Negative and Positive views of Sikhs in the Media: Difference between revisions
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* ''Amu'' is an English film portraing sthe tory of a girl, orphaned during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, reconciling with her adoption years later. | * ''Amu'' is an English film portraing sthe tory of a girl, orphaned during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, reconciling with her adoption years later. | ||
* ''Breakaway'' is the story of Sehajdhari Sikh Rajveer Singh who challenges his father's wishes and follows his dream to become a hockey player. This film shows the modern issues that Sikhs have to face. | * ''Breakaway'' is the story of Sehajdhari Sikh Rajveer Singh who challenges his father's wishes and follows his dream to become a hockey player. This film shows the modern issues that Sikhs have to face. | ||
==Bollywood Movies== | ==Bollywood Movies== |
Revision as of 23:09, 2 April 2013
Popular media is stereotyping the Sikhs as either clowns with no brain or terrorists. While Sikhs are negatively represented, they are widely recognized in modern media.
Detailed List (Work-in-Progress)
Please help make a detailed list of movies, TV shows, music videos, advertisements, and any other media you find that defames or recognizes Sikhs. From this data we will be able to make a report which will reveal statistics Sikh representation and how we should act on improving how Sikh people are perceived in global societies.
In this list please post the following:
- Name of the movie, album or show
- Release Date
- Please write a brief account describing the objectionable character, scene, etc.
This may include:
- Jokes about Sikhs (ex: Raja Hindustani, Mission Kashmir).
- Wrong impressions of Sikhs (ex: Shootout at Lokhandwala, Sangharsh, etc.)
PLEASE KEEP SAME FORMAT AS PREVIOUSLY USED IN EACH SECTION.
Hollywood Movies
- The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen shows an Indian in the role of Captain Nemo (supposed to be a Sikh in the book), the captain of a super advanced submarine, the Nautilus. Naseeruddin Shah lends his acting skills as Nemo, who is depicted as a Hindu Rajput, given his altar/worship to Kali and passion for wearing a turban and weapons. Westerners would possibly think he is a Sikh because of his turban, beard, and swordsmanship. This is also contradictory to the book's description of Nemo being a Sikh.
- In Octopussy the James Bond flick, Kabir Bedi plays the evil villain Govinda (the henchman of Kamal Khan), and has a well trimmed beard, wears a Nehru jacket, and carries out attacks on the Lake Palace Hotel, Jagniwas Island, Lake Pichola, Udaipur, Rajasthan.
- In Hancock a Sikh man is the owner of a liquor store and is on the verge of getting robbed. He is defenseless and is held with a gun to his head. This is offensive in that he promotes the consumption of alcohol (against Sikhi) and cannot defend himself (Sikhs are supposed to be strong, courageous people who fight for their right and against oppression).
- In Partition a Sikh man is shown serving for the British in WWII (this is a good thing, as many Sikhs laid down their lives for US, UK, etc. in the world wars) and wears a turban (also a good thing, as he maintains his Sikh appearance while serving in the military). He takes care of a young Muslim girl and protects her, as she is lost from her family due to the Partition of India (also very Sikh-like as he cares for those in need). Soon he begins to love her and marries her (this however is prohibited in Sikhi, as she is Muslim). After She visits her family in Pakistan, they refuse to let her leave and vow to get her married, denying her relationship with a Sikh man. The Sikh does a very shameful act as he goes on a journey to bring back his love-he cuts his hair and adopts an Islamic name, therefore converting to Islam. He chooses to forsake his religion rather than his maintain it, just in the name of love. This film is very similar to non-Hollywood films Gadar: Ek Prem Katha and Shaheed-e-Mohabbat.
- In The Darjeeling Limited a Sikh cab driver in the opening scene winds his way through oncoming Indian traffic, racing to deposit Bill Murray at the train station. A Sikh family is seen dining in the train compartment. At one point in the film, the Whitman brothers attend a kirtan, and are surrounded by a room full of Sikhs. The brothers kneel down to matha-tek, questioning if the act itself is actually "working". Waris Ahluwalia shows up in numerous scenes on the train as the chief steward. It's encouraging to see him exploring his range and depth as an actor in these various supporting roles.
- In Inside Man a Sikh is portrayed. Along with being a heist film, Inside Man is notable for having a great deal of underlying racial tension and commentary on racial issues in modern American society, such as when the Sikh man, initially suspected to be an Arab, is immediately suspected by the police because of the turban he wears, and the tension between groups of different ethnic minorities.He has his turban taken away and complains how Sikhs are not Arabs, he's tired of getting harassed all the time, and his civil rights are continually violated in post-9/11 New York. Detective Frazier responds, "I bet you can get a cab, though." Then the Sikh replies gracefully, "I guess that's one of the perks." Many things are shown in this movie. The racism of ignorant attitudes is captured. The turban removal scene is embarrassing, disgraceful, and harsh but it shows the struggles Sikhs go through in modern society. The Sikh remains in Chardi-Kala even though his own nation refused to accept his identity. This is excellent in showing one of the fundamental principles of Sikhi. Spike Lee did a great service to our community by bringing this character to life and in retrospect, this scene would be useful in educating people of Sikhism.
- The English Patient devotes time to Hana and her romance with Kip, an Indian Sikh sapper in the British Army. Due to various events in her past, Hana believes that anyone who comes close to her is likely to die, and Kip's position as a bomb defuser makes their romance full of tension. This a great portrayal of Sikhs, who served in great numbers for UK, USA, etc. in both world wars. It also shows that he maintains his Sikh appearance while serving in battle while among non-Sikhs. However at one point, Kip sleeps with Hana (adultery is banned in Sikhism).
