New Haven: Teachers Against Prejudice (TAP) will release the documentary project, Targeting the Turban, which takes an intimate look at the prejudice and hate crimes plaguing the Sikh community since September 11, 2001.

The 28-minute film— prelude to a full-length documentary— will be released to the public October 18, 2003 at the Spinning Wheel Film Festival in Toronto, Canada. The screening will begin at 6:30pm in the ROM Theater located at the Royal Ontario Museum. Advanced tickets may be purchased by visiting: spinningwheelfestival.com.

“The film’s greatest achievements is its ability to humanize victims of hate crimes, to draw attention to the commonality of all American citizens, and to demonstrate that differences are to be learned from not discriminated against” said Valarie Kaur, the film’s writer and director.

In conjunction with the film, TAP is developing grade appropriate lesson plans to correspond with the video’s message of compassion and cultural awareness. The lesson plans will encompass middle school, high school, college/university, and community groups. An interactive website is also under development: 911prejudice.stanford.edu.

Teachers may begin ordering their copy of this powerful documentary beginning in January 2004 by visiting TAP’s website, www.teachersagainstprejudice.org or 911prejudice.stanford.edu.

Since its inception, TAP has become the premier resource for educators seeking guidance and training on issues regarding prejudice, classroom diversity, and intercultural awareness. TAP functions as a non-profit grassroots, volunteer organization, which serves as a resource and support network for educators, students, parents and other concerned citizens.

Gurus of the world unite! If there was ever a time for the wisdom of the ages to prevail - it is now.

They say that the first causality of war is truth and in this post September 11 climate, we are probably further from it than we have ever been. Two years and two months ago, since the Attack on America has resulted in those tragic events; ignorance, fear and doubt still dominate the political agenda. And turmoil in the Middle East and the threat of reprisals, the national mood will increasingly posture between positive patriotism and excessive jingoism.

Such stresses will inevitably tear at the threads that bind the fragile fabric of our culturally diverse communities and society together - challenging the best and worst in America to jockey for pole position. In the final analysis, we must participate and gain momentum or face the alternative of becoming the scapegoat.

Brown is the New Black

If brown is to be the new black, meaning certain levels of stereotyping and racism will be unofficially accepted in the name of society's fears. What as South Asian Americans are we doing to address the profiling and negative consequences of being demonized as terrorists in waiting? Granted, in these times of threat, we require diligent measures to ensure security for all. However, in a climate of fear and ignorance, the excesses of racist thinking become prevalent.

None of us, regardless of our socioeconomic background or assumed status, especially our sons, brothers and fathers are free from the scourge of security policies that expel us from boarding airplanes because fellow passengers may not like the look of us. Or at the other extreme, presume guilt before innocence and suspend habeas corpus. Even though these are exceptions now, the question is raised - will they become the rule in the face of severe terrorist's attacks within our borders?

Are we proactive in getting the message across to mainstream America of who we are? Why we are here? And what our cultural and religious doctrines adhere to? Do we connect as a community meaning common unity, correctly with each other? Through meaningful dialogue, do we seek to close ranks, promoting a united and influential voice to the local and national media and the powers at be? Do we reach out effectively through a formal framework to security agencies?

Be under no illusion, if America is attacked again with the severity of 9/11 or even worse with weapons of mass destruction - the spotlight will once again focus on the Arab and South Asian communities. Ignorance, fear, harassment, loss of business and lost opportunities will reign supreme. The ultimate manifestation of which will plausibly result in the death of several more South Asians. For all our successes as a community, our lack of political organization with the authorities, vocalization and presence in the mainstream media will be our greatest failure.

MISTAKEN IDENTITY

MISTAKEN IDENTITY: Sikhs in America is a film for television that triumphs in breaking down misconceptions and barriers. This is one example of bridging the mainstream media to our communities by the young Host Amanda Gesine, Producer and Director, Vinanti Sarkar and Philip Marshall (4-time Emmy award winning editor).

Since September 11, our use of the media to provide compelling stories that share our common humanity to mainstream America is often a reaction to individual events - more often than not tragic events.

This TV program touches on the experiences of Sikh Americans using the post September 11 climate as a back drop and uniquely charts a journey of discovery of the Sikh American heritage, over 100 years, through the eyes of 23 old Armanda Gesine, host and investigative journalist. A young white American girl, sheltered like so much of American society behind a white picket fence, she speaks candidly of her view of the world, "September 11 changed us all-the question is whether it changed us for the better or for the worse? It was a not only a wake up call but also a sense of innocence lost and the coming of age for my generation. Stories of cultural diversity not only need to be told but celebrated".

A student at Georgetown University, Amanda immediately saw the light at the end of tunnel and sought to break new ground in bringing stories of cultural diversity to an American audience which she felt is more relevant now than ever. She saw 'the demonization' of the turban and the beard create a huge backlash against Sikh Americans, and felt if making this film will save one life then we will make a difference. "I believe in this project. If I can help one person understand more about the Sikhs, I hope it will be a domino effect to educate others".

With Armanda's initiation, the television documentary discusses the experiences of Sikhs in America, demystifying the enigma of Sikh Americans and shares the hopes and desires of Americans from all backgrounds who seek to close ranks against bigotry and hate and make a united stand against terrorism. Sadly Amanda died of a tragic accident after completing the film, last summer on 14 June 2002. Her deep compassion, vibrant spirit, love of life, and sense of peace, will be greatly missed, after having shared her life with us for nine months in making this TV program. We all loved her. This is her legacy to her fellow Americans and non-Sikhs worldwide.

Festival of Lights

With Diwali, the festival of lights, this television program is very poignant and in its own way seeks to be a beacon, to mainstream America to gain positive insights through music, wisdom and rich imagery that leaves them with a compelling empathy towards the South Asian American community.

The lighting of candles is a universal gesture that is widely understood as an act of silent prayer, solidarity, and for some the sense of seeking to illuminate the feeling of darkness around them.

For those of us who celebrate or participate in the spirit of Diwali, let us light a candle this year - firm in the conviction that where there is darkness let there be light, thus where there is ignorance let there be truth.

With extensive travel across the Untied States, filming over 40 hours of footage, MISTAKEN IDENTITY: Sikhs in America was produced and directed by Vinanti Sarkar, President of WLWD Inc, New York (a boutique digital television production house). With six cameramen, shooting over nine months, it is being supported by one voice "United We Must Stand".