“I see no one as an enemy or an outsider, all are welcome in God’s house.” It is likely that these were some of Guru Nanak Devji’s words that worshippers at the Sikh temple (gurdwara) just south of Milwaukee were singing when someone opened fire on them on a Sunday morning, once again shattering the peace of these loyal U.S. citizens whose only crime may have been to look “different.”
That attack is the latest in a series (which some place as high as 700) on Sikhs and Sikh places of worship since Sept 11, 2001. If it is a case of mistaken identity, it is fueled by an even more misconceived policy to target minority communities and the poor for political gain.
Mistaken identity was at work in November 2001, following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, when four teenagers got drunk and torched our place of worship, Gobind Sadan, in Oswego County. We forgave them and galvanized the surrounding communities by choosing peace over hatred.
Since then, national tensions have been heightened by economic collapse and the suffering it brings. Some leaders prefer to play on fear rather than build a strong, unified nation. Now that this latest heinous deed is done, leaving at least six dead and a community terrorized, what statements will those leaders make?
Is this what we, the people of this country, want? Social bullying that takes place online and over the airwaves? The constant barrage of ethnic, gender and religious bullying? Blaming the poor for the troubles created by those in power in order to win an election? Or worse, to continue to curtail our civil rights in order to create a more secure nation? Look where it is leading.
It is not just minorities who have suffered. A few ill-advised words and an actual bullseye on Rep. Gabby Giffords’ district brought a swift response and terrible consequences. And yet the leaders wash their hands because they didn’t mean for things to get out of hand.
Sikh men, with our turbans and beards, are highly visible targets. But our educational institutions and textbooks still say little about our 500-year-old religion, which teaches that there is one God for all of creation; which implores us to “recognize all people as one human race” and to spend one’s life in constant praise of the One from which all existence burst forth; which teaches a work ethic second to none; and commits to share with those in need. A Sikh’s turban stands for truth, justice, the universal right to pray (or not pray) without fear of persecution. Sikhs defend the poor, the downtrodden and the elderly, those with disabilities, those ostracized in pursuit of material gains.
Our media highlight religion only when there is a political angle, a scandal or a tragedy such as this. Words of wisdom get buried beneath the heap of ignorant accusations. [Emphasis -ed.]
Who to blame for the increase in shootings? Not violence in movies and video games, and for God’s sake, don’t blame the media. And, of course, gun control isn’t the answer — we need to be armed against our neighbors who could attack us. But don’t we also have a right to live in peace? To life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, as I’ve heard it expressed?
Well-meaning people have reached out to the Sikh community of Milwaukee, none more so than a good neighbor, James Hasse, who helped save one of the victims’ lives Sunday, and the police officers who averted even more carnage.
My hope is to unite not only in crisis, but to maintain an undaunted spirit fueled by love even in the face of hatred.
At my age, I have to ask, “What kind of world are we leaving our children?” I believe in peace and have worked continually to change the dominant narrative of conflict.
Monday, my 6-year old granddaughter asked me why I was so sad. “Because a man took guns into a gurdwara and killed six people,” I answered. Her response was simple: “Doesn’t he know it’s not good to kill people?”
That answer still seems to elude us.
Ralph Singh, of Elbridge, is director of public relations and publications for Gobind Sadan and chair of Wisdom Thinkers Network.