Comments on: A Rather Cheery Article in the NYT on the Decline of Sikh Turbans http://sepiamutiny.com/blog/2007/03/29/a_rather_cheery/ All that flavorful brownness in one savory packet Sat, 30 Nov 2013 11:11:28 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Pondicherry Tour http://sepiamutiny.com/blog/2007/03/29/a_rather_cheery/comment-page-4/#comment-279035 Pondicherry Tour Thu, 14 Oct 2010 11:45:15 +0000 http://sepiamutiny.com?p=4289#comment-279035 <p>If a Sikh can only be defined by whether or not he wears a turban then the Sikh population of the UK is only half the official number. It comes down to how Sikhs define what a Sikh is themselves.</p> If a Sikh can only be defined by whether or not he wears a turban then the Sikh population of the UK is only half the official number. It comes down to how Sikhs define what a Sikh is themselves.

]]> By: baljeet sahota http://sepiamutiny.com/blog/2007/03/29/a_rather_cheery/comment-page-4/#comment-277282 baljeet sahota Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:50:20 +0000 http://sepiamutiny.com?p=4289#comment-277282 <p>It seems like the problem of sikh youth denying turbans is everywhere. I am 24 year old sikh male that lives in san jose, ca. I have a hair cut and came from punjabi when I was 14. At that time and even now Ive seen most of the sikh youth with haircuts. around the ages of 15-30 I would say in california I have only seen about 10% of the sikh young adult males have turbans the rest have haircuts. sad but nothing can be done about it times have changed.</p> It seems like the problem of sikh youth denying turbans is everywhere. I am 24 year old sikh male that lives in san jose, ca. I have a hair cut and came from punjabi when I was 14. At that time and even now Ive seen most of the sikh youth with haircuts. around the ages of 15-30 I would say in california I have only seen about 10% of the sikh young adult males have turbans the rest have haircuts. sad but nothing can be done about it times have changed.

]]> By: Jag http://sepiamutiny.com/blog/2007/03/29/a_rather_cheery/comment-page-4/#comment-205823 Jag Thu, 12 Jun 2008 06:46:29 +0000 http://sepiamutiny.com?p=4289#comment-205823 <p>How about the reverse? Hasn't the number of girls who keep their hair long gone down amongst Sikh women as well? I mean from a religious perspective, girls should keep their hair shouldn't they? And does the number of girls cutting their hair have to do with male preferences? Would like to hear others thoughts on this.</p> How about the reverse? Hasn’t the number of girls who keep their hair long gone down amongst Sikh women as well? I mean from a religious perspective, girls should keep their hair shouldn’t they? And does the number of girls cutting their hair have to do with male preferences? Would like to hear others thoughts on this.

]]> By: Gold http://sepiamutiny.com/blog/2007/03/29/a_rather_cheery/comment-page-4/#comment-198336 Gold Sun, 30 Mar 2008 18:12:38 +0000 http://sepiamutiny.com?p=4289#comment-198336 <p>I look to hearing from more persons on this. It is the issue for today and surely someone mentioned that there is more confusion in Sikhs than in any other religion. More progress means more questions and then more ambiguity!!</p> I look to hearing from more persons on this. It is the issue for today and surely someone mentioned that there is more confusion in Sikhs than in any other religion. More progress means more questions and then more ambiguity!!

]]> By: gold http://sepiamutiny.com/blog/2007/03/29/a_rather_cheery/comment-page-4/#comment-198335 gold Sun, 30 Mar 2008 17:57:45 +0000 http://sepiamutiny.com?p=4289#comment-198335 <p><i>5 · <b>Pugg pin</b> <a href="http://www.sepiamutiny.com/sepia/archives/004289.html#comment125119">said</a></i></p> <blockquote>I completely agree with the laziness/comfort argument given in the article from my first hand experience in Punjab. In my High school class of 60+ students in rural Punjab there was a 50% split of turbaned and non-turbaned sikh students in early 1990's. The major reason for students to get their hair cut was either "girls don't like turbans" or too much hassle. I was one of the very few students in college who tied a turban and had long beard. Majority were either without turban and beard or tied a turban but trimmed their beards. Major reason for trimming beard or both "hair and beard" in college was again girls and convenience. Among the turbaned majority were doing it for family pressure and given their own free will they would happily do without the turban.As an aside even though was less religious than some of my shaven-Sikh friends I was always considered more religious and I was expected to act/behave differently than those with their hair cut. In my village majority of youth in the age group 14-25 have their hair cut. At a wedding my grand mother (who is very religious) commented "Hun ta aa ghonne monney juaak vi sohne lagg de aa" (Nowadays even kids with short hair look cute), that because there are so many of them. Incidentally as a Sikh I don't see a problem this. I see turban as a political symbol for freedom/right of self expression rather than a spiritual thing. In present day India turban as a political symbol doesn't seem to be that important for youth, whereas career and material success are, and having or not having a turban is probably insignificant in that pursuit. </blockquote> <p>I fully agree with this. The family environs is usually actingas a pressure to keep on th eturbans. But having cut hair does not make you a lesser Sikh. And with the rising trend the grandmothers will give sanction. Mothers are therfore more progressive and actually helpful in assisting their children(boys and girls) to cut their hair. It is so cnvenient and also makes one mix with the mainstream. It is afterall a ver ypersonal choice and should not be made into much of an issue. In India and that to in Punjab more than 80% boys have cut their hair. Girls are not far behind and the young generation is looking out for an excuse to go for teh unturbaned look. No special guesses for this! It is sooo Convenient and yes. ladies save so much of time and it definitely is less of a bother.</p> 5 · Pugg pin said

