After 9/11, many Sikhs were persecuted by people in America who mistook them for Muslims, as Sikh men wear turbans and have “Middle Eastern” looks. In August 2012, seven people were shot and killed at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, because the killer mistook them for Muslims. At the same time, adherents like Sheena Khandari are having to rethink their outward expressions of faith.
Examine the five Ks of Sikhism. These are the ultimate expressions of faith in Sikhism.
- Which of the five Ks intrigues you the most? Why?
- Sheena says it is not the outward expression of religion that matters; instead, it is what is inside that counts. Is this a cop-out or the sign of a genuine struggle to retain her faith in light of today’s realities?
- Should Americans accept Sikh customs (for example, Sikh policemen being allowed to wear turbans instead of helmets or hats) or should Sikhs adopt American customs? To get full credit for this question, you need to locate one Web source: blog, video, or website that supports your views and share it with the class.
