A successful group of Americans that many of us confuse and reject out of ignorance. Sikhs!

[marylander1940]

A successful group of Americans that many of us confuse and reject out of ignorance. Sikhs!

 

 

http://www.sikhcampaign.org/

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikh

 

A few weeks ago, I headed to the airport for a flight from Washington to Boston. When I arrived, I began a familiar routine. I scanned the flightschedule board, checked in my bag and headed to security. There, I removed my jacket, scarf, shoes and belt. A Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer motioned me to walk forward. I stepped not too fast, not too slowly and without a beep. I passed the test — or so I thought. Almost immediately, the officer directed me to the corner, where another officer and an army of machines waited.

 

I was about to undergo secondary screening. Why? Because I wear a turban. For Sikh Americans, humiliation is a prerequisite to air travel.

 

It’s not clear when my turban became a subject of suspicion. Sikhism dates to the 15th century and has 23 million followers worldwide. Sikhs first immigrated to the United States more than 100 years ago; they helped build the transcontinental railroad. Many Sikhs are distinguishable by their hair, which they grow long as an article of faith and cover with a turban — a long, neatly folded cloth that comes in many colors and styles. Manmohan Singh, the prime minister of India, wears one. So do hundreds of thousands of Sikh Americans.

 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/sikh-americans-raw-deal-at-airport-security/2013/11/29/8aab1dc6-5790-11e3-8304-caf30787c0a9_story.html

[sincitymix]

It is unfortunate, that many people see turbans and immediately think Muslim.. OMG HE IS A TERRORIST A BOMB OMG OMG

[ZhenXBear]

A successful group of Americans that many of us confuse and reject out of ignorance. Sikhs!

 

 

http://www.sikhcampaign.org/

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikh

 

A few weeks ago, I headed to the airport for a flight from Washington to Boston. When I arrived, I began a familiar routine. I scanned the flightschedule board, checked in my bag and headed to security. There, I removed my jacket, scarf, shoes and belt. A Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer motioned me to walk forward. I stepped not too fast, not too slowly and without a beep. I passed the test — or so I thought. Almost immediately, the officer directed me to the corner, where another officer and an army of machines waited.

 

I was about to undergo secondary screening. Why? Because I wear a turban. For Sikh Americans, humiliation is a prerequisite to air travel.

 

It’s not clear when my turban became a subject of suspicion. Sikhism dates to the 15th century and has 23 million followers worldwide. Sikhs first immigrated to the United States more than 100 years ago; they helped build the transcontinental railroad. Many Sikhs are distinguishable by their hair, which they grow long as an article of faith and cover with a turban — a long, neatly folded cloth that comes in many colors and styles. Manmohan Singh, the prime minister of India, wears one. So do hundreds of thousands of Sikh Americans.

 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/sikh-americans-raw-deal-at-airport-security/2013/11/29/8aab1dc6-5790-11e3-8304-caf30787c0a9_story.html

 

 

Very sad but true. My Father's neurologist is Sikh, and has commented to me on this very subject. What an amazingly kind and gentle man he is; the consummate professional and so empathic with families struggling with Alzheimer's.

[marylander1940]

It is unfortunate, that many people see turbans and immediately think Muslim.. OMG HE IS A TERRORIST A BOMB OMG OMG

 

I know... idiots!

 

http://blog.visual.ly/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/world-according-to-the-united-states-of-america.png

[Frequentflier]

It is unfortunate, that many people see turbans and immediately think Muslim.. OMG HE IS A TERRORIST A BOMB OMG OMG

 

And further more think all Muslims are terrorists. Much like some think all white gun toting bald/fat or slim/hairy faced, often post military service men in Arizona are radical bigots with a low IQ.

 

I'm not a Muslim and it pisses me off that too many ignorant Americans lump them all with the crazies. But if Jews/Muslims/Protestants/etc. lumped all Catholics with the loony extreme versions of them we'd cry foul.

[rvwnsd]

And further more think all Muslims are terrorists. Much like some think all white gun toting bald/fat or slim/hairy faced, often post military service men in Arizona are radical bigots with a low IQ.

 

I'm not a Muslim and it pisses me off that too many ignorant Americans lump them all with the crazies. But if Jews/Muslims/Protestants/etc. lumped all Catholics with the loony extreme versions of them we'd cry foul.

 

I agree with you in principle, but have to point out that many Evangelical Christians do not consider Catholics to be Christian.

[sincitymix]

I agree with you in principle, but have to point out that many Evangelical Christians do not consider Catholics to be Christian.

 

Lol, I don't think Evangelical Christians consider anybody but their own personal church to be Christian.

[bobchitown]

Very sad but true. My Father's neurologist is Sikh, and has commented to me on this very subject. What an amazingly kind and gentle man he is; the consummate professional and so empathic with families struggling with Alzheimer's.

 

I know many Sikhs in my professional life, and to a person they are indeed kind and gentle.

 

Returning to the theme of the board, are there any Sikh escorts?