I completely agree with the laziness/comfort argument given in the article from my first hand experience in Punjab. In my High school class of 60+ students in rural Punjab there was a 50% split of turbaned and non-turbaned sikh students in early 1990′s. The major reason for students to get their hair cut was either “girls don’t like turbans” or too much hassle. I was one of the very few students in college who tied a turban and had long beard. Majority were either without turban and beard or tied a turban but trimmed their beards. Major reason for trimming beard or both “hair and beard” in college was again girls and convenience. Among the turbaned majority were doing it for family pressure and given their own free will they would happily do without the turban.As an aside even though was less religious than some of my shaven-Sikh friends I was always considered more religious and I was expected to act/behave differently than those with their hair cut. In my village majority of youth in the age group 14-25 have their hair cut. At a wedding my grand mother (who is very religious) commented “Hun ta aa ghonne monney juaak vi sohne lagg de aa” (Nowadays even kids with short hair look cute), that because there are so many of them. Incidentally as a Sikh I don’t see a problem this. I see turban as a political symbol for freedom/right of self expression rather than a spiritual thing. In present day India turban as a political symbol doesn’t seem to be that important for youth, whereas career and material success are, and having or not having a turban is probably insignificant in that pursuit.

I fully agree with this. The family environs is usually actingas a pressure to keep on th eturbans. But having cut hair does not make you a lesser Sikh. And with the rising trend the grandmothers will give sanction. Mothers are therfore more progressive and actually helpful in assisting their children(boys and girls) to cut their hair. It is so cnvenient and also makes one mix with the mainstream. It is afterall a ver ypersonal choice and should not be made into much of an issue. In India and that to in Punjab more than 80% boys have cut their hair. Girls are not far behind and the young generation is looking out for an excuse to go for teh unturbaned look. No special guesses for this! It is sooo Convenient and yes. ladies save so much of time and it definitely is less of a bother.

]]> By: Navjeet Singh http://sepiamutiny.com/blog/2007/03/29/a_rather_cheery/comment-page-4/#comment-198280 Navjeet Singh Sat, 29 Mar 2008 16:26:55 +0000 http://sepiamutiny.com?p=4289#comment-198280 <p>'girls don't like turban and beard'. It's the biggest reason for those who cut their hair and shave their beards. Even in my college half of those who support turban trim their beards, but i feel superiors with my nicely tied beard and well wrapped turban....it gives me a feeling of completeness. Whenever i stand infront of the mirror and look at my turban and beard i feel confident and feels authoritarian, born leader more influencing and i suppose girls like leaders.....isn't it?</p> ‘girls don’t like turban and beard’. It’s the biggest reason for those who cut their hair and shave their beards. Even in my college half of those who support turban trim their beards, but i feel superiors with my nicely tied beard and well wrapped turban….it gives me a feeling of completeness. Whenever i stand infront of the mirror and look at my turban and beard i feel confident and feels authoritarian, born leader more influencing and i suppose girls like leaders…..isn’t it?

]]> By: jeet http://sepiamutiny.com/blog/2007/03/29/a_rather_cheery/comment-page-4/#comment-192137 jeet Sun, 03 Feb 2008 10:48:55 +0000 http://sepiamutiny.com?p=4289#comment-192137 <p>Men don't blame your mother, Living in the Uk I notice we sikhs here seem to be more proud of our heritage than the ones in the US and Canada, I dont know why perhaps its because we will never be ''english'' where as you canadians and Americans think thats your true identity</p> <p>not true,.....sikhs in usa & canada are much better than those in uk.....they are more attached towards their culture & religion.....sikhs in UK dnt even speak punjabi spclly grls.....they are not even interested.....they make fun of their own ppl.....if someone speaks punjabi they make fun of them....</p> <p>join a website called facebook.....& see wats the difference between uk sikhs & us,canadian sikhs....all those grls & few guys too knw is abuses......abuses & abuses.....i have so many frnds 4m canada & us.....they are too good.....i talked with sikhs 4m UK too.....& believe me they are too bad,rude,egoist...</p> Men don’t blame your mother, Living in the Uk I notice we sikhs here seem to be more proud of our heritage than the ones in the US and Canada, I dont know why perhaps its because we will never be ”english” where as you canadians and Americans think thats your true identity

not true,…..sikhs in usa & canada are much better than those in uk…..they are more attached towards their culture & religion…..sikhs in UK dnt even speak punjabi spclly grls…..they are not even interested…..they make fun of their own ppl…..if someone speaks punjabi they make fun of them….

