Should a Turban be called "Headwear"?

Narayanjot Kaur · #1 (**permalink**) 18-Jun-2010, 04:19 AM

Should a turban be called “headwear”?

Late last year, the Manurewa Cosmopolitan Club barred a turban-wearing community leader - Karnail Singh - under a policy which bans entry to anyone wearing headwear, even for religious reasons.

The matter went to the Human Rights Commission in January and it was agreed that, depending on the outcome of a meeting last weekend, the issue may return to the commission. Well, that meeting decided no relaxing of the rules for anybody.

As you might imagine, the Sikh community is determined to fight this through the Human Rights Review Tribunal. It's the second time in two years the club's had to defend itself: previously it had banned a Muslim international student in a headscarf.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/opinion-polls/31036-should-a-turban-be-called-headwear.html
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=31036

Brian Rudman (NZ Herald) has taken up the cudgel, writing: 'Intolerant social club stuck in racist past'. He cites the on-going global battle over the burqa as relevant to this situation, and also uses various incidents of racism from the 1920s-50s: these illustrations are a rather crude attempt to muddy the waters and slur the Club's intentions.

But this is not racism. The club did not say: you can't enter... because you are a Sikh. It said: you can't enter... wearing headwear. The no-hats rule came from a past era, when good manners decreed one did not wear one's fedora inside (and yes, from the same era as quoted above).

If the members vote for the rule to remain, who are we to complain? It is after all a PRIVATE club, and I have a sneaky suspicion that the law has an exemption for private clubs. This may yet become an interesting test case though...

Read more: Yardy Yardy Yardy: Sikh - and You Shall Find...

Seeker9 · #2 (**permalink**) 16-Jul-2010, 03:50 AM

I guess, as you have captured in your poll choices, it's a question of what it is physically and what it represents. For the Sikhs who wear Turbans, clearly it is part of their identity and that is all that matters. Personally, the only time I wore one was when I got married, but most of the time I find them aesthetically pleasing!

findingmyway · #3 (**permalink**) 24-Sep-2010, 06:57 AM

Anyone who chooses not to wear a turban, I respect that decision. However, they must understand the significance of a turban. It is an insult to call it a hat and that also has significant legal implications. By degrading the turban to the level of a hat, we cannot legally defend it as an essential article of attire. It also implies a superficial, superfluous or decorative function when it is an essential part of the identity for people keeping kes as well as having the practical function of protecting the kes. Asking someone to remove a turban in public is like asking them to strip down to their boxers (or beyond)-you just don't do it. The turban of a kesadhari Sikh should always be treated with respect and that includes using its proper name. A kara should also not be called jewellery as it is not worn for decoration.

BazGrewal · #4 (**permalink**) 22-Nov-2011, 05:07 AM

My opinion on this is that calling a dastaar a hat is not acceptable at all, but headwear is also kind of rude. Even uf somebody does not know what it is I appreciate them calling it a religious headdress rather than a hat.

Kanwaljit Singh · #5 (**permalink**) 29-Dec-2011, 13:42 PM

People would even call Kara a bangle or hand accessory. That way we would lose the essence stored in the name.

bscheema · #6 (**permalink**) 29-Dec-2011, 21:41 PM

i just googled types of turban .....!!!!https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...BMLHrQfh6dC4Ag

harry haller · #7 (**permalink**) 29-Dec-2011, 21:49 PM

Can't see a strawberry one

BaljinderS · #8 (**permalink**) 29-Dec-2011, 21:56 PM

Those who know a bit about Sikhs will understand the significance of the turban.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=31036

Sikhs should working on presenting themselves in the best light possible (which do already with WaheGuru's kirpa) where ever they are. This is the only way we can really win support from other people.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=31036

Remember Sikhs are akal purkh kee fauj but people will only see if we actually believe in it ourselves.

Kamala · #9 (**permalink**) 29-Dec-2011, 23:55 PM

Were a chunni with a suit or something. Turbans arent neccisary for Sikh women but they just do it because they want to, you only have to cover your head. If you don't like the rules, don't go.