Author:

Publisher:

Published: 2007

Total Pages: 46

ISBN-13:

Turbans have been worn in different parts of the world, by various groups, for at least the past 3,000 years. For one community, the Sikhs, the turban carries deep religious significance. Members of the Sikh faith -- the fifth largest religion in the world and which originated in 17th century South Asia -- are required to wear a turban pursuant to religious mandate. In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the turban has been assigned a different meaning in the United States. The perceived similarity of Sikhs with turbans to Osama bin Laden has made Sikhs with turbans a superficial and accessible proxy for the perpetrators of the 9/11 attacks. As a result, turbaned Sikhs in America have been subject to racial violence and have had their identity challenged by calls for immigrant groups to assimilate into Western societies. The purpose of this essay is to examine how the turban has transformed from a sacred piece of attire for Sikhs to a target for discriminatory conduct and an object of marginalization after 9/11. Part I provides an introduction to Sikhism and discusses the importance of the Sikh turban. Part II examines incidents of discrimination in several contexts involving turbaned Sikhs in America. Part II analyzes the debate surrounding assimilation that has been taking place in the West, which implicates conspicuous articles of faith, including the Sikh turban. The essay also offers observations as to the legal remedies available to turbaned Sikhs affected by discriminatory conduct or by broader policies on the wearing of turbans. The post-9/11 backlash has been discussed as it relates to Muslims, Arabs, and South Asians. This essay attempts to shed light on Sikhs, one group whose experiences have been largely subsumed in broader discussions of the post-9/11 climate.