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”
vjkk vjkf
Idiot,
I felt a similar sense of betrayal and disappointment as well until a short while ago. And if I understand correctly, for similar reasons that you mention. Until I met some great people who lived the great virtues that Guru Ji speaks of. To know that they exist made the whole difference to me. Good sangat.
Some of the complaints you have are shared by all organized religions: the difference between the pure and the practice.
vjkk vjkf
Idiot,
I felt a similar sense of betrayal and disappointment as well until a short while ago. And if I understand correctly, for similar reasons that you mention. Until I met some great people who lived the great virtues that Guru Ji speaks of. To know that they exist made the whole difference to me. Good sangat.
Some of the complaints you have are shared by all organized religions: the difference between the pure and the practice.
idiot, I think your comments are quite valid. Example: Last time I was in Punjab, a relative commented that Punjab was "the home of apostasy" — a lot of outward appearance, but a lot of bakwas in terms of personal practice. As a young girl/tween I was VERY disillusioned by my sangat experience; I stopped attending gurdwara long ago and am still looking for a sangat where I can feel at peace.
For me, the conflict is actually between the ideals of the religion I respect and love (including a very community-driven model, which I find democratizing and exciting) versus the reality of how those ideals play out in groups. That is, when the sangat is a key component of Sikhi, how can you extricate yourself from those in the sangat who are not living in ways that promote goodness? My parents offered a really fresh take on this: The sangat is not just a congregation of (self-defined) "Sikhs" — the sangat is a global community of spiritual people. I find my community in social justice activists, some of whom are Sikh, but many of whom are from other faith (or non-faith) backgrounds. And, in the meantime, I try to work locally to address inconsistencies in my small Sikh circles. But, as Satbir Kaur writes, ultimately we cannot tell others how to act; we can only change our own actions and try to lead lives that promote a just and moral existence (whether by social action, institutions, advocacy, education, etc.). My hope is that at The Langar Hall we can begin to identify concerns, strategies, and ultimately, campaigns (for lack of a better word) that promote conscious living within the U.S. Sikh community.
[sidenote: the moderator in me can't help but request that, if it's possible, could you group your comments for ease of reading in the future?]
I think the question of "representation" is going to continue to affect us as a community. There is NOT a consensus about how we should be represented or how advocacy should be tailored, and as you mentioned, most of these organizations are not democratic. While I respect the work of (ever-growing) new Sikh organizations, there are certainly times when these organizations have negotiated terms/agreements that are in direct contravention of Sikhi, SGGS Ji, and the Reht. There have been several (stalled) efforts towards a democratic congress of representatives elected by sangats throughout the diaspora to help manage these kinds of conversations, but none have seemed to gain a lot of traction. Oftentimes all these organizations also work at odd ends — they fight for funding, for spotlight, and for "authenticity" and authority. And let's not forget the role that ego, age, and gender in all this.
idiot, I think your comments are quite valid. Example: Last time I was in Punjab, a relative commented that Punjab was “the home of apostasy” — a lot of outward appearance, but a lot of bakwas in terms of personal practice. As a young girl/tween I was VERY disillusioned by my sangat experience; I stopped attending gurdwara long ago and am still looking for a sangat where I can feel at peace.
For me, the conflict is actually between the ideals of the religion I respect and love (including a very community-driven model, which I find democratizing and exciting) versus the reality of how those ideals play out in groups. That is, when the sangat is a key component of Sikhi, how can you extricate yourself from those in the sangat who are not living in ways that promote goodness? My parents offered a really fresh take on this: The sangat is not just a congregation of (self-defined) “Sikhs” — the sangat is a global community of spiritual people. I find my community in social justice activists, some of whom are Sikh, but many of whom are from other faith (or non-faith) backgrounds. And, in the meantime, I try to work locally to address inconsistencies in my small Sikh circles. But, as Satbir Kaur writes, ultimately we cannot tell others how to act; we can only change our own actions and try to lead lives that promote a just and moral existence (whether by social action, institutions, advocacy, education, etc.). My hope is that at The Langar Hall we can begin to identify concerns, strategies, and ultimately, campaigns (for lack of a better word) that promote conscious living within the U.S. Sikh community.
[sidenote: the moderator in me can’t help but request that, if it’s possible, could you group your comments for ease of reading in the future?]
I think the question of “representation” is going to continue to affect us as a community. There is NOT a consensus about how we should be represented or how advocacy should be tailored, and as you mentioned, most of these organizations are not democratic. While I respect the work of (ever-growing) new Sikh organizations, there are certainly times when these organizations have negotiated terms/agreements that are in direct contravention of Sikhi, SGGS Ji, and the Reht. There have been several (stalled) efforts towards a democratic congress of representatives elected by sangats throughout the diaspora to help manage these kinds of conversations, but none have seemed to gain a lot of traction. Oftentimes all these organizations also work at odd ends — they fight for funding, for spotlight, and for “authenticity” and authority. And let’s not forget the role that ego, age, and gender in all this.
'please use the name that represents who you are'
My opinion is that I have chosen an apt to represent myself. Don't forget that I know me better than you. But okay if you find it offensive then I'll write as applehead from now on.
