No bitterness 10 years after Sikh killing over 9/11 - Polidicks

[url]http://blogs.aljazeera.net/americas/2011/09/06/no-bitterness-10-years-after-sikh-killing-over-911[/url] Kind of a long read, but totally worth it. [QUOTE] Ten years after 9/11, Rana Singh Sodhi is not bitter at America. It would be hard to blame him if he was. Rana’s brother, Balbir Singh Sodhi, was murdered four days after 9/11 for nothing more than how he looked. Balbir, like his brothers, emigrated to America from the Punjab region of India over 20 year. They are Sikh, and wear beards and turbans, customary in the Sikh faith. They left India because of religious persecution, Rana says, and they came to the United States because of freedom of religion. They first went to California and drove taxis and worked in convenience stores to save money before moving to Arizona because of better schools for their children. They became naturalised citizens. The brothers loved America. "Before 9/11 I never believed there were ignorant or racist people in our society in America," Rana recently told me from his home in Mesa, Arizona. "I always thought we had a very educated and well mannered society." And then September 11, 2001 came. "I went to work and some of my regular customers at the gas station were looking at me differently," Rana said. "A couple hours later my friend called me and said, ‘Rana, we need to be very careful because I had a customer come to my store and he said, you turban people need to be very careful, maybe you will be attacked.’" A couple of days later, in the early afternoon on September 15, 2001, Balbir Singh Sodhi was at the gas station he owned on a wide intersection in Mesa, Arizona. He walked out front to plant flowers. Frank Roque, a mechanic from Mesa, drove past, rolled down his window, pulled out a gun, and shot Balbir several times, killing him. Roque mistakenly thought Balbir was Muslim, and killed him as "revenge for 9/11." He reportedly bragged later about killing a "towel head." Balbir left behind five kids and a wife. Picture of Balbir Singh Sodhi that sits in the Mesa, Arizona home of his brother, Rana. [Photo Maira Elena Romero/Al Jazeera] Roque was arrested, convicted, and is serving life in prison. His death penalty conviction was overturned. Ironically, on the very day Balbir was killed, he donated all the money he had in his wallet, about $75, to a person at a local supermarket collecting money for a 9/11 victims fund. He even confided in his brother he was thinking of going to New York to volunteer to help in the recovery. Then he was killed. Roque, is serving a life sentence for killing Balbir Singh Sodhi. Balbir was the first Sikh in the United States to be killed after 9/11 in so called revenge killings. It’s impossible to document the exact number of such killings of Sikh, because the FBI does not distinguish between Sikhs and Muslims when classifying hate crimes. Generally, the Sikh community of America, I am told, honours 16 people of the Sikh faith killed in the United States in the year after 9/11 because of religious hate crimes. The FBI says since 9/11 they have investigated more than 800 violent acts against Muslims, Arab Americans, or people perceived to be of Middle Eastern origin. Rana Singh Sodhi, the brother of Balbir, now dedicates his life to religious understanding [Photo Maria Elena Romero/Al Jazeera] Balbir’s brother, Rana, has not become bitter in the past 10 years, just the opposite. He says the outpouring of support from people of all faiths in his community has re-affirmed his love for America. "The day my brother was killed, people I didn’t even know stayed at the gas station late into the night, they put flowers and candles at the place where my brother was killed," Rana said. "This was such beautiful sign of love from the community, and that is what has helped me and make me realize what great support the community is to me here." After 9/11, some friends suggested he take off his turban for his own safety, but he refused. "I said no," Rana says. "My family came here and we believe in this country because of freedom of religion, and my religion teaches me you don’t live your life as a coward, you live your life with pride and without fear." Rana has spent much of the past 10 years being an outspoken advocate for religious understanding. He speaks at events, and to schools about his faith and his appreciation of America. He helped make a documentary, called A Dream in Doubt, as a way to tell his story to a broader audience and hopefully forge better understanding of cultures. But it’s sometimes been a hard fight, even 10 years later. He says he still occasionally gets vulgar comments from people calling him nasty names. "I try to never let that go, I will go up to the person and say, ‘Listen, talk to me, what is your idea of America? I am an American too, you know?’" Rana said. He doesn’t do it to be confrontational, but rather to try to open lines of communication to educate people for better understanding. And an Arizona state legislator, Rep. John Kavanagh, sponsored a bill that passed the state legislature that could have, among other things, removed Balbir’s name off the Phoenix state 9/11 memorial, arguing Balbir was not really a victim of 9/11. It was controversial, but earlier this year Arizona Republican Governor, Jan Brewer, vetoed the bill. Kavanaugh later apologised to Balbir's family. The plaque that sits at the family gas station where Balbir was killed on September, 2001. [Photo Maria Elena Romero/Al Jazeera] Rana tells me the past 10 years have reaffirmed his esteem in what he calls American ideals. On my last day in Phoenix working on this story, something totally unexpected happened. After filming outside of the Mesa Star Convenience Store where Balbir was killed, we put our equipment in the back of the car and went inside to get a cold soda. While at the soda dispenser machine I saw a framed picture of Balbir on the wall, and I stood and stared at it for several seconds. A chubby teenage blonde kid - maybe 18 or 19 years old – was near me holding a skateboard. He saw me gazing at the picture of Balbir. He didn’t know I was a journalist. "He was a good guy," the kid said to me without me asking. He then motions to the picture of Balbir. "You knew him?" I asked. "Oh, yeah, he used to give candy to the kids. We all liked him a lot. A really good guy." Then the kid said "see ya later," takes his Big Gulp, and skates off down the street. Taking with him the memory of the good guy with the beard and turban. [/QUOTE] It's heart warming to see someone who can just forgive so easily.

