Glen Rock Camp 2003

• Why are you a Sikh?

– A) Because you are born into it– B) Because your mommy or daddy says so– C) Because you don’t have another choice– D) Because you choose to be a Sikh

Need for Turban and Beard

• Why do we wear it?

– Uniform for religion – Stands out!– Protects our Head– God’s presence is everywhere – we need to express our

love for it!

Nails Vs. Hair

• How come we cut our Nails and not our Hair?

– Hair continues to grow just like nails– If you cut your hair it grows back to that same length.– Nails are dead skin – Hair is dead cells– The answer: Guruji gave us his ‘roop’ Uniform– “Khalsa mero roop haa Kaaas”

Sikhs’ responsibility to society

• As a struggling identity in this society, Sikhs have enormous pressure.

– Positive representation• Be good to friends, peers, strangers.

• Be kind, generous and forgiving.

• We need to build our reputation as loving people.

• Don’t steal, swear, start fights, or do mischief.

Racial Remarks

• How to handle racial remarks?

– Ignorance..– Our fault for not educating them about Sikhi– Keep your cool.. Don’t be rude or start a fight– Try talking with them – it works!!– Don’t be afraid.. They are only human – Educate them

Bullying at school

• How to handle bullying at school.

– Be firm and assertive, NOT AGGRESSIVE– Tell your parents!! Don’t be embarrassed – Approach the kids by educating them– Talk to your teachers or Principal

Need to present?

• Need to educate your class/school?

– We have PowerPoint presentations already made!– We could come to your school and present!– Or even you could present yourself.– Help reduce hate crimes – Take a stand!

Do it !!

• Do it for the Queens family who was beaten on August 3rd 2003.

• Do it for Balbir Singh Sodhi who was killed shortly after 911.

• Do it for the cab driver who was killed.

• Do it for countless hate crimes and obscene gestures faced by Sikhs.