‘please use the name that represents who you are’
My opinion is that I have chosen an apt to represent myself. Don’t forget that I know me better than you. But okay if you find it offensive then I’ll write as applehead from now on.
Dear Ms Idiot or Applehead
You seem to be treating this like a joke.
You want teh world to be perfect and for every sikh to be perfect too, so do i, but the world is not perfect and no human is either.
You seem to letthis get you down, people can change the world, but i believe that this can only be done with a positive image. you on the other hand are so negative about everything.
You call your self an Idiot. then you blame others for not treating you any better???
If you undermine yourself how can anyone respect you or respect your belief or what you say.
have some self respect and tryto change people to see eye to eye with you. But to do that you have to show your worth that person listing to you.
Stop feeling so bad and look at teh goodness which this world has as well.
i dont mean to sound harsh, just trying to be realistic.
Dear Ms Idiot or Applehead
You seem to be treating this like a joke.
You want teh world to be perfect and for every sikh to be perfect too, so do i, but the world is not perfect and no human is either.
You seem to letthis get you down, people can change the world, but i believe that this can only be done with a positive image. you on the other hand are so negative about everything.
You call your self an Idiot. then you blame others for not treating you any better???
If you undermine yourself how can anyone respect you or respect your belief or what you say.
have some self respect and tryto change people to see eye to eye with you. But to do that you have to show your worth that person listing to you.
Stop feeling so bad and look at teh goodness which this world has as well.
i dont mean to sound harsh, just trying to be realistic.
Who said I wanted to be treated with respect? If I wanted to be treated with respect I would have called myself srimati adarsh kaur or something. Come on – i am a joke! I don't want you to take me seriously. I don't want to take myself seriously. I want people to think about Sikhi seriously.
Who said I want anyone to respect 'MY' beliefs? I want people to respect Sikhi for what Guru Nanak set it up to be. When people preach Sikhi and Gurbani I want them to do it for the very reasons that Guru Nanak thought it important to set aside a path different to other paths.
Sorry but I don't respect myself anymore if you see something in me that makes you angry about that statement then don't look at me. Look at God.
I am negative. I am jaded. I have reason to be. I am not prepared to share those reasons.
I am not negative about Sikhi. It is the only thing in my whole life that I am totally positive and inquisitive about.
ps. Thank you for taking the time out to share undeserved concern for my attitude :oP
Who said I wanted to be treated with respect? If I wanted to be treated with respect I would have called myself srimati adarsh kaur or something. Come on – i am a joke! I don’t want you to take me seriously. I don’t want to take myself seriously. I want people to think about Sikhi seriously.
Who said I want anyone to respect ‘MY’ beliefs? I want people to respect Sikhi for what Guru Nanak set it up to be. When people preach Sikhi and Gurbani I want them to do it for the very reasons that Guru Nanak thought it important to set aside a path different to other paths.
Sorry but I don’t respect myself anymore if you see something in me that makes you angry about that statement then don’t look at me. Look at God.
I am negative. I am jaded. I have reason to be. I am not prepared to share those reasons.
I am not negative about Sikhi. It is the only thing in my whole life that I am totally positive and inquisitive about.
ps. Thank you for taking the time out to share undeserved concern for my attitude :oP
ps. sorry, I was having a bad day yesterday. Though I stand by everything I said, perhaps I should have been more tactful about the way I said it. Feel less inclination to excercise tact these days tho'
pps. Do you want me to stop posting and wasting valuable comment space? I will bow away 'gracefully'(raises eybrows and pulls mouth into cheeky grin at the association of grace with self)
okay bye. Won't waste your valuable time and energy anymore. Let you go back to being 'positive' even if it means glossing over the real issues.
ps. sorry, I was having a bad day yesterday. Though I stand by everything I said, perhaps I should have been more tactful about the way I said it. Feel less inclination to excercise tact these days tho’
pps. Do you want me to stop posting and wasting valuable comment space? I will bow away ‘gracefully'(raises eybrows and pulls mouth into cheeky grin at the association of grace with self)
okay bye. Won’t waste your valuable time and energy anymore. Let you go back to being ‘positive’ even if it means glossing over the real issues.
Ms Idiot, Applehead and devotee Sikh
Look, please dont stop posting things on this site. i am new to this site and find your comments as truthful.
But to praise sikhi you need to be sikh and sikhs are taught to hold their head up high, with humility and humbleness
SIR NIVA MUTT UCHI
Be proud of who you are and do sikhi proud.
I wish i could contact you directly to talk to you. i am sure i could change the way you feel.
think of me as a big sister, i am sure i am older than you for some reason.
Ms Idiot, Applehead and devotee Sikh
Look, please dont stop posting things on this site. i am new to this site and find your comments as truthful.
But to praise sikhi you need to be sikh and sikhs are taught to hold their head up high, with humility and humbleness
SIR NIVA MUTT UCHI
Be proud of who you are and do sikhi proud.
I wish i could contact you directly to talk to you. i am sure i could change the way you feel.
think of me as a big sister, i am sure i am older than you for some reason.
"i am sure i am older than you for some reason"
Possibly because I behave immaturely 😛
'wish i could contact you directly to talk to you. i am sure i could change the way you feel'
No. I'm sorry. Neither can you contact me directly nor can you change the way I feel – the only person that will change the way I feel is me – when I see a notable change for the better.
