Sikh

A Sikh is forbidden from cutting his Kesh, kept tied under a Pugree or long turban also Other requirements are Kuch specially designed underwear), Kara (an Iron bangle), Kanga (a wooden comb to keep the Kesh in a knot) However, in keeping with today's lifestyle, young Sikhs who are part of their 18 million population in India, are cutting their hair and discarding the turbans. Additionally, since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, some Sikhs have complained of being confused with members of the Taliban at airport security.

Major Beliefs: The Sikh's goal is to build a loving and close relationship with their one God. Their God has 99 different names and has a description of many attributes. They believe in reincarnation and karma, which is very similar to Hinduism. The caste system in Sikh has been used for many years. It is the division of the nations that separates the people in it. All together the four different societies are called Varnas. Each of the Varnas were created from different parts of Purush’s body. According to the Rig Veda, which was the ancient Hindu book, the original man – Purush – apparently destroyed himself so that he was able to create the different societies. The Brahmans were created from his head; the Kshatrias are from his hands; the Vaishias from his thighs and the Sudras from his feet.

Sikhs believe their religions to be completely original from other faiths, especially Hinduism Sikhs are initiated into the Khalsa, where they are required to upkeep a lifelong vow to keep certain standards (for example, not cutting their hair) The code of the Khalsa is known as Rahit Members of the Khalsa are identified by the Five Ks (Uncut hair, a comb, a steel wristband, a sword or dagger, and shorts. Smoking and drinking alcohol are banned The objective of Sikhism is simply a life of personal righteousness and doesn’t outline specific guidelines for regarding health, disease, and environment

Examples of Discrimination: • They are portrayed as being terrorists, extremists and militants. • Because of the Air India bombing that killed 329 people on the Air India Flight 182 dated a quarter century, Canadian Sikh’s struggled with discrimination. • Because they wear a turban for religious purposes they are misidentified as either Muslims and Arabs, making people believe that they allied with the al- Qaeda terrorist network. • After the September 11th attack at ground zero, Sikhs had to endure the unjust brutality of hate crimes due to being perceived as Arab Americans

Sikh Music: Is Mostly based on their own different Gods that they believe in and worship.

Sikh Population: There are over 20 million sikh's in the world, mostly concentrated in India. It is the fifth largest religion in the world and sikh's make up 0.39% of the world population. They make up about 1.9% of India's population and there are over 500,000 in the U.S. Because of holy wars many sikh and Hindu followers have taken refuge in India unbalancing the economy and over populating the country

Lifestyle: The religions lifestyle is to not worry people of tomorrow or any thing just at that point in time and to do everything right and there is no point in holding arguments about religion or even do selfish acts like saying they can do miracles or cure people they feel its not necessary to get people

There are only two specific rules regarding bioethical concerns: Do not kill female infants, and if you are initiated into the Khalsa, you may not eat from the same dish as someone who is uninitiated. Sikh men and women often wear turbans and flowing white robes

Resources:

Ibish, Hussein. "Hate Crimes Against Arab Americans Are a Serious Problem." Current Controversies: Civil Rights. Ed. Karen F. Balkin. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2004. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. Central York High School. 1 Sep. 2010 .

"Sikhism." Bioethics for Students. Ed. Steven G. Post. New York: Macmillan Reference USA, 1999. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. Central York High School. 1 Sep. 2010 .



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http://www.religioustolerance.org/sikhism2.htm

Young Sikhs discard turban, elders worried." UPI NewsTrack 29 Mar. 2007. Global Issues In Context. Web. 7 Sept. 2010.

http://www.sikhnet.com/radio

http://www.oxfordsikhs.com/SikhAwareness/159.aspx

http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Sikhism_by_country

Lands and People Book 2

http://www.whyichosesikhism.com/?p=sic&s=sikhtruth