Sikhs are not Muslim, not even close

I had a topic all picked out and ready to go this week. I thought it was a good one too, easy for me to write. But then something hit me in the news. I’m a news junkie and follow it all day long. Can’t quite put my finger on why this particular bit hit me a little harder than most, but I felt compelled to write about it. I hope you’ll forgive me if it’s not as light-hearted or easy reading as most of my stuff.

By now I would assume that most of you are aware of the tragedy that took place in the Sikh temple in Wisconsin. If not, look it up. Quick version: a white supremacist went on a rampage in a Sikh temple and killed several people before turning the gun on himself. Terrible. Obviously, I’m not a Sikh. I would never even profess to be an expert on Sikhism. But I am a big fan of history and have always admired Sikhs for their many accomplishments and contributions. I have always felt honored that we have them in this country.

The Sikh religion is centered around the notion of selflessness. The idea that everybody is equal and is to be treated as such is a very important part of their religion. The main philosophy behind the Sikh religion revolves around truth, equality, freedom, justice and karma. How cool is that?

They interact with people of different religions freely, easily and with the utmost respect. Frankly, I’ve always thought that the whole world could learn a lot from their approach to dealing with people of different race, color, religion or nationality. When you read about them (and I encourage you to do so, even if it’s only a quick glance through Wikipedia) you may get the idea that they’re pacifists, and they try to be. But make no mistake about it; in direct contrast to their philosophy of peace, they are capable of a degree of ferocity and stunning loyalty that is often mind-boggling to the Western mind.

One of my favorite periods in history is World War II. The British Empire included India at that time and Sikhs were found wherever Britain had a hold. Sikhs were legendary for their tenacity and courage, and many British soldiers owed their victory and lives to those attributes. They were often given the less desirable jobs, such as sappers (men sent out to clear demolitions and minefields). Sikhs received more medals than any other group of men (by percentage of population) than any other Allied group during World War II and received honor and recognition for their service in many ways, including recognition by Winston Churchill.

Enough with the history bit and back to the point I was trying to make. Granted, the person who committed this horrific crime was a racist and obviously a lunatic. In no way does he represent you, me — or the vast majority of the population (thank God). But we can’t deny that in the absence of facts, in the absence of knowledge, comes assumptions and often fear.

To many Americans, they “look funny” with their facial hair and turbans. And it is truly, truly sad how many times we see ignorance result in ugliness when somebody comes across a Sikh. Especially since Sept. 11, 2001, they have been insulted and attacked by the racist, angry and foolish.

Friends, Sikhs are not Muslim. Not even close. To compare them to Muslims is to compare apples to radios. Not even in the same realm.

“But they wear turbans,” we hear.

Um, exactly how many Muslims wear turbans? Do you watch the news and see Iraqis, Afghanis, Syrians, Saudis, etc. wearing turbans? Keffiyehs (the headgear that hangs down the back of the head, most often associated with Saudis) or taqiyahs (small, rounded hat, commonly associated with Egyptians) perhaps, along with a few other types of head coverings. But rare is the Muslim who wears a turban. And when they do, it’s an entirely different style than that of a Sikh.

Sikhs have had their own encounters with terrorism and attempts at ethnic cleansing throughout history. With that in common, you would think we would be secure in having a group of people here in the U.S. that can relate and join us in our quest to protect this country from hateful extremists. I am truly sad, ashamed and embarrassed that instead, they have often found themselves on the defensive — and not from the plague of intolerance from the outside, but from within.

That is not what my country is about. That is not what my country is supposed to represent. But what does it represent to the Sikhs? How long are they supposed to endure this treatment and attitude from us and still, somehow, believe that this is the country of equality and mutual respect?

We don’t have many Sikhs in Alaska, but if you meet one here (probably in Anchorage) or when traveling out-of-state, be friendly. You’re in the company of somebody immersed in a culture of peace, equality, tolerance and fierce loyalty. If that’s not American, I don’t know what is.

Ben Compton is a Palmer resident and publishes his column as “Compton’s Corner,” the same title used by his grandmother, Phyllis Compton, a longtime Frontiersman columnist.