Think of you as a big sister – hmm you could be a man for all I know.
I humbly apologise for my lack of humility but I solemnly promise to be just as rude in my comments to come if I see reason to be rude.
I didn't say I was a devoted Sikh. I'm just positive about and interested in Sikhi. I was raised to be a Sikh – I don't think I have fulfilled the asipirations of my elders in this instance.
Anyway less talk about me and my attitude and more about what this website is really for please.
“i am sure i am older than you for some reason”
Possibly because I behave immaturely 😛
‘wish i could contact you directly to talk to you. i am sure i could change the way you feel’
No. I’m sorry. Neither can you contact me directly nor can you change the way I feel – the only person that will change the way I feel is me – when I see a notable change for the better.
Think of you as a big sister – hmm you could be a man for all I know.
I humbly apologise for my lack of humility but I solemnly promise to be just as rude in my comments to come if I see reason to be rude.
I didn’t say I was a devoted Sikh. I’m just positive about and interested in Sikhi. I was raised to be a Sikh – I don’t think I have fulfilled the asipirations of my elders in this instance.
Anyway less talk about me and my attitude and more about what this website is really for please.
Look, I read my last comment over and it sounds like a personal attack on you. I'm not very good at being told what to do and so I react badly when this happens. Before you point this out I am well aware that this is my shortcoming.
I'm just tired of false niceties and all this 'polite' chit chat. Facing facts, I recognise that there are problems. I recognise that there is a need to acknowlegde those problems – so I did so in a no-frills way. I've already apologised for my lack of tact.
i don't want to talk about 'me' or my attitude to myself or to other things that bother me. If you don't like my attitude then don't respond to my comments or tell me not to post. I will respect your request. Afterall it's not my website. If you want me to continue writing then talk about the matter at hand. [where are the moderators now lol?]
I'm not interested in belittling anyone and I'm sorry if you have taken personal offence to the things I have written. It's not an attack on you – I don't even know you.
Look, I read my last comment over and it sounds like a personal attack on you. I’m not very good at being told what to do and so I react badly when this happens. Before you point this out I am well aware that this is my shortcoming.
I’m just tired of false niceties and all this ‘polite’ chit chat. Facing facts, I recognise that there are problems. I recognise that there is a need to acknowlegde those problems – so I did so in a no-frills way. I’ve already apologised for my lack of tact.
i don’t want to talk about ‘me’ or my attitude to myself or to other things that bother me. If you don’t like my attitude then don’t respond to my comments or tell me not to post. I will respect your request. Afterall it’s not my website. If you want me to continue writing then talk about the matter at hand. [where are the moderators now lol?]
I’m not interested in belittling anyone and I’m sorry if you have taken personal offence to the things I have written. It’s not an attack on you – I don’t even know you.
Hey again
just to bring this matter to an end, i think you are a bit off but thats for you to deal with. I am female and my offer to talk was to see if i could comfort you. I am a solicitor by proffesion and i consider my self to be a sikh.
I am also a realist.
The world is not perfect and no one person can perfect te world, except GOD.
Until then we can only do the best we can.
you do raise some valid points, and… so what. so you have a point.
Whats your solution??? that is what matters.
Its all well and good criterzing and pointing out matter but what do we do about it. we cant leave it to others to fix we all have to act upon fixing it.
So, stop feeling sorry for yourself, get up and do what ever you think needs to be done to imrpove things. thats all any of us can do.
My offer to talk is still there even if just on email.
Hey again
just to bring this matter to an end, i think you are a bit off but thats for you to deal with. I am female and my offer to talk was to see if i could comfort you. I am a solicitor by proffesion and i consider my self to be a sikh.
I am also a realist.
The world is not perfect and no one person can perfect te world, except GOD.
Until then we can only do the best we can.
you do raise some valid points, and… so what. so you have a point.
Whats your solution??? that is what matters.
Its all well and good criterzing and pointing out matter but what do we do about it. we cant leave it to others to fix we all have to act upon fixing it.
So, stop feeling sorry for yourself, get up and do what ever you think needs to be done to imrpove things. thats all any of us can do.
My offer to talk is still there even if just on email.
just to bring this matter to an end
amen.
or should that be
fateh.
lol
bye
just to bring this matter to an end
amen.
or should that be
fateh.
lol
bye
'i think you are a bit off'
well the world's not 'perfect' is it.
what will you say on email that you can't say here? Do you think I'm going to divulge personal information to a complete stranger over email? you say you're female and a solicitor and a Sikh – how do I know and even if you are how do i know what your motives are.
sorry i know I said bye but I just couldn't resist
‘i think you are a bit off’
well the world’s not ‘perfect’ is it.
what will you say on email that you can’t say here? Do you think I’m going to divulge personal information to a complete stranger over email? you say you’re female and a solicitor and a Sikh – how do I know and even if you are how do i know what your motives are.
sorry i know I said bye but I just couldn’t resist
pps. I don't have a solution. I'm just full of hot air
pps. I don’t have a solution. I’m just full of hot air
With respect,
There is no point criterzing unless you are willing to do something about it. that is just moaning and feeling sorry for yourself.