I never got how you could confuse a sikh for a muslim. They're quite different, in my opinion.

[QUOTE=Lambeth;32155907]I never got how you could confuse a sikh for a muslim. They're quite different, in my opinion.[/QUOTE] You think some racist redneck can tell the difference between one "towel head" and another?

thats good man that makes me feel good i feel so good right now like about this and everything

[QUOTE=MegaChalupa;32155972]You think some racist redneck can tell the difference between one "towel head" and another?[/QUOTE] Why do people automatically assume that when someone does something racially motivated they're automatically a racist redneck. God damn it is the stupidest thing I've ever heard. During that time emotions were high people where saddened, angry, frustrated and didn't know where to place it. So they see someone who looks or shares similar features like beards and turbans and attacks them. Yea what happened is wrong and sad. But not everyone who commits racial crimes is a fucking redneck. Why can't it just be a racist? Or some guy who is a huge asshole. Not every white person that commits a racial crime is a fucking redneck.

[QUOTE=MR-X;32156300]Why do people automatically assume that when someone does something racially motivated they're automatically a racist redneck. God damn it is the stupidest thing I've ever heard. During that time emotions were high people where saddened, angry, frustrated and didn't know where to place it. So they see someone who looks or shares similar features like beards and turbans and attacks them. Yea what happened is wrong and sad. But not everyone who commits racial crimes is a fucking redneck. Why can't it just be a racist? Or some guy who is a huge asshole. Not every white person that commits a racial crime is a fucking redneck.[/QUOTE] Lets see, the killer lived in Arizona, attacked a guy based solely on the fact that he looked similar to what he thought Muslims looked like, then went on the brag about. Sure as hell fits the stereotype.

[QUOTE=MR-X;32156300]Why do people automatically assume that when someone does something racially motivated they're automatically a racist redneck. God damn it is the stupidest thing I've ever heard. During that time emotions were high people where saddened, angry, frustrated and didn't know where to place it. So they see someone who looks or shares similar features like beards and turbans and attacks them. Yea what happened is wrong and sad. But not everyone who commits racial crimes is a fucking redneck. Why can't it just be a racist? Or some guy who is a huge asshole. Not every white person that commits a racial crime is a fucking redneck.[/QUOTE] Imo, if the killer wants to stereotype based on looks, I'll stereotype based on his actions. Not that I'd kill him for them though. That'd be dumb.

[QUOTE=MegaChalupa;32156410]Lets see, the killer lived in Arizona, attacked a guy based solely on the fact that he looked similar to what he thought Muslims looked like, then went on the brag about. Sure as hell fits the stereotype.[/QUOTE] redneck =/= racist moron

[QUOTE=Lambeth;32155907]I never got how you could confuse a sikh for a muslim. They're quite different, in my opinion.[/QUOTE] Ideologically, yes. But appearance-wise? [IMG]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f9/Sikh_wearing_turban.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://dc-cdn.virtacore.com/2011/05/bin_laden_al-qaid_6856494x3.jpg[/IMG] You cannot deny the similarities based on appearance.

