Glen Rock Camp 2003 Why are you a Sikh? –A) Because you are born into it –B) Because your mommy or daddy says so –C) Because you don’t have another choice –D) Because you choose to be a Sikh

Need for Turban and Beard Why do we wear it? –Uniform for religion – Stands out! –Protects our Head –God’s presence is everywhere – we need to express our love for it!

Nails Vs. Hair How come we cut our Nails and not our Hair? –Hair continues to grow just like nails –If you cut your hair it grows back to that same length. –Nails are dead skin – Hair is dead cells –The answer: Guruji gave us his ‘roop’ Uniform –“Khalsa mero roop haa Kaaas”

Sikhs’ responsibility to society As a struggling identity in this society, Sikhs have enormous pressure. –Positive representation Be good to friends, peers, strangers. Be kind, generous and forgiving. We need to build our reputation as loving people. Don’t steal, swear, start fights, or do mischief.

Racial Remarks How to handle racial remarks? –Ignorance.. –Our fault for not educating them about Sikhi –Keep your cool.. Don’t be rude or start a fight –Try talking with them – it works!! –Don’t be afraid.. They are only human – Educate them

Bullying at school How to handle bullying at school. –Be firm and assertive, NOT AGGRESSIVE –Tell your parents!! Don’t be embarrassed –Approach the kids by educating them –Talk to your teachers or Principal

Need to present? Need to educate your class/school? –We have PowerPoint presentations already made! –We could come to your school and present! –Or even you could present yourself. –Help reduce hate crimes – Take a stand!

Do it !! Do it for the Queens family who was beaten on August 3 rd Do it for Balbir Singh Sodhi who was killed shortly after 911. Do it for the cab driver who was killed. Do it for countless hate crimes and obscene gestures faced by Sikhs.