Talkback
Rana says, “Every citizen of the United States has a responsibility to make this country heaven.” What does fulfilling that responsibility look like?
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I just watched your story the other night on PBS and I must say I was both touched and angered by your story. Touched by the enormous loss this family has experienced and their love for this country. I was angered obviously by what had transpired and angry with myself for not knowing about this situation. Although I'm in Florida it's not like I'm a world away. So, my first task was to learn more about the Sikh religion because as they say, knowledge is power. I feel better able to explain to my grandchildren what the Sikh people represent and their beliefs. I truly believe the next generation will be the ones to teach us about peace and tolerance.
Thanks for a wonderfully portrayed film, God Bless the family and thanks for the education.
As a Muslim with a strong Punjabi heritage it is very sad to see the things that are happening to most Muslims and Sikhs today. I actually watched this documentary with my family today. The story was very heart drenching. I feel we should all try to come together and eliminate the hate we have for each other.
What is amazing is that America is still a great nation. I have been living here since 1999 as a young Sikh man with full facial hair and a turban. I have lived in places such as Kansas and Kentucky where a Sikh is not as easy to find or know as on the coasts. Barring a few incidents of racial slurs I can confidently say that 90% of Americans - whites, blacks, asians, American Indians and others - are the most tolerant folks. You always have a few elements in society who are radical but it is the response of the majority that moves you. I was in a mall once when someone behind me called me Osama Bin Laden, when I turned around a younger woman (caucasian) with two kids smiled at me and apologized for the unknown person. This I believe is the spirit of this nation. Sodhi's murder is actually a positive thing for the Sikhs - he died so we can educate America about Sikhism. Thanks PBS for taken a step in taht direction.
I think in a way that this isn't americans country it is the native americans. We kicked them out of their land and we still critize them. This is unfair, white people have killed blacks lynched them and humilated Them. Seriously some whites are the devils. They have no right to critize another person just cause they have a turban, scarf or any other religious wear. After seeing this i was crying that they were happy and suddenly shocked by his brothers death.
Just a comment on DICK's post.it said "Rana Singh Sodhi's brothers and other Sikhs" "When you start thinking of yourself as Americans instead of "SIKHS" maybe people will change the way they see you."
My friend if you still didnt understand after watching the whole episode, SIKH is a religion not a nationality. We are Americans but SIKHS at religion. Like u must be American but believe in certain religion.
I believe that most Americans would agree that being an American has nothing to do with the way you look. It's an non issue. Why is PBS interested in making a non issue to true America that has proven throughout its history that it accepts all nationalities,races and religions by its actions in defending the freedom of all not only in America but throughout the world? In action a true American will speak out aganst the exteme Musulum that would sanction the attack of any civilian American or Musulum. We are waiting on the non extremest Musulums to speak out as to just what they stand for. Not by any image or media manipulation of the issue but by words,deeds and actions.
"Rana Singh Sodhi's brothers and other Sikhs"
When you start thinking of yourself as Americans instead of "SIKHS" maybe people will change the way they see you.
Thank you for airing this important documentary--it was actually refreshing that PBS chose to air a program about Indians that focuses on the discrimination they face instead of the usual Raj period dramas which make light of, minimize and even insult the memory of the many Indians who have suffered racism here in the US and most particularly, England.
This film captured an emotional journey. I feel compelled to offer my love and blessings to the Singh family. My greatest sympathy for your family's loss. Thank you for sharing your story, and thank you Tami Yeager for making this into a powerful documentary. God bless!
My dear friends I have lot of Sikh friends who has the same issue of getting misunderstood as Muslims.I do not know about others but my Sikh friends are all just like my other American friends very open honest full respect to woman and top of the all very educated community.I really thank to Pbs that at least some of us now know what Sikhism is.They are with Turbens (a hat like thing on their head) and they do keep hair(that is the part of religious beliefs).My own sister in law is a Sikh woman I do not see her any different that any of our European origin or any origin person.We all are first human race lets respect this fact first and respect each other.all the best Aran Ellenskiwskyton
May your brothers rest in peace, and may eternal light shine on them. And may you who remain also rest in peace in your homes without having to fear for your safety. Watching this program, I was reminded how easy it is to look at the outside of people and judge them by their clothing or grooming. I pledge that I will try to remember this program whenever I am tempted to judge people by their externals.