Its better to forgive, because an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.

[QUOTE=Corky;32156461]Its better to forgive, because an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.[/QUOTE] How unamerican of you.

[QUOTE=rilez;32156453]redneck =/= racist moron[/QUOTE] It goes hand in hand with being conservative and relatively uneducated along with coming from an area of the United States where racism is most prevalent.

[QUOTE=rilez;32156453]redneck =/= racist moron[/QUOTE] What is funny is that this topic, well at least the article is about religious and ethnic tolerance. Its about understanding and educating people but yet everyone in this thread wants to be like "aww that is sad" then go about using stereotypes and all that. Last time I checked the word redneck was about being some poor working class fellow, mainly farmers. We got a lot of racist morons of all types of backgrounds, black, white, asian, etc. Does that mean they're readnecks too?

Meh. Good for this guy Stereotypes will be still played for my people >_> People still think there muslim no matter what. IT does not matter..

[QUOTE=Mr._N;32156457] You cannot deny the similarities based on appearance.[/QUOTE] Amazing how you used a picture of Bin Laden as an example for Muslims.

[QUOTE=MR-X;32156519]What is funny is that this topic, well at least the article is about religious and ethnic tolerance. Its about understanding and educating people but yet everyone in this thread wants to be like "aww that is sad" then go about using stereotypes and all that. Last time I checked the word redneck was about being some poor working class fellow, mainly farmers. We got a lot of racist morons of all types of backgrounds, black, white, asian, etc. Does that mean they're readnecks too?[/QUOTE] Redneck has come to mean pretty much just anyone from the south as far as I can tell. It was a derogatory term given to farmers because well, they had red necks from working in the sun all day long. But now suddenly when you hear anything about the south the guy is a redneck.

[QUOTE=MR-X;32156519]What is funny is that this topic, well at least the article is about religious and ethnic tolerance. Its about understanding and educating people but yet everyone in this thread wants to be like "aww that is sad" then go about using stereotypes and all that. Last time I checked the word redneck was about being some poor working class fellow, mainly farmers. We got a lot of racist morons of all types of backgrounds, black, white, asian, etc. Does that mean they're readnecks too?[/QUOTE] I don't see blacks, asians or native americans going around and saying that they want to kill Middle Easterners, do you?

[QUOTE=RainbowStalin;32156488]How unamerican of you.[/QUOTE] Is it unamerican to believe that sometimes terrible things happen for silly reasons, and while it may feel good to fight back, its better to take it on the chin so it never happens again?

[QUOTE=Zeke129;32156583]Amazing how you used a picture of Bin Laden as an example for Muslims.[/QUOTE] Exactly like every racist would. I don't think you fully grasp how back watery and dumb some of these people are. You ask them to define anything wrong with the world right now and you can be guaranteed one of two answers, Muslims who want to take over the world, or Obama.

[quote]Roque, is serving a life sentence for killing Balbir Singh Sodhi.[/quote] Hope you rot, criminal scum.

[QUOTE=Corky;32156635]Is it unamerican to believe that sometimes terrible things happen for silly reasons, and while it may feel good to fight back, its better to take it on the chin so it never happens again?[/QUOTE] I don't think you understand the mentality that many Americans have.

[QUOTE=valkery;32156667]I don't think you understand the mentality that many Americans have.[/QUOTE] You're right, because I've been labeled a "commie fascist" by some, and a "fucking gook" by others. At the very least, I can set an example.

[QUOTE=MegaChalupa;32155972]You think some racist redneck can tell the difference between one "towel head" and another?[/QUOTE] [quote]Lets see, the killer lived in Arizona, attacked a guy based solely on the fact that he looked similar to what he thought Muslims looked like, then went on the brag about. Sure as hell fits the stereotype. [/quote] For fuck's sake, stop using that term to describe racists, you're as dumb as the guy who killed the muslim. [quote]It goes hand in hand with being conservative and relatively uneducated along with coming from an area of the United States where racism is most prevalent. [/quote] Is that why 7 of the top 23 public universities in the nation are in the South (by US News)? Is that why according to the US Census Bureau, the first "Southern" state to appear on the list of most hate crimes reported is Virginia at #6? IMO your statements are really retarded seeing as this article even states that people were really sorry about what happened and tried to help out however they could, and are actually very decently educated, which imo is probably realistically much closer to any rednecks I've ever had the pleasure of meeting rather than the popular derogatory meaning of it. [quote]Lets see, the killer lived in Arizona,[/quote] Also, are you trying to insinuate that everybody who lives in the deep South is your form of racist retard, because come travel to SC, we'll show you what being a redneck really means. On topic, a very nice story. I'd like to meet this guy to shake his hand.