Sikhi is to stand up for what is right, if you are just hot air then i can not be botherd to discuss this with you any further,
i feel i have tried, one can only show you the door, its you who needs to walk through it.
One day, dont turn around and say, will nobody offered me help, because i have and you have trned it away.
God gave us a brain to use and to make choices. sounds like you have made yours.
best of luck
With respect,
There is no point criterzing unless you are willing to do something about it. that is just moaning and feeling sorry for yourself.
Sikhi is to stand up for what is right, if you are just hot air then i can not be botherd to discuss this with you any further,
i feel i have tried, one can only show you the door, its you who needs to walk through it.
One day, dont turn around and say, will nobody offered me help, because i have and you have trned it away.
God gave us a brain to use and to make choices. sounds like you have made yours.
best of luck
How do you know I'm feeling sorry for 'myself'?
Why are you so concerned with helping me? I didn't ask for your help – I never said I needed any – you assumed that I did. So don't worry I won't say 'when I needed help – no one gave it to me'. Are you offended that I didn't take it? I'm sorry I didn't know it was obligatory to accept help that you didn't ask for.
Which door exactly were you trying to show me?
Tell me, which of my points did you have a problem with? Or was it my attitude that you didn't like. Well you're the one that said – no two people are the same. It's all about interpretations. Why should I conform to behaviour that you think is befitting?
I already said, if you don't like my attitude don't respond to my comments. Shall I stop commenting now?
How do you know I’m feeling sorry for ‘myself’?
Why are you so concerned with helping me? I didn’t ask for your help – I never said I needed any – you assumed that I did. So don’t worry I won’t say ‘when I needed help – no one gave it to me’. Are you offended that I didn’t take it? I’m sorry I didn’t know it was obligatory to accept help that you didn’t ask for.
Which door exactly were you trying to show me?
Tell me, which of my points did you have a problem with? Or was it my attitude that you didn’t like. Well you’re the one that said – no two people are the same. It’s all about interpretations. Why should I conform to behaviour that you think is befitting?
I already said, if you don’t like my attitude don’t respond to my comments. Shall I stop commenting now?
Hey folks,
At this point you're both talking at ends and the conversation is not directed at the post at hand. Please take it offline or consider another forum for this (private) discussion. This is not a request for either of you to stop commenting, but rather, to stay on point. Thanks
Hey folks,
At this point you’re both talking at ends and the conversation is not directed at the post at hand. Please take it offline or consider another forum for this (private) discussion. This is not a request for either of you to stop commenting, but rather, to stay on point. Thanks
I'm sorry for my insolence. My behaviour was not exemplary on this site. I will not continue to post (I know that you are not asking for this – it's my decesion).
I’m sorry for my insolence. My behaviour was not exemplary on this site. I will not continue to post (I know that you are not asking for this – it’s my decesion).
idiot yaar, kion sadda sir khayee jaani ain is passive-agressive BS naal. Dukhi atma hain-charhdi kala vich nahi rah sakdi taan kitey hor jaa key bait kar lokaan noon!
naheen post karna taan na kar-sadian koee bahwaan nahi akkrian terey comments parhan noo.
idiot yaar, kion sadda sir khayee jaani ain is passive-agressive BS naal. Dukhi atma hain-charhdi kala vich nahi rah sakdi taan kitey hor jaa key bait kar lokaan noon!
naheen post karna taan na kar-sadian koee bahwaan nahi akkrian terey comments parhan noo.
i think..sikhs must have their own media channels to give replies of that kind of news which damages the image of sikhs. sikhs own chhanel will help to tell the people what actually sikhs are and how they thinkg about humanity! And onething that I alwasy think and i got to know from various sourced that the anti-sikh forces silently work to defame sikhs in other countries also beside India. Unfortunaletly in coutry like Canada the case Of Air-India Kanishak blast give base to anti-sikh forces to use it again st us..SO i think having out own media..we can tel people that these are few people who do these king of actvities btu Sikhs alwasy pray well wishes of all the humanity…for world. as we daily pray.." tere bhane sarbat da bhala"..!!
i think..sikhs must have their own media channels to give replies of that kind of news which damages the image of sikhs. sikhs own chhanel will help to tell the people what actually sikhs are and how they thinkg about humanity! And onething that I alwasy think and i got to know from various sourced that the anti-sikh forces silently work to defame sikhs in other countries also beside India. Unfortunaletly in coutry like Canada the case Of Air-India Kanishak blast give base to anti-sikh forces to use it again st us..SO i think having out own media..we can tel people that these are few people who do these king of actvities btu Sikhs alwasy pray well wishes of all the humanity…for world. as we daily pray..” tere bhane sarbat da bhala”..!!
Satbir ji,
you wrote mat uchi,but you know this word is from daily sikh ards and only sikhs/or real gursikhs who have a little knowledge and undersatndings for these good deeds of guru ji can stay to that boundry.
thanks, nothing is more and better than "NIMARTA" for which this sikh religious stands for and guru nanak ji had given us duty to spread the wahegurus true message with love and patience.At this time most of the sikhs(us) has lost patience & love to all.