This country should be heaven on earth, and I pray it will be again.
Mary P Eckart
Lansing, Michigan
Lisa Hankla,
Hello, this is Ron Wheeler.
I was pleased to see your post here and agree with what you've said. nancnron at yahoo dot com if you'd like to ask me any questions. I'd be delighted to answer.
Lisa Hankla said:
This was a very moving piece. It is so sad for me to see there is still so much discrimination and hatred. I am so sorry for the losses these families have suffered and the fear they have had to tolerate on a daily basis at times. I can only say I am trying my hardest to raise tolerant and respectful children. It is a conversation that must be a common thread throughout a childs life. We must come together to embrace our differences as much as our likeness and be comfortable with acceptance without always understanding.
Posted by: lisa hankla on May 21, 2008
I just watched Dream in Doubt. I was compelled to offer a message of love to the Rana family and all other families who experienced a hate crime. There are many who still believe in the American Dream and work hard every day to keep the dream alive. Thank you so much for your patriotism, character, and strength. While spiritual, I do not follow a particular religion...nonetheless, I feel compelled to say -- bless you and godspeed on your healing journey.
It is so strange how so many American did not know a Sikh from a Muslim. Sikh have been persecuted by many faiths including Islam. To call my father or my husband "Osama Bin Ladin" is a insult especially based on a wearing of a turbin.If people were more read,they would see the turbin worn by a Sikh is not like turbins worn in Pakistan or its neighboring countries.No matter what, these men were killed because they were mustaken as muslim men and targeted as such.
This was a hate crime and directed to Muslim men but Sikh men became the victims. As a native Milwaukeean with a Sikh father and a Puerto Rican mother (both professional eye surgeon and registered nurse),I was familiar with the crimes from 911and the rage and hated directed to a immigrant class like the Sikh. I"m a high school teacher of 32 years and in December of 1999,graduated from law school-Immigration Law.Thank you for running this series and I hope to hear more of this case and see more about Sikhs,featured in futues episodes. Mrs. Vic ki S. Singh
I watched a Dream In Doubt. What an eye opener. I am a Caucasian female who tries to judge every person as individuals and to not base my opinions on what color their skin is. What opened my eyes is how much Sikhs are just like everyone else. I know that sounds ignorant, but my impression has always been that Sikhs do not want to be a part of our society. Now I know that they want to be a part of the American dream as much as anyone else. If I could ever meet Rana and his family, I would shake their hands and give them hugs. I think that a Dream in Doubt could be used in the classroom of elementary aged children to show how people who look different are just like everyone else, with the only exception being that they may have a different belief system. It is important to teach people tolerance and I do feel that the place to start is with the children. I know they will never know this, but my heart and best wishes go out to the Sodhi family. Thanks so much PBS for airing such wonderful programs. I am such a fan!
On May 25, 2008 2:30PM-3:30PM, I viewed "A Dream in Doubt" by Tami Yaeger and INDEPENDENT LENS. The show was about injustice-emotion caused after 9/11 and the terrorism of the New York World Trade Center-and religious intolerance in Freedom of Religion in America. The story Ms Yaeger told about two Sikh brothers murdered after 9/11 was clear.
The Sikh brothers believed America was a place where one could practice his religion. They both paid a high price to stand by their religion. I don't think a majority of Americans ever stood by Frank the convicted murderer of the first brother killed. Justice was done for the first murder. The police said they didn't believe they could find the second murderer. Finally, I am sorry to say these religious crimes will happen again.
Many thanks to everyone who worked on this project! Special thanks to Tami R. Yeager and Preetmohan Singh. Please keep up the good work, God bless you!