[QUOTE=Mingebox;32156646]Hope you rot, criminal scum.[/QUOTE] You're not helping.

[QUOTE=Shining_Sabe;32156812]For fuck's sake, stop using that term to describe racists, you're as dumb as the guy who killed the muslim. Is that why 7 of the top 23 public universities in the nation are in the South (by US News)? Is that why according to the US Census Bureau, the first "Southern" state to appear on the list of most hate crimes reported is Virginia at #6? IMO your statements are really retarded seeing as this article even states that people were really sorry about what happened and tried to help out however they could, and are actually very decently educated, which imo is probably realistically much closer to any rednecks I've ever had the pleasure of meeting rather than the popular derogatory meaning of it. Also, are you trying to insinuate that everybody who lives in the deep South is your form of racist retard, because come travel to SC, we'll show you what being a redneck really means. On topic, a very nice story. I'd like to meet this guy to shake his hand.[/QUOTE] Actually I used the term "redneck" in a derogatory way to describe a single person who committed a crime due to his own ignorance. I didn't say all people from the South are racist, I said that he specifically was a racist redneck.

[QUOTE=Corky;32156461]Its better to forgive, because an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.[/QUOTE] Of course that assumes that everyone in the world is innately guilty, I commend your use and understanding of the Christian concepts of original sin, and the shame of ones physical body.

That's kind of strange to hate a country just for a very small group contained within it. I sense much unfair generalization of Americans in this thread and many others.

My salty ass is getting more bitter by the day.

[QUOTE=Shining_Sabe;32156812]For fuck's sake, stop using that term to describe racists, you're as dumb as the guy who killed the muslim. Is that why 7 of the top 23 public universities in the nation are in the South (by US News)? Is that why according to the US Census Bureau, the first "Southern" state to appear on the list of most hate crimes reported is Virginia at #6? IMO your statements are really retarded seeing as this article even states that people were really sorry about what happened and tried to help out however they could, and are actually very decently educated, which imo is probably realistically much closer to any rednecks I've ever had the pleasure of meeting rather than the popular derogatory meaning of it. Also, are you trying to insinuate that everybody who lives in the deep South is your form of racist retard, because come travel to SC, we'll show you what being a redneck really means. On topic, a very nice story. I'd like to meet this guy to shake his hand.[/QUOTE] The south is taken for granted. Please don't listen to our backwater trash.

[QUOTE=MegaChalupa;32156902]Actually I used the term "redneck" in a derogatory way to describe a single person who committed a crime due to his own ignorance. I didn't say all rednecks were racist, I said that he specifically was a racist redneck.[/QUOTE] He asked "why can't he just be racist?" You replied: [quote]Lets see, the killer lived in Arizona, attacked a guy based solely on the fact that he looked similar to what he thought Muslims looked like, then went on the brag about. Sure as hell fits the stereotype. [/quote] Let's review: basically, you said he wasn't just racist because A) He lived in AZ B) He attacked a guy because he looked Muslim C) He bragged about it and you found all of these things to determine that he was not just a racist, but that he was a redneck too. Well, I don't know about you, but B makes me think that you assume that all rednecks are racists, since they attack people for looking like a specific race. Plus you said that the South is mostly conservative (very arguable, but I don't feel like looking up figures because frankly I don't care, people's governmental ideologies say nothing about their intelligence, sans groups like the tea party), racist, and uneducated, which is why I posted those figures disproving what you said. Also, how does the term redneck refer to a dumbass who commits a crime? Are you saying Hitler was a redneck because he killed thousands of people out of ignorance? I'm 99% sure he didn't sit outside with his dog Bo and spit tobacco in a can while shooting deer that lingered too close to his house with a shotgun.