By Ken Herar
Recently, I had an interesting conversation with a friend who was curious about why Sikhs wear the various colours and different styles of turbans.
Living in the Lower Mainland, many times in a day you will see turbaned Sikhs walking on the streets, in the malls or maybe at your workplace. This simply shows how far we have come as a nation in establishing our diversity throughout Canada.
As Abbotsford prepares for the centennial celebrations of the Historic Sikh Temple on South Fraser Way from Aug 26-28, this unique anniversary demonstrates our roots and partnerships that have been built over the last century.
Getting back to the conversation with this lady, she stopped me dead in my tracks with her questions about turbans. I have no issues with that. Where I draw the line is if an individual is being respectful in their questioning. Let’s just say, she was cutting a fine line at the very least.
Furthermore, she went on to comment that she was surprised to see females and children wearing turbans.
She asked, “Is this something new?” I replied, “no.” She didn’t sound very happy in her tone. I was left with the impression that she did not like the changing ethnic landscape of our local community.
What I gathered from this short five-minute conversation as I read between the lines was that there are too many people with turbans in our community.
She did not say it but her body language and tone certainly expressed this unfortunate message. The person assisting me in this conversation also felt the same way.
Next time you ask a question about someone’s religion or culture, be respectful how you direct the questions.
I understand that not everyone knows why turbaned Sikhs wear different colours and why women and children wear turbans. To tell you the truth, I didn’t know the correct answers, either.
That’s why I called a friend to assist me. It’s good to ask and learn about our ethnic diversity. This is how we build bridges and inclusiveness.
But don’t forget to show patience and respect and be genuine in your interest. If you can’t do this – don’t ask. People can often see the hate.
I have a simpler solution – if you don’t like the ethnicity in our local community, consider relocating.
We’re all at different stages in our understanding of diversity and that includes me. Discussion and dialogue are some of the best ways to overcome misunderstanding.
Are you in between jobs or looking for that first job in Canada? Fast tracking your soft skills is an essential tool in landing that first job. The Employment Mentors and Skills Connect programs are presenting Nick Noorani, one of the ‘Top 25 Canadian Immigrants’ and former publisher of the Canadian Immigrant magazine.
He will be presenting the “7 Success Secrets for Immigrants” on Sept. 8 from 9: 30 a.m. to 12 noon in the Jasbir Saran Room, Abbotsford Community Services main office, 2420 Montrose Ave, Abbotsford.
RSVP your attendance to Michelle Spencer at [email protected] or by contacting 604-866-0257.
Ken “Kulwinder” Herar is a Mission-based writer and a winner of the champions of diversity award for his columns in the LINK newspaper and other Fraser Valley newspapers. Herar can be reached at [email protected] or view his blog at http://www.kenherar.blogspot.com