Thanks
Darshan Singh
I want to thank you for sharing this story with the world. I'm sure it must have been painful at times to speak so openly about such a personal experience. I appreciate your honesty and your willingness to help others like myself to better understand how living in a post-Sept. 11th world affects all of us. Thank you again, and may God bless you and your family!
Dear Rana Family,
Was very touched by this documentary and the tragedy of the loss of your family. How delighted you were in finding heaven here in the USA and relating it back to your family. How have we lost our way to creating heaven? Thanks Rana for reminding me/us about our "responsibility to make this country heaven". For it is for each of us, our responsibility to create that heaven. Just as Gandhi said years ago-'be the change you want in the world.' It is for me to stand up for justice for the innocent and under represented and to be justice itself.
Namaste,
Lillian
Thank you for airing this very important documentary. As I watched, I cried just thinking how easy it should be to realize that Sikhs are such peaceful people and what is happening in this country is sickening. I had the Sikh Coalition in NYC come to talk to my group of kids because I knew they had such myths about Sikhs. Well really, they didn't even realize that this was the name for people of this religion. It was heartwarming to see my kids shake hands with this man who volunteered to conduct this workshop and the teens thanked him for coming to teach them the 5 Ks and explain the myths and give them a safe space to ask the questions that so many people (even adults) have and never get a chance to inquire about. So programs like this are essential to educating the public and hopefully making our communities safer places. I only fear that the viewers of programs like these on PBS are unfortunately not the target audience that need to have their minds changed. But it's still effective if we all get the word out. Thank you PBS and the Sikh Coalition.
Thank You for sharing . An important film ,and please note, I am so sorry for the lost of your Brother and Uncle. This is touching to me and a torn in my side.
I was born in America and most people are fine, but there are others who have to hate. I am a Muslim and of African decent. I also felt and still feel the pressure of 911 although most know it was something strange about the issue by now.
By the way every day 18 soldiers committed suicide in this Iraq war. Suicide is a call for help, they must be suffering, to take your own life. Think About it, I heard this on democracy now . org,
I am a African American, and have felt both sides of racism and religous biasness or hate which ever you choose. My daughter and my husband moved into an area which was not meant for Africans. I told my daughter at the time this is not the houses they allow us to own, she said why not,young and unaware!Well I declared Lesson time. The actual Lesson was so bitter that I could not believe it ,I am expreiencing the pain as I write, tears are falling down my face,all these years and it still hurts. It is 2008 and U know the condition for African Males and Muslim too!And I am rearing three young men I wonder what will be there plight. But I fear no man! I have God on my side!
But Can You believe that
in the year 1990, the first Bushes war on Iraq,how we were treated. She,my daughter, now knows and I am sad to say knows there are places where you are not allowed.Although we go where we want, but always with this Understanding,
what was done to me and my family was so painful,I won't go into details, I would crys a river(smile), we are quite aware that Racist Bias and Religious
Hatefulness , is very much a sickness,and is still here.
Man's inhuman to his fellow man should not be such a surprise in this country, when based soley on race and religion was the First African Slave Trade to these shores mostly were on tne backs of Muslim from Africa.
As I watched with my husband the documentary I was flooded with so many very different emotions. From disgust and abject horror at the atrocities visited upon Rana, his family and his community to pride and respect and hopefulness for the manner in which they have stood up and so bravely faced these events. Rana, you embody what it truly means to be American and more importantly to be Human.
To teach against the fear and ignorance instead of letting it change you is amazing and inspiring. I watched and learned and cried for your pain and rejoiced in your victory however slight it seems. Thank you for sharing your lives, believe in the power of numbers...just getting your message out can begin to change peoples views 1 person or family at a time!
I must also give a Kudos to the filmmakers for taking on such a powerful topic! And doing so in a manner that just breathes the very essence of what so many true Americans believe and what those being held back by their own fears and prejudices must know!