Untill we see waheguru ji in all criation,we cant be called a real sikh(s).
WGJKK WGJKF
Satbir ji,
you wrote mat uchi,but you know this word is from daily sikh ards and only sikhs/or real gursikhs who have a little knowledge and undersatndings for these good deeds of guru ji can stay to that boundry.
thanks, nothing is more and better than “NIMARTA” for which this sikh religious stands for and guru nanak ji had given us duty to spread the wahegurus true message with love and patience.At this time most of the sikhs(us) has lost patience & love to all.
Untill we see waheguru ji in all criation,we cant be called a real sikh(s).
WGJKK WGJKF
So much denial is involved in discussions about this. Everyone focusses on 'image' and 'stereotype' and sticks their heads in the sand.
Is there extremism in the Sikh community? Yes, this is a FACT
Is there violence caused by extremists within the Sikh community? Yes, this is a FACT
Is there opression of women within the Sikh community? Yes, this is a FACT
Was the Birmingham Rep Theatre attacked by a Sikh mob, policemen were injured, and death threats issued to actors and writers involved in the play the rioters were protesting against? Yes, this is a FACT
Are there backward practises and traditions that conflict with progressive liberal values in Western societies within the Sikh community? Yes, this is a FACT
So what shall we do about it? Shouldn't we be tackling these issues directly at source? Or would you rather that the media has a total blackout and refuses to report on these things, even when it affects society as a whole?
Let's sweep all the problems under the carpet and pretend they don't exists and deride anyone who wants to shine a light on the various dysfunctions in our community as being guilty of 'stereotyping' and 'bigotry'
So much denial is involved in discussions about this. Everyone focusses on ‘image’ and ‘stereotype’ and sticks their heads in the sand.
Is there extremism in the Sikh community? Yes, this is a FACT
Is there violence caused by extremists within the Sikh community? Yes, this is a FACT
Is there opression of women within the Sikh community? Yes, this is a FACT
Was the Birmingham Rep Theatre attacked by a Sikh mob, policemen were injured, and death threats issued to actors and writers involved in the play the rioters were protesting against? Yes, this is a FACT
Are there backward practises and traditions that conflict with progressive liberal values in Western societies within the Sikh community? Yes, this is a FACT
So what shall we do about it? Shouldn’t we be tackling these issues directly at source? Or would you rather that the media has a total blackout and refuses to report on these things, even when it affects society as a whole?
Let’s sweep all the problems under the carpet and pretend they don’t exists and deride anyone who wants to shine a light on the various dysfunctions in our community as being guilty of ‘stereotyping’ and ‘bigotry’
Wow Jay – now tell us how you really feel 😉
I agree that many of the problems you have pointed out do exist; however, at least in BC, I am not seeing these issues 'swept under the carpet'. I think there is indeed some way to go, in order to effectively address issues like sexism and the like, but I see positive steps being taken in that direction.
That said, I think you're out to lunch if you don't believe the Sikh community should ensure fair and accurate portrayals of Sikhs in the media. This means protecting our image and, indeed, countering inaccurate stereotypes.
As one example, the Sikh community in BC has been targeted by Kim Bolan, a bigoted, but mainstream, journalist, for years. In particular, she does not pass any opportunity to paint turban-wearing, bearded Sikhs as fundamentalists and terrorists. She will weave in enough inuendo and allusions to terrorism when discussing Sikh issues, that average Joe Canuck is left with the clear impression that amritdhari Sikhs are terrorists. In close to two decades of reporting on the South Asian community, one would be hardpressed to find any article by her showing Sikhs in a positive light – that turbaned and bearded Sikhs run soup kitchens in the east side, organize massive blood drives, huge food drives and programs to help the homeless – these will never be highlighted in her paper, and she is BC's pre-eminent journalist on all things Sikh. That she would report on human rights atrocities suffered by Sikhs, forget about it – any such article is colored "the Sikhs are terrorists and the government took appropriate action".
If we do not step up to the plate, and protect the integrity of our image, and do not actively counter unfair and demeaning stereotypes, no one else is going to pinch-hit for us.
Wow Jay – now tell us how you really feel 😉
I agree that many of the problems you have pointed out do exist; however, at least in BC, I am not seeing these issues ‘swept under the carpet’. I think there is indeed some way to go, in order to effectively address issues like sexism and the like, but I see positive steps being taken in that direction.
That said, I think you’re out to lunch if you don’t believe the Sikh community should ensure fair and accurate portrayals of Sikhs in the media. This means protecting our image and, indeed, countering inaccurate stereotypes.
As one example, the Sikh community in BC has been targeted by Kim Bolan, a bigoted, but mainstream, journalist, for years. In particular, she does not pass any opportunity to paint turban-wearing, bearded Sikhs as fundamentalists and terrorists. She will weave in enough inuendo and allusions to terrorism when discussing Sikh issues, that average Joe Canuck is left with the clear impression that amritdhari Sikhs are terrorists. In close to two decades of reporting on the South Asian community, one would be hardpressed to find any article by her showing Sikhs in a positive light – that turbaned and bearded Sikhs run soup kitchens in the east side, organize massive blood drives, huge food drives and programs to help the homeless – these will never be highlighted in her paper, and she is BC’s pre-eminent journalist on all things Sikh. That she would report on human rights atrocities suffered by Sikhs, forget about it – any such article is colored “the Sikhs are terrorists and the government took appropriate action”.
