representation' of the community? We are a young community and our institutions are growing, but I do think this will become a critical issue. Can these media watch/legal advocacy groups, claim 'representation' of the Sikh community, when they have no democratic framework?
PS: This should not be construed as a criticism of their wonderful work, but merely a structural question that the community should possibly ponder.
I am not sure if this will hijack the thread and I am wary about posting this, but I do think that with our extreme lack of institutions within our community, redundancy and representation are also problems.
Most of our non-Gurdwara organizations are engaged with media watch and representation. Those that immediately come to mind are Sikh Coalition, SALDEF, SCORE, and I am sure there is a litany of others. (Obviously there are non-Gurdwara organizations not focused on this as well, Ensaaf has been highlighted on this blog, SRI also comes to mind, so do youth-oriented initiatives such as Jago, the Jakara Movement, or Surat.) However, where is the fine-line between media watch and legal/governmental advocacy, and claiming ‘representation’ of the community? We are a young community and our institutions are growing, but I do think this will become a critical issue. Can these media watch/legal advocacy groups, claim ‘representation’ of the Sikh community, when they have no democratic framework?
PS: This should not be construed as a criticism of their wonderful work, but merely a structural question that the community should possibly ponder.
We should be so proud of this person. Our biggest problem is that we are seen as indiffrent from Muslims.
people do not understand the difference.
Waris is doing a very important job. he is educating the world by example.
Well done and keep up the good work. People must know who we are and this is one way to acheive this. other ways are through our proffesions and eductaion.
We should be so proud of this person. Our biggest problem is that we are seen as indiffrent from Muslims.
people do not understand the difference.
Waris is doing a very important job. he is educating the world by example.
Well done and keep up the good work. People must know who we are and this is one way to acheive this. other ways are through our proffesions and eductaion.
"There is a rising voice amongst young Sikhs who take real issue with the way our Guru’s teachings are being manipulated and practiced today"
I'm not really sure if discussions on forums will help since it's exactly the people who set up forums / sikh websites and who beat the 'SIKHI' 'DHOL' that violate Sikh Values and misrepresent Guru Sahib's teachings through their actions.
I'm not pointing the finger at any of you. I don't know you. I'm reflecting on three years worth of the 'sikh' internet experience.
There was a time when I thought that someone in a turban was someone you could turn to in times of need (this was the purpose of the external identity in Guru Gobind Singh Ji's era) – My experiences have now lead me to think 'see a person in a turban and run in the opposite direction – as fast and far as you possibly can'
That's coming from someone who was born into a GurSikh family and raised by a devout mother.
“There is a rising voice amongst young Sikhs who take real issue with the way our Guru’s teachings are being manipulated and practiced today”
I’m not really sure if discussions on forums will help since it’s exactly the people who set up forums / sikh websites and who beat the ‘SIKHI’ ‘DHOL’ that violate Sikh Values and misrepresent Guru Sahib’s teachings through their actions.
I’m not pointing the finger at any of you. I don’t know you. I’m reflecting on three years worth of the ‘sikh’ internet experience.
There was a time when I thought that someone in a turban was someone you could turn to in times of need (this was the purpose of the external identity in Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s era) – My experiences have now lead me to think ‘see a person in a turban and run in the opposite direction – as fast and far as you possibly can’
That’s coming from someone who was born into a GurSikh family and raised by a devout mother.
I care about Sikhi. I care about Sikh values. I just don't care about people who falsely call themselves 'Sikh' usually they are the very same people that make very public alliegences with Sikhi.
If you want me to say it how I think it then frankly I'm more afriad of entering a Gurdwara for all the perving male eyes than I am of walking the street with a million strangers. How frightening is that for the future of Sikhi?
Men with false pride and flared rage. Women with their gossiping and scheming. What's the point?
I care about Sikhi. I care about Sikh values. I just don’t care about people who falsely call themselves ‘Sikh’ usually they are the very same people that make very public alliegences with Sikhi.
If you want me to say it how I think it then frankly I’m more afriad of entering a Gurdwara for all the perving male eyes than I am of walking the street with a million strangers. How frightening is that for the future of Sikhi?
Men with false pride and flared rage. Women with their gossiping and scheming. What’s the point?
I'm actually surprised that no one has issued any insults towards me on this site since I've said some pretty controversial things. I'm not inviting insults (If they're issued they'll be returned – until I get bored with doing so or fed up) because everything I have said is true to my experience and I stand by my words.
I'm so sickened by what goes on in our 'community' that sometimes I could just really cry out loud. I'm so affected by it all that it enrages me on a daily basis now and unfortunately for this website I seem to vent it all here.
I apologise for messing up a thread which is struggling to be positive under my cutting comments.
I’m actually surprised that no one has issued any insults towards me on this site since I’ve said some pretty controversial things. I’m not inviting insults (If they’re issued they’ll be returned – until I get bored with doing so or fed up) because everything I have said is true to my experience and I stand by my words.
