Ignorance and Discrimination of Sikhs in BC

November 4th, 2005 by admin

Source: Tapoban.org
Author: AS

Veerjis & Bhenjis
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh,

I’m really concerned about the lack of education and lack of respect for Sikhs, particularly their Dastaar and the Kirpan, by Canadian society. What’s even more distressing is that it appears nothing is being done by our so-called community “leaders” to teach other members of society about the importance of these articles of our Faith. I’m currently a 4th university Nursing student here in BC, and yesterday in class, the issue of the Kirpan and the Turban came up. I was so shocked at the ignorant, discriminating views that some of my fellow classmates had. Many negative comments were made about Kirpans and Turbans. A few jokes and laughs were shared when one particular student said that if they don’t want to wear Hard Hats, Tefflon turbans should be made for them. Another ignorant student said that if they don’t want to follow the hard hat rule, then they shouldn’t be allowed to work jobs such as Long Shore Men. I truly expected more from 4th year Nursing students, who are supposed to be caring and compassionate people. After these comments were made, I became quite irritated and tried my best to explain the importance of the Kirpan and Turban to Sikhs. However, I was really upset at the time and I think my anger may have clouded my logic and reasoning skills so I don’t know if I got my point across well enough. When I got home from school later that night, what happened in class earlier was still really bothering me. It proved to me that there is a huge knowledge gap amongst western society about Sikhi. So, what can I do about it? I got an idea that for my final class assignment, I will do a formal power point presentation for my classmates about Sikhi with a focus on the significance of the 5 Kakkars (especially Kes/Keski and Kirpan). I know I won’t be able to teach everything about Sikhi in a half hour or 45 minute presentation, but at least I can use it as an oppurtunity to create an awareness or some cultural sensitivity. Some of the points I was thinking of incorporating into my presentation are the core beliefs of Sikhism, the meaning of the Khalsa and the 5 Kakkars, the importance and meaning of the Turban, the role of turbaned Sikhs in WWII, and the history of Sikhs in BC and in Canada. I also want to show a small video clip about the distinct identity of Sikhs in society. I was thinking of showing the video of Roop Singh, the Sikh story teller (My Yorkshire). If anybody knows of another video that might be appropriate for me to show, could you please let me know? Also, if anyone has any other ideas of what I should incorporate in my presentation, please feel free to share. I would really appreciate this. It’s unacceptable that in Canada, a country that has Multiculturalism as one of its core concepts, people are discriminating against the Sikh Dastaar and Kirpan. There are only about 45 people in my Nursing class, but hopefully after my presentation, there will be 45 less people than before who are ignorant about Sikhi. There are so many people out there that just don’t know who we are, what we believe in, or how great our Dharam and Its history are. I think each and every Sikh should do something to help create this awareness. Finally, like I had mentioned earlier…if you have any other ideas that you think I should incorporate into my presentation, please reply and let me know. And if you know of any good video clips that I can download of the net and show, that would be great as well. I’m still trying to think this presentation through. For those of you who read this thread I’m posting, sorry for taking so much of your time. Thank you.

WaheGuru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

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