If we do not step up to the plate, and protect the integrity of our image, and do not actively counter unfair and demeaning stereotypes, no one else is going to pinch-hit for us.
The problem, P Singh, is that whenever issues of extremism, violence espoused and caused by Sikh extremists, including death threats made and complicity with oppressive practises, honour killings, forced marriages, all of which are a reality in the Sikh diaspora, whenever these issues are raised, the reaction of some people is to scream hysterically 'Bigot! Racist! Persecutor!'
So, in order to 'ensure non-stereotyping' of Sikhs, the only thing that will satisfy some is a complete blackout on these stories, and organisations will exist with no other purpose than to attack and slander those who raise issues of extremism, support for terrorism, domestic violence, the threat to freedom of speech by fundamentalists in Birmingham — all of these issues are taboo, and anyone who addresses them will be branded as a bigot.
Great.
This isn't 'protecting the image of Sikhs', it's outright bullying and denial.
The only reason why Kim Bolan can write her stories is because there is a problem with extremist activity and ideology in Vancouver. That's a fact. Deal with the problem. Get Sikh journalists to write about it so that the right conclusions are made and they can employ the correct nuance and perspective and understanding of the issues, but don't deny that there is a problem there. (Although given that Tara Singh Hayer was shot dead in cold blood for doing exactly that, maybe that's being optimistic. Whoops, that didn't happen, mustn't stereotype Sikhs negatively by mentioning that there is a grouping within the Sikh diaspora that will murder you if they don't like what you say)
The problem, P Singh, is that whenever issues of extremism, violence espoused and caused by Sikh extremists, including death threats made and complicity with oppressive practises, honour killings, forced marriages, all of which are a reality in the Sikh diaspora, whenever these issues are raised, the reaction of some people is to scream hysterically ‘Bigot! Racist! Persecutor!’
So, in order to ‘ensure non-stereotyping’ of Sikhs, the only thing that will satisfy some is a complete blackout on these stories, and organisations will exist with no other purpose than to attack and slander those who raise issues of extremism, support for terrorism, domestic violence, the threat to freedom of speech by fundamentalists in Birmingham — all of these issues are taboo, and anyone who addresses them will be branded as a bigot.
Great.
This isn’t ‘protecting the image of Sikhs’, it’s outright bullying and denial.
The only reason why Kim Bolan can write her stories is because there is a problem with extremist activity and ideology in Vancouver. That’s a fact. Deal with the problem. Get Sikh journalists to write about it so that the right conclusions are made and they can employ the correct nuance and perspective and understanding of the issues, but don’t deny that there is a problem there. (Although given that Tara Singh Hayer was shot dead in cold blood for doing exactly that, maybe that’s being optimistic. Whoops, that didn’t happen, mustn’t stereotype Sikhs negatively by mentioning that there is a grouping within the Sikh diaspora that will murder you if they don’t like what you say)
The problem, Jay, is that the actions of a few are used to broadly paint the much larger community.
I'm not sure where you reside, but I reside in one of the largest Sikh communities outside of India, and do not see any great epidemic of extremist thought or ideology in Vancouver, nor for that matter, do I see issues of sexism and the like being ignored. As for honor killings – is this a problem where you live? Sorry, we don't see much of that here in Vancouver.
You do not appear to be familiar with Kim Bolan's work; targeting Sikhs the way she does, goes far beyond any journalistic attempt to capture the truth.
Re a problem with extremist activity, could you please provide more details. I am not aware of any extremist activity taking place in Vancouver. Furthermore, what kind of activity do you consider 'extremist'?
Would you consider those advocating for Khalistan to be engaging in extremist activities? You don't have to share the same political beliefs as these individuals, but it would be a far cry to equate their advocacy with extremist or terrorist activity. In fact, it would be downright un-democratic and antithetical to Western values to stifle their voice simply because you do not agree.
Moreover, I have never heard any group preaching or promoting terror in Vancouver, and I've been around the block more than a few times.
As for Tara Hayer, your prejudice (influenced by the media perhaps???) is skewing your understanding of the facts. One, Tara Hayer was no hero – he was a vindictive man, who used his paper to sound-off, in unprofessional manner, against all those who caught his ire. He was a pro-Khalistan advocate himself who wrote a book on the subject but later changed his stance – reasons for doing so not quite clear.
Tara Hayer did nothing to provide the correct nuance and perspective and understanding of the issues – his newspaper was a rumour and gossip mill, doused liberally with slanderous comments.
Take no offense, but it is a little amusing, not to mention ironic, that you have bought into the media hype of Tara being a hero journalist AND buying into the media hype his death was caused by Sikh extremists….especially since there has been no evidence supporting that position…..only Kim Bolan's insinuations.
Heck, Bolan continues to tie Malik and Bagri to the Air India bombing, and most non-Sikhs have formed that connection due directly to her articles on the matter – notwithstanding the fact there wasn't a shred of credible evidence tying these men to Air India. The end result being, Joe Canuck believes Sikhs bombed Air India…..despite their being no evidence.
