Summary
Sikhism is known as a religion and philosophy founded in the Indian subcontinent in the 15th century. Despite the fact that this faith is prevalent mostly among people living in the Indian state of Punjab, news media pay attention to events related to the oppression of Sikhs occasionally. This essay will examine the case of traumatizing Sikh Uber driver that reveals the negative attitude of some Americans toward one belonging to his religion (Singh, 2017). The discussion of Preet Gill, becoming the first Sikh member of parliament (MP), will also be provided to show the opposite side of this religion’s current position in American society.
Discussion of Situations that Indicates the Attitude of Media Toward Sikhism
The Huffington Post news source examines a situation when an American man threatened a Sikh Uber driver named Gurjeet Singh, asking him questions about his national origin. The passenger stated, “I hate turban people; I hate beard people,” indicating that there is a presence of discrimination based on religion (Kuruvilla, 2018, para. 2). A lawyer Amrith Kaur supports Gurjeet and his community, claiming that “have the right to feel safe” (Kuruvilla, 2018, para. 3). This case of the alleged assault, revealed by the news media, clearly indicates the presence of tension between Americans and Sikhs. However, it is also shown that society sympathizes Gurjeet, and in general, most individuals accept the fact that representatives of Sikhism are present among them but do not pose a threat.
In the other case, The Huffington Post news source examined Preet Gill became the first female Sikh member of parliament from Slough and Birmingham Edgbaston. It is a unique situation that indicates the lowering in the level of discrimination both against female politicians and turban-wearing Sikhs. Speaking about encouraging Sikhs to enter politics, The Huffington Post claims that “It is fair to say Labour has made a huge stride in this direction, but the same can not be said for the Conservatives” (Singh, 2017, para. 9). Moreover, this new source emphasizes that “Sikhs are a role model community and provide an exceptionally interesting example of successful integration whilst maintaining a very visible and distinctive religious identity” (Singh, 2017, para. 10). Thus, it is evident that Sikhism has the full support of media, and these religious’ representatives are seen as ones capable of bringing new energy to improve politics.
Some of society’s members still face discrimination in the contemporary world. The case of an American man threatening a Sikh Uber driver is an example of how some individuals are concerned with others’ origins or beliefs that derive into manifestations of violence. On the other side, more and more influential people, including members of the labor party, support turban-wearing representatives of Sikhism, which is proven by Preet Gill becoming an MP. The news sources also tend to reveal Sikhs in a positive light, proving them to be beneficial for the American community in general.
References
Kuruvilla, C. (2018). U.S. Man Pulls Gun on Sikh Uber Driver Stating, ‘I Hate Turban People’. HuffPost.
Singh, J. (2017). The significance of Preet Gill becoming the First Ever Female Sikh MP. HuffPost.