I’m so sickened by what goes on in our ‘community’ that sometimes I could just really cry out loud. I’m so affected by it all that it enrages me on a daily basis now and unfortunately for this website I seem to vent it all here.
I apologise for messing up a thread which is struggling to be positive under my cutting comments.
All that controversy – the halaballoo over the play dipicting the rape of a Sikh girl by a granthi – Sikh's all over protested that that the act should not have been dipicted in the apparent presence of the guru granth sahib / in a darbaar sahib – what difference does the location make?!
There are acts akin to this occuring in the real world by people who like to label themselves as Sikhs – what difference does the presence or absence of Guru Granth Sahib ji make? GOD is omnipresent is He not?!
All that controversy – the halaballoo over the play dipicting the rape of a Sikh girl by a granthi – Sikh’s all over protested that that the act should not have been dipicted in the apparent presence of the guru granth sahib / in a darbaar sahib – what difference does the location make?!
There are acts akin to this occuring in the real world by people who like to label themselves as Sikhs – what difference does the presence or absence of Guru Granth Sahib ji make? GOD is omnipresent is He not?!
I'm not suggesting for one minute that such acts should occur in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib ji. I'm suggesting that such acts should not occur anywhere in the real world – especially not by those who represent Gurus who slayed perpertrators who comitted such acts. I'm suggesting that if there are problems like this in communites then those who speak out about them should not be silenced. 'Sikhs' were more worried about the fact that someone had chosen through fiction to depict true life incidents to the wider community than they were about the fact that such acts may have occurred. It was all about the image and not about the message.
eh taan ohee ho gayia
galee usee changiaan aachaaree buriaan!
I'm so fed up. so so fed up that those who are meant to stand up and speak the truth! to fight for the truth! hide behind veils of lies.
I'm so fed up that I let myself be cajolled into these comfortable lies.
I’m not suggesting for one minute that such acts should occur in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib ji. I’m suggesting that such acts should not occur anywhere in the real world – especially not by those who represent Gurus who slayed perpertrators who comitted such acts. I’m suggesting that if there are problems like this in communites then those who speak out about them should not be silenced. ‘Sikhs’ were more worried about the fact that someone had chosen through fiction to depict true life incidents to the wider community than they were about the fact that such acts may have occurred. It was all about the image and not about the message.
eh taan ohee ho gayia
galee usee changiaan aachaaree buriaan!
I’m so fed up. so so fed up that those who are meant to stand up and speak the truth! to fight for the truth! hide behind veils of lies.
I’m so fed up that I let myself be cajolled into these comfortable lies.
Hi Mr Idiot…
I hear what your saying. i am no one to preach as i do not have the answers myself.
Religion is very personal and we all interpret it diffrently. what i may think is right or wrong, you may not. So long as what we do, we personally beleive is right then i think we are doing good.
As far a sikhi as a unit in this world is concerned. everyones motives are different, some what name and fame and some one good Karam. Some want to do got for sikhi and some want to do good but do well out of it themselves.
No two people will ever be the same.
Sikhi is what you are and what you can do to live by the rules which you understand.
As a community there will always be differnces.
Sikhism is teh best religion, we are just bad keepers of it.
Hi Mr Idiot…
I hear what your saying. i am no one to preach as i do not have the answers myself.
Religion is very personal and we all interpret it diffrently. what i may think is right or wrong, you may not. So long as what we do, we personally beleive is right then i think we are doing good.
As far a sikhi as a unit in this world is concerned. everyones motives are different, some what name and fame and some one good Karam. Some want to do got for sikhi and some want to do good but do well out of it themselves.
No two people will ever be the same.
Sikhi is what you are and what you can do to live by the rules which you understand.
As a community there will always be differnces.
Sikhism is teh best religion, we are just bad keepers of it.
You said I should speak my mind. That I should ask questions.
I have spoken my mind.
Now answer my one question – WHY?
Forgive me, I am not a sophisticated person. I don't understand legalities and liabilities. I don't care much for decadence. I say what I think based on what I see. I'm sorry if that hurts people but I'm not sorry for speaking my mind.
You said I should speak my mind. That I should ask questions.
I have spoken my mind.
Now answer my one question – WHY?
Forgive me, I am not a sophisticated person. I don’t understand legalities and liabilities. I don’t care much for decadence. I say what I think based on what I see. I’m sorry if that hurts people but I’m not sorry for speaking my mind.
"Sikhism is teh best religion, we are just bad keepers of it."
Not good enough. When straightforward principles of Sikhi are dissolved and dilluted with MUD. Not good enough an answer.
If each are entitled to their own interpretation – What is the point of discussing Sikhi then? Why have post pictures of people who wear big dastaars and work in corrupt meaninless industries like fashion and praise them for not cutting their hair? What's the point?
