Replying to Racist..

My mother always taught me that we should try to find the good in everyone. This obviously can be challenging at times when you are faced with derogatory and racist remarks. Leaving my email address at the end of this column is a symbol of respect to my readership. I don’t like to lurk in distance shadows where no one can reach me. I trust people will use this communication tool to their advantage, working together to create an inclusive, diverse community.
I have enjoyed many interesting exchanges and dialogues with readers through my inbox. Heck, I don’t even mind being heckled from time to time. But, one word of advice before you decide to press the send button on the right side of the keyboard with your important message, try to be respectful and non-racist. If you choose to disagree with me, your opinions are still welcome. If you decide to be racist, you’re wasting your time and will not get a response. My golden rule. Remember that your response is a true reflection of yourself. For those, who didn’t realize my public email addy is a racist-free zone.
Generally, readers have conveyed their messages in a non-racist fashion. But, every so often there is a surprise envelope waiting to be opened in my inbox. This week, I probably encountered the most racist emails to my knowledge. Honestly, it made my blood boil and made me real angry. This individual, who claims to be Fijian, which is part of the greater Indo Canadian family attacks Canadians from Sikh origin. His page long email consists of blasting the Sikh community and calling them: ragheads, go back to cleaning toilets and sending them back to India. He also suggests that Fijian’s are much better than ragheads. As a Canadian from Sikh decent, I am deeply offended by these racist remarks. The Fijian community, who has many exceptional members in Canada doesn’t need representation from a man who is clearly need of help. He also takes the time to poke personal shots at me throughout the email asking me to go work in the berry fields. To tell you the truth, I would love too and deeply admire the people who do farming. Not only did he email me once; another email appeared a few short days later asking why I haven’t responded back to him. It was at this precise moment that I decided to contact the local RCMP and forward these inflammatory emails, which was a first for me. The closest he will ever get to hearing from me is from a RCMP officer in the near future. Racist have empty and delusional minds with no clear outlook. What do you think they really accomplish? Nothing.
Hecklers have tried to shake my feathers many times throughout my 14 years, but I proven that my endurance and passion towards building an inclusive, diverse community is much stronger than anything they can offer to this discussion.
Canadians for Sikh origin are hardworking citizens, who are making a difference in our communities worldwide. Throughout, my travels in Canada or the United States, I have met many Sikhs, who are excelling and contributing back to their respective communities. Here are six local examples of Canadians from Sikh origin, who have been recently recognized for their efforts in making our community a safer and better place to live:
Sukhman Sidhu- A well spoken Grade 5 student from King Traditional school in Abbotsford was chosen the winner at this years Historica Fair for her project on the Komagata Maru incident in 1914 at Vancouver Harbour. As the Fraser Valley winner, she will be one of the 12 students, who will be representing BC at the National Historica Fair in Ottawa on July 7 to 13.
Paul Dhaliwal Sr.-- This week, longtime resident from Abbotsford and Mission, who ran a lumber and logging business received a much deserved Order of Abbotsford.
Jake Parmar--- the paramedic chief at the Mt. Lehman ambulance station also received the Order of Abbotsford. Parmar, has been chosen venue commander for the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver.
Andy Sidhu-- Publisher of the local Punjabi Patrika, was recently awarded, Fraser Valley 2009 Regional Volunteer of the Year Award, by the Canadian Diabetes Association.
Parm Bains-- local businessman has been a key figure as chair of the fundraising committee for the Centre for Indo Canadian Studies at UFV. Bains, will be receiving the Doctorate of Letter at this years Convocation at UFV.
Dalip Gill-- Longtime principal of the local Damesh Punjabi School in Abbotsford, who has been a mentor for many students during his time in the school system will also be receiving his Doctorate of Letters from UFV.