CONVERSATIONS ON DIVERSITY

April 30, 2008

Sikh Experience in the U.S.: More Than What You Think

Yesterday I attended a conversation on diversity at my university, Chico State. The topic was Sikhs and it dealt with their background, traditions, customs (both traditional and modern) and their experience in the United States. The main speaker was a university student, Rajuir, who provided a view point on Sikh's, both as a religion and a culture. Sikhism originates in the Punjabi region, subsequently most Sikhs are Punjabi, however, as a religion Sikhism is open to all peoples of the world.

It is actually rather intriguing how this religion emerged in a region with a strong social cast system, but totally disregards this system of cast. Instead, it's founder, Guru Granth Sahib, laid a foundation of tolerance and acceptance of all peoples who believe in a higher power. The basis of Sikh lifestyle can be summed up in three requirements: meditate on the holy name (Waheguru), work diligently and honestly, and share one's fruits. While Sikhism is a form of Islam, it differs from other forms of Islam, and indeed most other religions, in the fact that there is no indoctrinated drive to “spread” their specific faith around the globe. More importantly, Sikhs have never used war as a means of spreading their religion. Instead Sikhism is almost post modern in the sense that they are more interested that you believe in God, no matter what name you have for it or what faith you worship under. The teachings of Nanak are those of equality and unity. We are all one people, we are all one faith.

This ideal has manifested itself in the strong tradition of community among Sikh. It is a very community oriented religion in which improvement of ones society is integral to ones existence. This devotion to community has transferred to patriotism of the immigrant. According to those speaking at the forum, the immigrant Sikh is a benefactor in their adopted nation and so feels great patriotism and responsibility to that country. This makes the backlash that Sikh's across out Country have felt since 9/11 that much more horrible. Because of their long beards and easily identifiable turbans, many Sikh have experienced hostility and violence post 9/11. This is unfortunate for many reasons: for one they are not even associated with the Muslim faiths who have called for Jihad, they aren't even from the same part of the world nor are they the same religion.

Time and time again, as participate in discussions on diversity and global communication and issues, I notice one reoccurring theme. We, as American's and Westerners, have tragically over-simplified the world around us. Our ignorance of the greater world has led to blunder after bloody blunder and still we think our ideas and methods are best. We could not be more wrong. As American's we don't even take the time to understand the plight of our neighbors to the south, and we reason that our nation knows best how to “police” the world. Once again, I'm forced to realize that our only hope is to Learn, Travel, Educate, and Listen.