I'm not perfect – part of my rage is towards myself.
I believe that I have said enough – I shall not post again.
“Sikhism is teh best religion, we are just bad keepers of it.”
Not good enough. When straightforward principles of Sikhi are dissolved and dilluted with MUD. Not good enough an answer.
If each are entitled to their own interpretation – What is the point of discussing Sikhi then? Why have post pictures of people who wear big dastaars and work in corrupt meaninless industries like fashion and praise them for not cutting their hair? What’s the point?
I’m not perfect – part of my rage is towards myself.
I believe that I have said enough – I shall not post again.
ps. It's Ms idiot and not Mr.
ps. It’s Ms idiot and not Mr.
idiot…. first of all it is easy to get bogged down by the negativity. I see what you mean by the gossiping women in the gurudwara. I do not fit in either… It does feel suffocating… But the point is why let that get to you. You know what you have come to the Gurudwara for and take it is a challenge to not let anything interfere. It is possible, when I was younger it bothered me. However,I would shut my eyes and listen to the bani and let the bani take me for a journey inside my mind and it worked. It still works. The positive energy of the bani is much stronger than anything other negative force. Once you let that surround you the other trivial things disappear. Believe in the goodness and it will surround you.
idiot…. first of all it is easy to get bogged down by the negativity. I see what you mean by the gossiping women in the gurudwara. I do not fit in either… It does feel suffocating… But the point is why let that get to you. You know what you have come to the Gurudwara for and take it is a challenge to not let anything interfere. It is possible, when I was younger it bothered me. However,I would shut my eyes and listen to the bani and let the bani take me for a journey inside my mind and it worked. It still works. The positive energy of the bani is much stronger than anything other negative force. Once you let that surround you the other trivial things disappear. Believe in the goodness and it will surround you.
I once held the fanciful ideals that you dipict – I’ve decided I’m better off away from it. Anyway I haven’t just talked about trivial things such as gossip. The gossip is neither here nor there underneath the shadows of the orange turbans that are black on the inside. I’m not negative without reason. I am choosing not to share my personal experiences for the sake of my own sanity otherwise you’d easily accept why I am so jaded.
I’m not abandoning my beliefs and I will endeavour to work on my practice but I’m abandoning this so called ‘community’. I’ve had enough.
I once held the fanciful ideals that you dipict – I've decided I'm better off away from it. Anyway I haven't just talked about trivial things such as gossip. The gossip is neither here nor there underneath the shadows of the orange turbans that are black on the inside. I'm not negative without reason. I am choosing not to share my personal experiences for the sake of my own sanity otherwise you'd easily accept why I am so jaded.
I'm not abandoning my beliefs and I will endeavour to work on my practice but I'm abandoning this so called 'community'. I've had enough.
Beisdes – I quite like the negativity – it absolves my of my responsibility to do good for others. Something which I have always always strived to do and something which has rearely ever been repaid with the same effort.
anyway didn't someone say 'It's my interpretation'
Beisdes – I quite like the negativity – it absolves my of my responsibility to do good for others. Something which I have always always strived to do and something which has rearely ever been repaid with the same effort.
anyway didn’t someone say ‘It’s my interpretation’
Dear Ms Idiot
First of all, please use the name that represents who you are. Clearly you are not an idiot and are infact very clever because you do not follw the herd and you think for your self.
My comment earlier about being bad keepers meant that, sikhism is a wonderful religion but many do not follow what we should be doing.
So long as we do our best then we sare doing what we can.
At teh end of teh day, if Mr x calls himself a sikh but does things which a sikh should not, yes it pisses us off but who are we to judge. Thats God's job. Mr X will be judged for his own Karam.
We need to worry about our own karam. do what you can and help other who you can help.
the propeblem is we all interpret religion differntly. yes the basic rules are clear but many mix tradition and culture and confuse themselves.
So just do the best you can and then rest assured that GOd knows what was in your heart.
We are all judged on our own actions. dont let the actions of other get you down.. please
Dear Ms Idiot
First of all, please use the name that represents who you are. Clearly you are not an idiot and are infact very clever because you do not follw the herd and you think for your self.
My comment earlier about being bad keepers meant that, sikhism is a wonderful religion but many do not follow what we should be doing.
So long as we do our best then we sare doing what we can.
At teh end of teh day, if Mr x calls himself a sikh but does things which a sikh should not, yes it pisses us off but who are we to judge. Thats God’s job. Mr X will be judged for his own Karam.
We need to worry about our own karam. do what you can and help other who you can help.
the propeblem is we all interpret religion differntly. yes the basic rules are clear but many mix tradition and culture and confuse themselves.
So just do the best you can and then rest assured that GOd knows what was in your heart.
We are all judged on our own actions. dont let the actions of other get you down.. please