Some estimates suggest that about 20 percent of students are bullied during the school year. For some ethnicities and religions, the number is even higher, from 50 to 67 percent, depending on the location. A White House task force suggests that the number may be even higher, because there are cultural and religious barriers that keep students and their families from getting help against bullying.
Act to Change, which was just launched by the White House Initiative on AAPIs (Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders), and other coalitions are asking individuals and communities to stop the harassment. One student reported that boys in his class would try to remove his turban from his head. In another incident, a Sikh middle school boy had his hair cut by a classmate, who was aware that unshorn hair is integral to the Sikh faith.
What Is the Sikh Religion?
As the fifth largest religion in the world, Sikhs are often bullied and misunderstood. It’s been estimated that there are about 250,000 Sikhs in the United States, but many people do not have an appreciation for their religious beliefs and traditions. A Sikh believes in one God. The religion was founded out of a rejection to Hinduism, in the 15th century in the Punjab region in India. Although Sikhism is often considered a religion, Sikhs do not seek converts. England recognizes Sikhism as an ethnicity, much like Judaism. Sikhs worship in a building called a gurdwara, which means “doorway to God.”
There are five Ks, or articles of faith, that Sikhs wear. Only Sikhs who have taken the ritual known as amrit, wear all of them, but most Sikhs wear one or more of them until that time.
- Kesh – unshorn long hair, protected by a dastaar, the turban
- Kirpan – a ceremonial knife or sword, made of steel or iron
- Kachera – an undergarment much like boxers worn to remind the Sikh to control sexual desire
- Kangha – a wooden comb for keeping the hair combed
- Kara – an iron bangle worn on the hand
These five Ks represent the ideals of Sikhism, which are equality, meditating on God, fidelity, honesty, and not bowing to tyranny. They are primarily peaceful, but do serve in the Indian Army. Historically, they are farmers, but many Sikhs have gone on to college and serve in many different industries.
Make a Change
The Act to Change program is not just targeting Sikhs, but also offers resources for Chinese, Hindi, and other Asian American nationalities that get bullied. Resources are available in many different languages as well as English to help those who are being bullied find allies for support. October is Bullying Prevention Month, but it gets overlooked because it’s also Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s time to end stereotypes and respect each other.
The Pledge to Stop Bullying
Although the Act to Change website is targeting students, it is a pledge that everyone can make. The pledge asks individuals to help stop bullying and report it when they experience or see it happening. In addition, each person should share information and resources to stop bullying.
It’s time to celebrate our differences and not look down or hurt someone because they don’t look like the majority. It starts in your own home. If you are being bullied, get help from someone who has the power to make changes. Bullying doesn’t stop once someone graduates high school. Many people in the workplace are bullied because no one stands up and stops the bullying. You can make a difference when you begin to respect others, even when you don’t agree with their beliefs.