STOCKTON: The beard long hair and turban are the traditional Sikh symbols of moral and spiritual strength and self-defense. Baptized Sikhs also wear a ceremonial six inches word. Some Sikh immigrants have cast aside their traditional attire others feet that cutting their hair and beards means “an unacceptable break with strong religious traditions. Following the Sikh codes may cause problems in the work place and in public life. Some examples recently in the news include: a Sikh mayoral candidate in Portland Oregon who was told his photograph couldn’t be published in the voters’ guide because his turban or (pugree) was deemed a “hat.” Candidates are not permitted to be pictured wearing a “hat”. (WSN #10; 3/27/ 92). A Sikh security guard manager vas told to shave his beard or be fired. A Sikh man in Modesto arrested for carrying a concealed weapon. The D.A. dropped the charges after the ceremonial significance of the sword was explained. A Sikh who got the uniform regulations of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police changed to accommodate his right to wear the turban as part of his official uniform (WSN #No 3; 2/7/92)
And just last week a San Jose Unocal service station owner who showed up at a Unocal meeting wearing the turban a traditional robe and the kirpan or (sword) was warned that the company objected to the way he and his employees dressed especially the turbans.
Anecdotal experience is consistently favorable regarding the Sikhs emphasis on hard work and education as important aspects of their lives. Although this is consistent with what Americans like to think of as the “Protestant work Ethic” they often have problems with those who don’t fit the “Protestant” mold.
As the recent incidents indicate conformity is the expected form of behavior in most institutions. Most Westerners feel “when in Rome do as the Romans do.” So that Sikh insistence on wearing the turban is viewed as rebellion rather than a religious right-similar to Christians wearing across or Jews the Yarmulke or Chai.
The opposition seems to be stronger on the west coast than on the east-seemingly because Easterners are more familiar with turbaned immigrants The immigrations to the west which began more than 100 years ago has been somewhat less visible
Although the central valley of California boasts a large Sikh population who exhibit those admirable qualities prized by American culture some still find that “dressing” Sikh keeps them from some jobs and advancing in others Also one of ten finds highly educated people doing unskilled or manual labor as several recent newspaper stores have featured.
“The story of the station owner; Gurdeep Singh Sohal is emblematic of the Sikh experience as immigrants. Although his customers rate his service as exceptional the cultural difference is often misunderstood and attempts are made by institutions such as the Unocal company to curtail what Sikhs see as religious freedom.
The company has relented allowing staff to wear their turbans but this happened on after Mr. Sohal and his brother retained a lawyer. Unocal refused comment on the issue but the brothers feel that their lease may not be renewed and they may lose their investment.
Article extracted from this publication >> April 3, 1992