Love and Peace to you all
The Reid Family
Dear PBS,
thank you and bless you and the producers of this very important documentary. I was in NYC on 9/11, ironically arriving from Boston in the late evening of the 10th and couldn't leave there until the 15th. I remember the day vividly. I also remembering hearing of the tragic death of Balbir Singh Sodhi in Mesa, Arizona. I want to also thank many of the neighbors and folks of the greater Phoenix community for their kindness and compassion shown to the Sodhi family and other Sikhs throughout their community. This is a very powerful film. The more we know about Sikhs and other cultural and religious paths who raise their families in our neighborhoods, the stronger and greater our Nation will be.
I saw the program: A Dream in Doubt, about a Sikh family last night. I was deeply moved by their story. I so badly just wanted to tell them that I stand in solidarity with them. I want them to know that there are people out there who care, and accept. I want them to have peace here, and peace in their lives without their brothers.
They inspired me to do more about being involved in justice issues. They inspire me to stand up and with those in need, for human rights, love and dignity.
I had no way of knowing how to pass this on to the family, but I had to share some how. Thank you!
I watched the show last night before going to bed. Please tell Rana and his family that I appreciate their courage in continuing their lives here in America. His strength gives me hope in ways I cannot explain. God bless you and your love ones.
To Rana and his family:
My husband I watched your story last night with a mixture of horror and sadness. Please know that while there are Americans who harbor ignorant, hateful thoughts, there are many more of us who recognize that first and foremost, we are all human beings. It doesn't matter where you come from, what God you worship or how you dress. We are outraged that anyone would invoke patriotism or worse, God, in committing such heinous acts against another human being. All good thoughts, peace and friendship to your family from ours. Laura Fanelli
This film reminded me of the diversity of culture in Americans we actually have living here. I'm in California, and have for the most part, lived in an environment where people tend to practice the same, basically. When I visited New York City in my 20s, I was so interested to see such different cultures expressed�through dress, ceremony and language. For me, I welcomed the difference and wanted to learn more. I want Rana and his family to continue to believe that many Americans are here to welcome them and live in harmony together. I still believe in America and how we can stand apart from the rest of the world through united efforts for equality and protection. But I know, even from personal experience, that small minds are still being bred and encouraged here. And many Americans have lost faith in our system, but as long as a few still stand for what America first represented, there is hope. America meant hope and we need hope in the world today. Rana's sadness is also my sadness and I will carry it in my heart and hope for peace for him and his family. Rana, I hear your voice and it is important to me. Thank you. And thank PBS for airing it.
Thank you for making and broadcasting this program. The more we all know and understand one another the better this world will be for all of us.
I watched this program and just held back my tears that wanted to spill out. I am at the mercy of the bus system and have no way to honor the Sohdi's other that to give my condolences through here.
To the Sikh families of the 5 brothers who were the subjects of the documentary:
I am a 42-year-old privileged, white, tall, strong, athletic, intelligent, highly-educated, conservative, Christian, entrepreneurial, 5th generation American father, husband and businessman of German, Irish, French, and Native American descents, married to the daughter of Cuban-American immigrants. I just want to say that to see the losses your family has experienced deeply saddened my heart for you. I cannot imagine the pain you have experienced. There is no heaven on earth, but you have had a taste of hell on earth. I am sorry for your losses.
Ed
I saw the film tonight and honestly, that family is more American than most Americans out there. I mean, when you think about it, what makes us any different, we ALL immigrated here. I absolutely LOVE the melting pot culture, and have never felt racist towards anyone. On the other hand, I do remember going to a popular bar the night after 9/11 and there was a man who appeared to be Arabic. Everyone was giving him mean looks, and my friend turned to me and said.. what is he doing here, wonder how long it's going to take for him to leave. I feel almost embarrassed that I didn't stand up for him, all I did was give him a friendly smile amongst all the hatred. It's just terrible what happened and I can only offer my condolences for the family's loss. I did see great love and strength, and learned a little about the shik faith too :)
I just saw the film. It was eye opening to say the least. I think this program should be viewed by schoolchildren so they may develop appreciation for other cultures and learn sympathy for victims of hate crime of any source whether it be terrorist assumptions or for other marginalized groups of human beings.