join a website called facebook…..& see wats the difference between uk sikhs & us,canadian sikhs….all those grls & few guys too knw is abuses……abuses & abuses…..i have so many frnds 4m canada & us…..they are too good…..i talked with sikhs 4m UK too…..& believe me they are too bad,rude,egoist…

]]> By: B Singh http://sepiamutiny.com/blog/2007/03/29/a_rather_cheery/comment-page-4/#comment-171369 B Singh Fri, 12 Oct 2007 19:00:59 +0000 http://sepiamutiny.com?p=4289#comment-171369 <p>Men don't blame your mother, Living in the Uk I notice we sikhs here seem to be more proud of our heritage than the ones in the US and Canada, I dont know why perhaps its because we will never be ''english'' where as you canadians and Americans think thats your true identity. Mental strength is needed, someone wrote earlier that if ask 10 sikhs what happens after you die you get different answers, thats the way of the tiger. If you want to fit in and become a sheep like Socretes says then go ahead and assume the opinion of the majority in this case turbans and beards are not attractive, fashionable or wateva!, Im damn proud of my long hair! Im a throwback to the 17,18 or 19 century, no wonder the tiger is becoming extinct!</p> <p>Guys if you want to look better go on the hard and long path of getting real-health and go to the gym, spartans had long hair and beards and held off the persian assult and on the last day of battle ''combed thier long hair, rubbed oil in their bodies as this was sign of spartans getting ready to fight and to die'', wake up in the morning and groom yourselves without cutting your hair and get ready to fight the ignorance of this world,its a discipline for a select few.</p> <p>www.spartanhealth.com</p> Men don’t blame your mother, Living in the Uk I notice we sikhs here seem to be more proud of our heritage than the ones in the US and Canada, I dont know why perhaps its because we will never be ”english” where as you canadians and Americans think thats your true identity. Mental strength is needed, someone wrote earlier that if ask 10 sikhs what happens after you die you get different answers, thats the way of the tiger. If you want to fit in and become a sheep like Socretes says then go ahead and assume the opinion of the majority in this case turbans and beards are not attractive, fashionable or wateva!, Im damn proud of my long hair! Im a throwback to the 17,18 or 19 century, no wonder the tiger is becoming extinct!

Guys if you want to look better go on the hard and long path of getting real-health and go to the gym, spartans had long hair and beards and held off the persian assult and on the last day of battle ”combed thier long hair, rubbed oil in their bodies as this was sign of spartans getting ready to fight and to die”, wake up in the morning and groom yourselves without cutting your hair and get ready to fight the ignorance of this world,its a discipline for a select few.

http://www.spartanhealth.com

]]> By: Preeti Kaur http://sepiamutiny.com/blog/2007/03/29/a_rather_cheery/comment-page-4/#comment-168206 Preeti Kaur Tue, 25 Sep 2007 15:20:11 +0000 http://sepiamutiny.com?p=4289#comment-168206 <p>You where your hair long because that is what the sikh religion teaches u to do. it teaches u that u r fine the way u r, and u r how u r cuz God wanted u to be that way. If someone cuts their hair, i dont think that they are following their religion, so i wouldnt say that they are still sikh. They arent because they have just taken away their identity and gone against their religion. How can someone say that they are still sikh after they've cut off their hair? They can't. And they can't say that they will still go to gurudwara and pray and do paat, and hope that that will make up for not having long hair. Its just not the same.</p> You where your hair long because that is what the sikh religion teaches u to do. it teaches u that u r fine the way u r, and u r how u r cuz God wanted u to be that way. If someone cuts their hair, i dont think that they are following their religion, so i wouldnt say that they are still sikh. They arent because they have just taken away their identity and gone against their religion. How can someone say that they are still sikh after they’ve cut off their hair? They can’t. And they can’t say that they will still go to gurudwara and pray and do paat, and hope that that will make up for not having long hair. Its just not the same.

]]> By: Sonia http://sepiamutiny.com/blog/2007/03/29/a_rather_cheery/comment-page-4/#comment-126914 Sonia Sat, 07 Apr 2007 05:52:12 +0000 http://sepiamutiny.com?p=4289#comment-126914 <p>I'm actually surprised that the events of 1984 hasn't led to more Sikh men wearing the turban out of pride and identity. I can understand men cutting their hair during the pogroms to avoid being targeted, but what has often happened after the fact is that a new sense of pride and community is created because of such a horrific experience. Maybe this isn't a fair comparison, but I remember reading about how after 9/11, more Muslim women began wearing hijab out of a newfound appreciation for their religion which they took for granted before it was targeted as it is today.</p> I’m actually surprised that the events of 1984 hasn’t led to more Sikh men wearing the turban out of pride and identity. I can understand men cutting their hair during the pogroms to avoid being targeted, but what has often happened after the fact is that a new sense of pride and community is created because of such a horrific experience. Maybe this isn’t a fair comparison, but I remember reading about how after 9/11, more Muslim women began wearing hijab out of a newfound appreciation for their religion which they took for granted before it was targeted as it is today.

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