Which goes to prove the point – with media having the ability to skew portrayals to the extent it can, the Sikh community must be vigilant in protecting its image.
I think the community is at a point of sophistication, where law suits for defamation against media reports will become more common, and I'm glad that is the case. As a recent example, take the WSO's law suit against the CBC.
The problem, Jay, is that the actions of a few are used to broadly paint the much larger community.
I’m not sure where you reside, but I reside in one of the largest Sikh communities outside of India, and do not see any great epidemic of extremist thought or ideology in Vancouver, nor for that matter, do I see issues of sexism and the like being ignored. As for honor killings – is this a problem where you live? Sorry, we don’t see much of that here in Vancouver.
You do not appear to be familiar with Kim Bolan’s work; targeting Sikhs the way she does, goes far beyond any journalistic attempt to capture the truth.
Re a problem with extremist activity, could you please provide more details. I am not aware of any extremist activity taking place in Vancouver. Furthermore, what kind of activity do you consider ‘extremist’?
Would you consider those advocating for Khalistan to be engaging in extremist activities? You don’t have to share the same political beliefs as these individuals, but it would be a far cry to equate their advocacy with extremist or terrorist activity. In fact, it would be downright un-democratic and antithetical to Western values to stifle their voice simply because you do not agree.
Moreover, I have never heard any group preaching or promoting terror in Vancouver, and I’ve been around the block more than a few times.
As for Tara Hayer, your prejudice (influenced by the media perhaps???) is skewing your understanding of the facts. One, Tara Hayer was no hero – he was a vindictive man, who used his paper to sound-off, in unprofessional manner, against all those who caught his ire. He was a pro-Khalistan advocate himself who wrote a book on the subject but later changed his stance – reasons for doing so not quite clear.
Tara Hayer did nothing to provide the correct nuance and perspective and understanding of the issues – his newspaper was a rumour and gossip mill, doused liberally with slanderous comments.
Take no offense, but it is a little amusing, not to mention ironic, that you have bought into the media hype of Tara being a hero journalist AND buying into the media hype his death was caused by Sikh extremists….especially since there has been no evidence supporting that position…..only Kim Bolan’s insinuations.
Heck, Bolan continues to tie Malik and Bagri to the Air India bombing, and most non-Sikhs have formed that connection due directly to her articles on the matter – notwithstanding the fact there wasn’t a shred of credible evidence tying these men to Air India. The end result being, Joe Canuck believes Sikhs bombed Air India…..despite their being no evidence.
Which goes to prove the point – with media having the ability to skew portrayals to the extent it can, the Sikh community must be vigilant in protecting its image.
I think the community is at a point of sophistication, where law suits for defamation against media reports will become more common, and I’m glad that is the case. As a recent example, take the WSO’s law suit against the CBC.
apologies for the long post and, sigh, the spelling/grammar – must remember to reread before hitting submit…
apologies for the long post and, sigh, the spelling/grammar – must remember to reread before hitting submit…
Sorry P Singh, if you think that honour killings, and honour violence (physical violence inflicted on men and women for breaking the'izzat' rules of family and community especially in the choosing of marriage partner) are not a problem in Vancouver you are either in denial or very ignorant. The whole world knows about Jassi Kaur who was murdered by her parents for choosing to marry someone from outside her caste. Her uncle is still being investigated I believe by the Canadian police for his role in this. A TV movie was made about it. There was also the teenage girl called Amandeep who was stabbed to death by her father because she was dating a white boy. I mean seriously, if you are not aware that this is an issue in your community, what hope is there?
The facts about Tara Singh Hayer is that he was murdered in cold blood because he was about to reveal the details about the extremist Khalistani organisations criminal racketeering and hypocrisy. The editor of the Punjabi newspaper Des Pardes, based in Southall, London, was also in receipt of this information and was murdered in cold blood, shot dead in the street in London, soon afterwards, because he too was about to go public on this. That these facts lead you to fidgeting excuse making and denial just show up one thing. You are part of the problem. This paranoia and defensiveness and denial is part of the problem.
It wasn't Kim Bolan who did that. And unless people wake up to these problems and start addressing them and begin holding extremists and those who carry out violence in the name of izzat and other issues to account, all the 'advocacy groups' in the world will at best be a sticking plaster on an open sore, and at worst, will be tool with which to bully, intimidate and slander those who seek to tell the truth about social problems in the Sikh community (and be a tool of the suppression of freedom of speech too)
Sorry P Singh, if you think that honour killings, and honour violence (physical violence inflicted on men and women for breaking the’izzat’ rules of family and community especially in the choosing of marriage partner) are not a problem in Vancouver you are either in denial or very ignorant. The whole world knows about Jassi Kaur who was murdered by her parents for choosing to marry someone from outside her caste. Her uncle is still being investigated I believe by the Canadian police for his role in this. A TV movie was made about it. There was also the teenage girl called Amandeep who was stabbed to death by her father because she was dating a white boy. I mean seriously, if you are not aware that this is an issue in your community, what hope is there?
