Source: Star-Telegram
[star-telegram.com/religion/story/1255823.html]
Texas Christian University senior Brittany Heminger sat still as a symbol of the world’s fifth-largest religion was wrapped around her head.
Heminger said her turban and the accompanying discussion was a chance to change some of her misconceptions that people who wear turbans are likely from the Middle East.
"I think it’s cool," she said. "I’m kind of interested to see how people look at me when I wear this today."
About seven volunteers came from Southern Methodist University in Dallas and the Gurudawara Sikh Sangat place of worship in Euless to set up a booth Thursday outside TCU’s main library. The turbans help keep in place their hair — unshorn "because it’s a gift from God," said SMU freshman Komal Kaur of Southlake.
The Sikh religion was founded in 1469 in the Punjab region of northern India and is separate from Hinduism or Islam, Kaur said. Organizers estimate that 99 percent of Americans wearing turbans are Sikhs and are sometimes mistaken for supporters of terrorism. Americans in fact should feel a sense of security around Sikhs because they’re "honor-bound" to protect innocent victims, organizers said.
"We are our own religion," Kaur said. "That’s one of the most important points to get across."
Sihks believe in one God and equality for men and women. They also preach tolerance, hard work, community service, human rights and opposition to class or caste systems. Male Sikhs have Singh, which means "tiger," for their middle or last names, while women have "Kaur," which means princess, in their middle or last names, Kaur said.
Adam Gamwell, TCU’s program coordinator for religious and spiritual life, said the event helped raise awareness of the religion. He said most TCU students are Christians and most of those that declare a denomination are Catholic.