Conference

Sikhs—Who are They?

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Abstract

My name is Manreet Singh Bhullar, and I am a Ph.D. student in the department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Iowa State University. I am a Sikh by religion and as part of my faith, I tie a turban which differentiates me from peers and colleagues on the basis of appearance. A turban is often perceived as a symbol of extremism, fear and hate. However, for a Sikh, it actually represents equality and utmost respect. Unfortunately, the turban’s symbolism and essence is lost on most Americans today.

A general level of ignorance and lack of appropriate education about diverse religions and ethnicities has led to many hate crimes in US, affecting communities both mentally and physically. Nearly 60 percent of Americans admit their ignorance regarding Sikhism and Sikhs. This ignorance comes at a deadly cost. In wake of recent incidents ranging from the 2012 Oak Creek Massacre to the non-fatal shooting of a Sikh man this March, the Sikh community is taking a more vocal stand against hate. The latest hate graffiti from local citizens and messages for Hoboken’s (New Jersey) newly elected mayor Ravi Bhalla raise well-founded concerns. Some people even put posters on walls and cars that say, “Don’t let terrorism take over our town.” These incidents elevate hatred and suspicion among the communities, and invoke racial discrimination, the roots of which are deep-seated within the social structure of modern civilization.