Sikhism

Increasing Intolerance in US

September 16, 2001

Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

On September 16, 2001, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette published the article, "As we retaliate, can we tell friend from foe?" This piece asks, "The United States is at war against terrorism. But who is the enemy? An equally important question, in light of mounting indiscriminate attacks on Arabs, Muslims and even Sikhs in this country, is: Who is not?" The article continues by placing the radical Islamists within the context of global Islam. The article also provides basic information about Islam as well as Sikhism, and...

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The Murder of Balbir Singh Sodhi

September 16, 2001

Source: Los Angeles Times

On September 16, 2001, The Los Angeles Times reported that in Mesa, Arizona, "A gunman fatally shot the Sikh Indian owner of a convenience store Saturday and sprayed bullets at two other locations in the span of a few minutes, authorities said. Mesa police are investigating the shootings as possible hate crimes because the [other] targets may have been Muslims, said Mesa police Sgt. Mike Goulet."

In the Aftermath: Reaching Out, Offering Assistance and Correcting Misconceptions

September 16, 2001

Source: Newsday

On September 16, 2001, Newsday reported on the volunteer efforts of American Sikhs and Muslims: "It was an offer of camaraderie, born of patriotism to the United States and increasing fear of fellow Americans. A stream of at least 20 yellow cabs driven by Arab-American and Sikh taxi drivers lined up along Lexington Avenue near 26th Street yesterday, with the drivers offering free cab rides to the throngs of grief-stricken people who gathered at the Armory to report people missing and feared dead at the World Trade Center. American flags...

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Anti-Bigotry Resolution Passes U.S. House

September 15, 2001

Source: Office of Congressman David Bonior

On September 15, 2001, Congressman David Bonior's office issued a press release regarding the House Concurrent Resolution 227, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Bonoir noted, "Terrorism attempts to divide us; we must not let this happen. We cannot allow our anger to drive us to bigotry or intolerance. Americans of all faiths – Christians, Muslims and Jews – denounce these terrorist attacks." The press release continued: "Bonior’s resolution, H. Con. Res. 227, which was co-...

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Editorials Regarding the Backlash, Scapegoating: Immediate Responses (Sept 13-16)

September 15, 2001

Source: The Boston Herald

On September 15, 2001, The Boston Herald published the editorial "Aftermath shouldn't include stereotyping ethnic minorities" by Sarbpreet Singh. The author noted, "Sikh organizations all over America have been unequivocal in their condemnation of the heinous acts of terror that were unleashed on this country. We are devastated by the loss of life and share in the sorrow and suffering of our countrymen. We have embraced the American way of life and the ideals that represent America with great enthusiasm and energy. We do not...

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U.S. Elected Officials and Government Agencies Make Satements in Response to Backlash

September 14, 2001

Source: Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force

http://www.sikhmediawatch.org/official_correspondence/oc20010914_responses-2.htm

On September 14, 2001, the Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force issued a press release which quoted House Democratic Leader Richard A. Gephardt: "In the face of this act of terror, we must not abandon our bedrock American values of freedom and civil liberties that define our democracy. In World War II, our country made...

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U.S. Sikhs Ask for Unity, Work for Increased Understanding

September 14, 2001

Source: The Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force

[sikhmediawatch.org/media_watch/mr20010914.htm]

On September 14, 2001, The Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force issued a press release entitled, "Sikhs Blamed for Attack on America; Ask for Help." The statement read, in part: "...we are becoming the mistaken targets of 'retaliation'. In different parts of the country, Sikhs have been harassed, threatened, attacked, and brutally beaten. An elderly Sikh man is in the hospital, after having been assaulted with a baseball bat. A...

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On the Web: Tracking Backlash

September 13, 2001

Source: MSNBC

http://www.msnbc.com/news/628515_asp.htm

On September 13, 2001, MSNBC continued their coverage of backlash against Muslims, Arab-Americans, and Sikhs. The web site offers an overview of some of the incidents, as well as local coverage of reports of an attack on Sikh Gurdwara in Sacramento and an attempted firebombing of the Islamic Society of Denton, Texas.

Muslim Women Targets of Hate Crimes

September 13, 2001

Source: Newsday

On September 13, 2001, Newsday reported on a hate crime against a Muslim woman; "one of several on Long Island that authorities and victims attributed to a backlash of hatred generated by Tuesday's terrorist attacks." In the attack, a man tried to hit a Pakistani woman with his car. The suspect was reported to have "screamed that he was 'doing this for his country' and was 'going to kill her.'" The article noted that this was one of several reported "incidents of violence directed toward Middle Easterners, or those perceived to be Muslim."...

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U.S. Sikhs Ask for Unity, Work for Increased Understanding

September 13, 2001

Source: The Boston Globe

On September 13, 2001, The Boston Globe reported on the arrest, and subsequent release, of a Sikh man yesterday. Religion reporter Michael Paulson wrote, "The man on the Amtrak train from Boston had a green turban on his head, a long beard on his chin, and a blade strapped to his chest, and apparently, that was enough evidence for federal and local authorities." (The blade was a kirpan, a ceremonial sword worn by Sikhs.) The article noted that as the man was arrested, "teenagers shouted, 'Let's kill him,' and a woman yelled, 'Burn...

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In the U.S.: Muslims, Sikhs, Arabs, South Asians Face Threats, Violence - Immediate Backlash

September 13, 2001

Source: Salon.com News

http://salon.com/news/feature/2001/09/13/backlash/index.html

On September 13, 2001, Salon.com News featured the article "Anti-Arab passions sweep the U.S." This article stated, "Within hours of the destruction of the World Trade Center, the Net was flooded with hysterical anti-Arab sentiment. It did not take much longer for the attacks on the streets to begin. On Wednesday alone, the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee confirmed 30...

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