Browsing Tag: Mistaken Identity

Jamie Larson was indicted for a federal hate crime charge after his October attack of a Sikh taxi driver.

Since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, Sikhs have reported a rise in bias attacks, both verbal and physical, against them. The backlash that hit Muslims across the country has expanded to include them and their faith as well, with some assuming the sight of a long beard and turbaned head can only mean one thing.

Each time she visits the intensive care unit, she said, she recalls the day her grandfather walked out the door to join his friend Singh for their afternoon stroll. "I wish I had the ability to press a button and go back to that day and just tell my grandpa to stay home," she said, her eyes filled with tears.

In theatrical productions, mistaken identity is a device often used to create comedy. But in real life, mistaken identity can lead to unfortunate and sometimes tragic consequences. That has often been the case with members of the Sikh religion...