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Indian kids' show portrays Sikhs in negative manner
Chii & Me TV series, Zee TV (Feb. 23, 2006)

Unfortunately this clip provides an example of how Sikhs are portrayed in Indian media:  either as dumb or stupid characters.  Similar to the Sambo or blackface characters seen in American plays during the 1900s, most of the time in Indian media, non-Sikhs dress up as Sikhs and portray them in demeaning manners.

With only a few media works actually showing Sikhs in a good light, the negative Sikh stereotype has been commonly seen in Indian media easily over the last 40 years or so.  Sadly the Sikhs have given the highest contributions to India when looking at its history, but yet they are easily the "butt" of all Indian jokes as seen in Indian media works.

It is even worse that this tradition still continues strong today, and has now been in shown in television shows geared towards young children.  Recently the television show "Chi & Me," seen on Zee TV, shows two Sikh boys as the comic relief as they always try to top their school rival, Sachin (the protagonist).

Although it may be difficult to put an end to this type of racism, one can only hope that through exposure, these types of negative portrayals can be eliminated.

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Slanderous commerical towards Sikhs
Mainstream rotation on Zee TV (Recently aired on Feb. 23, 2006)

This commercial for "Peer Syed Sahib," as seen on Zee TV, shows a Sikh family stating that one phone call to psychic cured all their "troubles."  Issue is that it is against the creed of Sikhism to worship, seek knowledge, or advice from those who consider themselves relics (ritualism and superstitions are prohibited in Sikhism).  Therefore this commercial, along with its actors and use of stereotypical "Punjabi" music in the background, is demeaning towards the followers of Sikhism and inaccurately portrays the convictions of their faith.

It is the sincere hope that bringing awareness to this slanderous material will bring an end to its airing on any television station.

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Nick News Special: Intelligent Design
Nickelodeon (Jan. 22, 2006)

In this Nick News special (geared towards high school teenagers) on the pros and cons of Intelligent Design, the episode ends with a summary of some of the world's faiths and features a segment on Sikhism.

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Goodness Gracious Me
BBC America (Jan. 12, 2006)

Hilarious, well done, spoof on the famous 1963 film The Great Escape.  Portrays WW2 British soldiers who are trapped in Nazi Germany, with an interesting twist.

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Dateline Punjab
ANI (Dec. 31, 2005)

News segment showing Sikhs aiding in rebuilding the earthquake destroyed areas of Kashmir.

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Dateline Punjab
ANI (Dec. 3, 2005)

The 2005 Mr. Singh International show is documented in this Dateline Punjab segment.  This positive event encourages Sikh males to rejuvenate their identity, as well as their pride.

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Sikhs in DC's July 4th Parade
The Sikh Program, WNVC-TV (July 19, 2005)

For the first time, Sikhs marched in the annual Washington DC 4th of July Parade.  The Sikh float featured musicians with marchers and Gatka, the Sikh form or martial arts, performed behind it.  The event brought great exposure to the Sikh faith, and a kind reminder that Sikhs too are part of the diversity of America.

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Religion & Ethics Newsweekly
PBS Networks (June 10, 2005)

Excellent short providing a brief synopsis of Sikhism, its teachings, and the rationale behind the necessity of their kirpan.

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FBI Recruitment Commercial
Aired before kickoff of the NFL's SuperBowl XXXIX (Feb. 6, 2005)

In an attempt to recruit new Americans to come work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, this commercial features the highlights of being an FBI analyst.  However, the commercial focuses on an actual Sikh-American who works for the Bureau.  In this commercial, it truly shows how individuals from all diverse backgrounds help to safeguard the United States.

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Rajinder Singh Khalsa beating
CNN Headline News (July 2004)

News segment documents how Rajinder Singh Khalsa was beaten merely for wearing a turban and having an uncut beard.  Furthermore the news segment highlights how Sikhs still continue to face unwanted backlash in the post 9/11 world due to being mistaken as militant members of the Muslim community.

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WKYC TV, Clevland OH
Carl Monday investigation (Sept. 2001)

A short news segment highlighting the unwanted turmoil faced by the Sikh community in the aftermath of 9/11.
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(4.55 MB Windows Media Video file)



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