This was a very moving piece. It is so sad for me to see there is still so much discrimination and hatred. I am so sorry for the losses these families have suffered and the fear they have had to tolerate on a daily basis at times. I can only say I am trying my hardest to raise tolerant and respectful children. It is a conversation that must be a common thread throughout a childs life. We must come together to embrace our differences as much as our likeness and be comfortable with acceptance without always understanding.
Rana inspire me greatly, after loosing his brother to hate crime you can't find a ounce of hatred in him.
Your story touch me, may have my deepest sympathy for your lost.
I hope the best for you and your family, may you find peace in your life.
Best regards,
Louis
Canada
Thank you for a wonderful program tonight. It was informative and enlightening. I wish bad things like racism didn't happen. People come to America for freedom. I was glad to watch the documentary on this family in Arizona. I did not realize the people from India were having so many problems. I very much enjoyed learning of the families, their lives, and religion. I hope life will be happy for them and all immigrants who come to the U.S. for freedom.
This film was a very powerful and emotional experience for me. I will be showing parts of this film to my students to raise awareness of cultural diversity and what has happened in our country because of hate and prejudice. I want to help make this country heaven and strongly believe that education is the best way to help erase racism. My thoughts go out to the families that helped tell their story and I'm glad they spoke up and took action for their rights and freedoms.
I just have a question. I've had cancer in my life. When a Sikh believer comes down with cancer and has to have chemotherapy which often leads to at least temporary hair loss, how is he or she treated in the Sikh community? Since hair loss is an often inevitable side effect of cancer treatment through chemotherapy/radiation, does the cancer patient elect not to go through it because doing so would compromise their beliefs? Cancer treatment is ooly one disease where hair loss happens? Also, what about just simple hair loss? Many people, both men and women experience hair loss during their lifetime. Do other Sikh members shun them due to their hair loss? Just trying to understand.
From the Filmmakers:
Judy--Thanks for your post. With respect to chemotherapy and the side-effect of hair loss, I have seen (in my Sikh family and others) that such treatment is usually accepted. As you might expect, the hair loss is particularly difficult for Sikh patients and some Sikhs choose to wear a wig until the hair grows back. As far as natural hair loss, Sikhs will often choose to cover their heads in public, either with turbans (men and women) and scarves (women) because they have become accustomed to having long, uncut hair for most of their lives. For a good resource on Sikh and other religious practices vis-a-vis health care, I would recommend the following resource from the University of Michigan Health System Program for Multicultural Health: http://www.med.umich.edu/Multicultural/ccp/mhg.htm.
Again, thanks very much for the post and all the best to you.
Best,
-P
Dearest Friends:
I hope that someday soon, before it is too late, people will see beyond the color of skin, the religious beliefs, national origin...and see the heart and soul of one human being to another...children are born all over the world and they come into this world without hatred, prejudice ...all they learn about the world is learned from the parents. My wonderful and loving Daughter is presently working at a Synagogue and as she was sitting in her car having lunch...as she was going back to work...someone drove by and yelled out to her "You Kike! My Daughter is Mexican and Portugese and she said that someone yelling with hatred in their voice.....made her think about many things...especially knowing that any slang words to describe different nationalities is meant to hurt someone....being that they cannot beat you or harm you physically....they do it with name-calling as they are driving near you and running away like the cowards that they are.... Every human being has a right to exist and live their lives how ever they choose.....we should treat each other as we would like to be treated. Each time I read about or hear about someone that has been killed during a hate crime....it saddens me beyond words and I want to reach out and put my arms around the families who have lost a loved one because of racial hatred and prejudice. So if I can do anything during my lifetime....I will not tolerate the mistreatment of another person because of their race or religion. If each one of us speaks out against hate and prejudice whenever we hear it, we can do something to change it and makes this world a better place...I promise to do my part when the time comes. Please take care and may you always be safe... Sincerely and with much Respect and Affection...... Aunty Marge
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