The facts about Tara Singh Hayer is that he was murdered in cold blood because he was about to reveal the details about the extremist Khalistani organisations criminal racketeering and hypocrisy. The editor of the Punjabi newspaper Des Pardes, based in Southall, London, was also in receipt of this information and was murdered in cold blood, shot dead in the street in London, soon afterwards, because he too was about to go public on this. That these facts lead you to fidgeting excuse making and denial just show up one thing. You are part of the problem. This paranoia and defensiveness and denial is part of the problem.
It wasn’t Kim Bolan who did that. And unless people wake up to these problems and start addressing them and begin holding extremists and those who carry out violence in the name of izzat and other issues to account, all the ‘advocacy groups’ in the world will at best be a sticking plaster on an open sore, and at worst, will be tool with which to bully, intimidate and slander those who seek to tell the truth about social problems in the Sikh community (and be a tool of the suppression of freedom of speech too)
Jay,
There's no need to make this personal…that's getting a bit too close to name calling which is prohibited on this site (see commenting policy below). Personal attacks end a conversation.
Let's debate the facts and issues, but without personal attacks. Thanks!
Jay,
There’s no need to make this personal…that’s getting a bit too close to name calling which is prohibited on this site (see commenting policy below). Personal attacks end a conversation.
Let’s debate the facts and issues, but without personal attacks. Thanks!
Sorry Jay – I fail to see how one case of an honor killing somehow equates with honor killings being a widespread problem amongst the Sikh community in Vancouver. If that was the case, we'd be seeing many more such 'honor' killings. The Jassi murder was an extreme case, and the Amandeep murder was similarly a very isolated case. There simply does not exist any trend of honor killings amongst Sikhs in BC, nor does there exist any overwhelming support for such killings.
Now, what does exist, are significantly less extreme, but still problematic belief and value systems amongst many Punjabis, where women are treated and held in low esteem. These patriarchial ways of approaching women and how they interact, how they are "supposed" to interact with the outside world can indeed be abusive and need to be addressed.
Re Tara Hayer, let us recap the hard facts:
1. You stated as a matter of fact, Sikh extremists killed Tara Hayer.
2. No one has been charged with Tara Hayer's murder, and neither the police nor the Crown have produced any evidence linking a Sikh, a Sikh group, or anyone else for that matter, to this murder.
3. You have absolutely no credible evidence (so sorry, but your consipiracy theories carry zero weight) tying any Sikh group to this murder. If you do, please share it with us, but first share these 'facts' with the RCMP – they'd be overjoyed to get a lead on this case.
You stated:
You have presented no facts! If you have facts, then pray tell, which Sikh groups were involved in these heinous murders? Who ordered the murders? Who has been charged with these murders? Can you provide any relevant, substantiated facts?
As to being a problem – thank you – I do try ever so hard 😉 I think Kim Bolan called me a problem a few years back as well. She also didn't like people questioning her 'facts'.
Sorry Jay – I fail to see how one case of an honor killing somehow equates with honor killings being a widespread problem amongst the Sikh community in Vancouver. If that was the case, we’d be seeing many more such ‘honor’ killings. The Jassi murder was an extreme case, and the Amandeep murder was similarly a very isolated case. There simply does not exist any trend of honor killings amongst Sikhs in BC, nor does there exist any overwhelming support for such killings.
Now, what does exist, are significantly less extreme, but still problematic belief and value systems amongst many Punjabis, where women are treated and held in low esteem. These patriarchial ways of approaching women and how they interact, how they are “supposed” to interact with the outside world can indeed be abusive and need to be addressed.
Re Tara Hayer, let us recap the hard facts:
1. You stated as a matter of fact, Sikh extremists killed Tara Hayer.
2. No one has been charged with Tara Hayer’s murder, and neither the police nor the Crown have produced any evidence linking a Sikh, a Sikh group, or anyone else for that matter, to this murder.
3. You have absolutely no credible evidence (so sorry, but your consipiracy theories carry zero weight) tying any Sikh group to this murder. If you do, please share it with us, but first share these ‘facts’ with the RCMP – they’d be overjoyed to get a lead on this case.
You stated:
You have presented no facts! If you have facts, then pray tell, which Sikh groups were involved in these heinous murders? Who ordered the murders? Who has been charged with these murders? Can you provide any relevant, substantiated facts?
As to being a problem – thank you – I do try ever so hard 😉 I think Kim Bolan called me a problem a few years back as well. She also didn’t like people questioning her ‘facts’.
"Dukhi atma hain-charhdi kala vich nahi rah sakdi taan kitey hor jaa key bait kar lokaan noon!"
hanji – tuhade vargiaan 'sukhi aatmaava(n)' di hi meharbaani naal eh aatma dukhi eh.
“Dukhi atma hain-charhdi kala vich nahi rah sakdi taan kitey hor jaa key bait kar lokaan noon!”
hanji – tuhade vargiaan ‘sukhi aatmaava(n)’ di hi meharbaani naal eh aatma dukhi eh.
theek hai jee-jiven tuhanoo theek laggey -sadey sir avdey dukh maRh deo. Tuhanoo sirf chharhdi kala barey kiha hai.
theek hai jee-jiven tuhanoo theek laggey -sadey sir avdey dukh maRh deo. Tuhanoo sirf chharhdi kala barey kiha hai.