HELPING SIKH CHILDREN COPE WITH RACISM
Dear Sikh Parents:
The war on Iraq brings with it an increase in hostility towards those wearing turbans. Especially young children. As parents of young Sikh children, we urge you to talk to your kids about what is going on. Sikh children may fear being harassed and blamed by other children or by adults. At school they may experience slurs, hostility, isolation, even assaults. Rejection by peers can be devastating for children and teenagers. Don’t wait for them to come home in tears – they may react very quietly or just appear tired and withdrawn. Encourage them to talk about what happens at school.
We also request that every parent meet with their school principal and educate them about Sikhs and turbans so that school administrations have a better understanding of who the Sikhs are. For educational materials, please click here.
As Sikhs we have a mission today to stand up for not only Sikh children but also all vulnerable children and to encourage the schools to have a zero tolerance towards hate crimes against any minority groups. Also, it is your right as a parent to be informed of ANY instances that may take place with your child or other Sikh children being teased due to their appearance.
SIKHNET & SMART requests every parent to take this lead today. If you need any help or feel that you would like somebody else to talk to your child’s school, please contact us immediately and we will make the appropriate arrangements for you. This is a serious issue and we need to stand behind our Sikh youth and protect them through spreading awareness.
Helping Sikh Children Deal With Racism
Some of our Sikh children are experiencing harassment and threats at a time when the Sikh community in the US is particularly feeling vulnerable to racist attacks.
- Ways that your child may be victimized: Experiencing nasty comments and notes, being left out of activities or being isolated, being threatened, being made to feel uncomfortable or scared, having items stolen or damaged, being hit or kicked, being pressured to do things that he doesn’t want to do and being teased.
- Signs that your child might be victimized: Reluctance to go to school, drop in grades and lack of confidence. Your child may withdraw from friends, family and community. You may see signs of irritability and moodiness. Your child may try to change their personality and/or appearance to try to gain acceptance from others.
- Meet with your child’s teachers, counselors, and or principal to discuss your child’s unique Sikh appearance (turban, Kirpan) and your expectations that any form of harassment will be addressed immediately. Ask about the school policy and procedure on addressing these issues. Explain that nobody is ever allowed to touch your son’s patka/turban or your daughter's braid without their permission.
- Urge your school staff to please keep an eye out for our young boys and girls who may be targeted at this time because of their appearances. It is important that school staff create a safe environment for all of our children and assure that none of our children become targets of harassment and/or violence.
- Reassure your child that you will consult with them before taking any action. Certain situations might require your involvement. Always discuss things with your child before you take action. If you don’t do this you might damage your relationship with your child.
- Teach your child to never defend him or herself by hitting back, or using a gun or other weapon.
- Be aware of your own prejudices, attitude and language towards groups that are different from you. Remind your child to be respectful of other groups and not to draw negative conclusions about specific religions, ethnicities and individuals.
- Listen to your child and consider your child’s point of view. Encourage your child to share any fears related to the event and their feelings on being a Sikh. Do not lecture but ask questions and listen. Do not tell your child to stop talking about it or to just forget at.
- Hold your children. Tell them that they are loved and that you will do everything you can to protect them. This can be helpful even if your child is a normally self-reliant teenager. The safety of love is often the only - and the best - consolation when one's immediate surroundings are in chaos.
Many parents are questioning whether or not they should allow their children to watch coverage of the war. The answer lies in the age of your child. It is not advisable to allow small children who aren't able to understand what is going on and will only become more scared and terrified by witnessing scenes that can be scary to grown-ups.
As for children over eight years old, you may want to allow them to watch television, but only when you can be there in the room with them to answer any questions and dispel any fears they may have. Also, after you watch, turn off the television, and set aside time to talk as a family. Allow for plenty of interaction, and involvement, this will prove to be a great release of much of the anxiety that may be pent up in your child.
Parents should calmly acknowledge their own upset and emotional reactions. Be honest. They may not know what to believe. Verify that what they have heard is true. Correct any misperceptions.
About SMART:
Founded in 1996 to promote the fair and accurate portrayal of Sikh Americans and the Sikh religion in American media and society, the Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force (SMART) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization. Its mission is to combat bigotry and prejudice, protect the rights and religious freedoms of Sikh Americans, and provide resources that empower the Sikh American community.
Email: info@sikhmediawatch.org
Phone: 1-877-91-SIKHS (877-917-4547)
http://www.sikhmediawatch.org
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