maybe it’s sad that i have to do these things. maybe it’s sad that i even have to think about these things. but, it’s the reality of the situation, and that’s how i deal with it. it is pretty annoying at times, but not nearly as annoying as being harassed and searched by security and dealing with the constant suspicion of fellow passengers.

SORRY this isnt in one post. it took me about half an hour to realize that the word RET*RDED isnt allowed in posts…so, i was going paragraph by paragraph trying to find the word that was getting my post blocked.

i acutally find that wearing the turban is to my benefit. most airport people, by this time, have seen enough sikhs and have been educated by their supervisors as to who we are and that we’re not really a “threat.” i think they even overcompensate, not searching or questioning us lest they have some sort of complaint lodged against them. wearing my turban is a clear indication that i am a sikh rather than when wearing a baseball or stocking hat when i may be confused for a muslim or a damn dirty hippy. i am polite, smile a lot, wear casual clothing and make sure to say a few words so they know i don’t have an accent. passengers aren’t nearly as friendly, and most people stare pretty intently as i board. but, i always try to make conversation with those sitting next to me, and speak loudly enough so others around can hear my midwestern twang in an effort to ease their silly and unfounded fears.

i dislike the shirt because i agree it is of “whiny” in nature. i think it is kind of amusing if i were to wear it around friends or as a joke…but, i’d never wear it in public. i think it makes a wearer somewhat unapproachable if anyone were ever curious about what it is to be a Sikh – it is lambasting ignorance to an audience that is most likely ignorant, and most people won’t get the joke. it’s a little more constructive to just be chill and “normal” than confrontationally “in your face” if you truly want to make a statement or work on winning people over.

and, after reading Ennis’s comments and talking to friends, i may be in the minority – i’ve never had any real problems at an airport….ever. one time, when i was wearing a stocking hat rather than the turban, i was very briefly questioned by an undercover air marshall when i came off a flight about where i was flying from(it took all of 5 seconds). and another time they picked my bag to swab and test for explosives when i was standing at the ticket counter. and that’s it. In early 2002, i even had two pairs of scissors in my carry-on (don’t ask) flying out of Columbus, and i joked about my stupidity with the security peeps and national guardsman who was standing with an M-16, and they waved me through after confiscating the scissors. meanwhile, my very white friend standing behind me was randomly searched.

I guess it depends on one’s perspective because to me it reads like a victim’s statement (i.e. I was violated here, here, here, here and here), and not a finger-in-the-face. Maybe if it said something like “Don’t forget to check my ass” or “In my country they don’t allow random search & seizure”…

He needs to be added to this lineup…

It is a rather amazing style.

but how about that… i’m still standing and kicking. that schmuck’s probably breathing out of a tube, dragging his oxygen cylinder from one kfc to another right now.

there we go. i feel better now.

agreed. i have had some unpleasant experiences but definitely not to the extent you have.

btw – i did read that link on your blog.

dont get me wrong. i just feel that T suggests there is no hope, like a dog turning up its belly to show it’s given up – please be merciful.

ah.. all this over a T! Let me not subvert your topic any more. i’d be curious what the gorgeous Ms K’s husband thinks of it.