Unfair Discrimination

When people hear the word Muslim, they often think of men who wear turbans and men who kill themselves and other people in the name of “Allah.” What they do realize is the ignorance behind their mentality; their “lack of knowledge.” I have been called a Muslim many times in my life. Not for how I talked or my beliefs, it was mainly because I wore a turban. The truth behind this accusation is the fact that I am not a Muslim or a submitter to “Allah”, but that I am a Sikh. The way the media portrays Muslims today is so ludicrous that Sikhs are being harassed and assaulted daily in the United States because of their turban and how they look. Many ignorant people today, are under the impression that any man with a turban is affiliated in some way with terrorism. After 9/11, there were numerous hate crimes against Sikhs that took place in the United States. There were also many school kids in cities around the nation facing discrimination in their classrooms because of their faith. I, unfortunately, was one of these unlucky victims of hatred.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/inspirational-stories/28767-unfair-discrimination.html
It was 6:50 A.M and I remember crying when my mother pulled in to the street of my new middle school. I was just about to start 6th grade and I was scared. I didn’t know exactly how I would fit in, or if I would fit in at all. I was eleven years old and I did not understand the world as others did. I remember walking through the hall ways of my middle school and being called a terrorist or sometimes Osama Bin Laden. I would always say that these things did not affect me, but the truth was that I was deeply hurt.
At the time, I never understood why these things were happening.“Why is this happening to me and not the real Muslims?” I would ask myself. The main thing that bullies don’t understand is that being called something you’re not brings down your self-esteem tremendously. I remember being reluctant to do my homework because I lost my motivation for school. I remember crying myself to sleep every night, wishing to transfer to my zone middle school where all my elementary school friends went who understood me. This discrimination didn’t fully stop until I entered 8th grade, where I had built my reputation and made close friends.
During my last year at Roy W. Martin Middle School, something indescribable happened to me. Some people may call it a “spiritual awakening,” but I consider it opening my eyes to the world. One day, I realized that all these years I have blindly told people that I am not a Muslim, without actually knowing what a Muslim is. I frankly, did not even know the difference between the words Muslim and Islam! From that moment, I then made one of the best decisions of my life. I decided to study Islam and find out what I was really being called all of these years.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=28767
My study concluded in the August of 2009, when I decided to drop Islam all together. I felt that there was nothing more for me to explore in Islam. From this one year intensive study, I am able to understand religion in a whole new way. I knew that discrimination, would no longer affect me in such a huge manner, now that I know what I am truly compared to.
Over the summer, I began to think of my future, high school specifically. I thought to myself,“With this new knowledge and information, how exactly will my first day of high school play out to be?” I hoped that it would be the complete opposite of my first day of 6th grade, where I was in complete fear. It turned out to be the best first day of school I ever had. Not because of the fact I wasn’t made fun of, but because I knew after the first day of school, that I was capable of handling any discrimination in the best way possible.

About:
The above text was an essay that I wrote for my English class.

 
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"Political language is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind." -

Trimaan,

You have shown everyone with your essay, irrespective of their age that educating oneself is the best way to combat ignorance in the self and in others.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=28767

Good job done!


Allow me to toot a bit of horn as a blessed dad. Trimaan is 14 and is a freshman at Advanced Technologies Academy, a Magnet school where he is a straight A student and is loved by his teachers.

He has been the only visible Sikh since his kindergarten- The lone ranger.

He is a great debater as well.

In his first debate in the middle school he participated in two categories.He was sick all week long which made him miss the school and then had to change his partner in one of the categories. The second was the individual kind.They met 30 mins. before the debate.

Trimaan was the only student among all the middle schools that won 2 trophies- for being the first and the second. Rest of the participants either got one and a certificate.

His team was chosen to participate in the National debate competition in San Antonio. TX.

In his freshman year at high school where the competition is very fierce, he has participated twice in the debates so far and won 3rd place both times.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=28767

After his first debate as a freshman in High School, we got a handwritten note from his debate coach which I would like to share with you all.

"Re: Trimaan Malik:

As the Coach of the Forensics team here at the Advanced Technologies Academy, I want you to know how pleased I was with the success of Trimaan and his partner at the Green Valley Tournament this weekend. To reach the semi finals in his first tournament, while working with a new partner was a great accomplishment. I believe Trimaan will be able to build on this effort and achieve greater successes.

Ms. Rud"

A blessed dad.

Tejwant Singh

Gurfateh Trimaan!

Indeed! a blessed Dad!
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=28767

My salute to present Sikh brigade and the promise they behold in their tender hands...

And, thank you for sharing this very important message.

Warm regards,
Gurafteh!