- In Bend It Like Beckham Jesminder "Jess" Bhamra (Parminder Nagra) is the 18-year-old daughter of Punjabi Sikhs from Hounslow, west London. She follows her dreams of playing football, despite the challenges coming from a Indian community and being a girl. This film accurately shows the challenges Sikhs go through abroad to integrate into society, and is an amazing example of how women can do anything men can do. Jess ends up playing in America and becomes a professional football player. Girls can do anything and should feel proud to be a girl, following the footsteps of Mai Bhago (Mata Bhag Kaur).
- Ocean of Pearls is a Hollywood movie in which a Sikh man with a full beard and turban, AMRIT SINGH is often the target of racial profiling. But when he sees his dreams of becoming Chief of Surgery at a state-of-the-art transplant center dwindle because of his appearance, Amrit goes against a tradition he's maintained his whole life and cuts his hair. Hiding this decision from his girlfriend and family in Toronto is only the start of a series of compromises Amrit finds himself making as he deals with hospital politics and health care injustices. When his compromises result in the death of a patient, Amrit begins to reexamine the value of the religious traditions he'd turned his back on. See more at http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Ocean_Of_Pearls
- Provoked is a British film in which a Sikh women is treated horribly by her husband.
- Amu is an English film portraing sthe tory of a girl, orphaned during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, reconciling with her adoption years later.
- Breakaway is the story of Sehajdhari Sikh Rajveer Singh who challenges his father's wishes and follows his dream to become a hockey player. This film shows the modern issues that Sikhs have to face.
Bollywood Movies
Movie: Shaheed-e-Azad Bhagat Singh Release date: 1954 Portrayal: First movie depicting Bhagat Singh's revolutionary figure.
Movie: Shaheed Bhagat Singh Release date: 1963 Portrayal: Glorious movement of Bhagat Singh depicted again.
Movie: Shaheed Release date: 1965 Portrayal: An accurate, lively portrayal of Bhagat Singh's life.
Movie: Bombay to Goa Release date: 3 March 1972 Portrayal: A Sardar is shown wearing a patka and acts mentally handicapped.
Movie: Sheheed Udham Singh Release date: 1977 Portrayal: Accurately depicts Sikh lion and revolutionary Movie: Jallian Wala Bagh Release date: 1977 Portrayal: Sikh freedom fighter is shown a brave and courageous
Movie: Vijeta Release date: 1982 Portrayal: Excellent portrayal of a Sikh Air-force pilot in war/uniform. However, he wears a patka.
Movie Name: Raja Hindustani Release date: 1996 Portrayal: Johnny Lever is depicted as a goofy and dumb Sikh with no beard
Movie: Border Release date: 13 June 1997 Portrayal: Great movie showing martial ability of Sikhs and one of the greatest Sikh soldiers.
Movie: Dil to Pagal Hai Release date: 31 October 1997 Portrayal: A Sikh knows that his friend had an affair with his sister, and he uses cheap words
Movie Name: Kuch Kuch Hota Hai Release date: 16 October 1998 Portrayal: Song - Ik Nikke Jehe Neyane Nu Sardar Bana Ke Mazak Uddan De Usda... (translation/explanation needed)
Movie Name: Sangharsh Release date: 3 September 1999 Portrayal: The slogan Raj Karega Khalsa is misused and misinterpreted by Preity Zinta’s brother who is shown to be a Sikh "terrorist"
Movie: Shaheed Udham Singh Release date: 2000 Portrayal: Raj Babbar plays the man who took revenge on the British. Movie Name: Mission Kashmir Release date: 27 October 2000 Portrayal: The movie starts from a scene where a Sikh is portrayed as a very cowardly person
Movie Name: Mohabbatein Release date: 27 October 2000 Portrayal: Anupam Kher wears patka and spreads hate.
Movie: Gadar: Ek Prem Katha Release date: 15 June 2001 Portrayal: Sunny Deol is a Sikh who slaughters Muslims in the name of Waheguru during the Partition. He is shown as an illiterate and marries a Muslim girl.
Movie: Lagaan Release date: 15 June 2001 Portrayal: Deva Singh Saudi is a really good Cricket player
Movie: Shaahed-E-Azam Release date: 2002 Portrayal: Accuratly represents Bhagat Singh's cause for independence. Movie: 23rd March 1931: Shaheed Release date: June 7, 2002 Portrayal: Bobby Deol stars as the revolutionary Bhagat Singh.
Movie: The Legend of Bhagat Singh Release date: June 7, 2002 Portrayal: Great film portraying Bhagat Singh's ambition and glory.
Movie: Hawayein Release date: 8 June 2003 Portrayal: 1984 riots and succeeding conflicts are shown. Accurately depicts challenges/struggles Sikhs had to face. Later the film shows how Sikhs responded in various ways. It is based on the aftermath of Indira Gandhi’s assassination, the nationwide 1984 Anti-Sikh riots and the subsequent victimisation of the people in Punjab (India) in the years that followed.
Movie Name: Baghban Release date: 3 October 2003 Portrayal: Asrani plays a very comical, stereotypical image of Sikhs with a fake turban.
Movie: Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. Release date: 19 December 2003 Portrayal: Sikh man is shown as doctor while keeping full appearance.
Movie: Kaya Taran Release date: 2004 Portrayal: revolves around a Sikh woman and her young son who have taken shelter in a nunnery in Meerut during the 1984 Anti-Sikh riots. Movie: Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyo Release date: December 24, 2004 Portrayal: Sikhs are shown as respectful, military people. Amitabh Bachchan wears acts as a turbaned Sikh officer.
Movie: Jo Bole So Nihaal Release date: 13 May 2005 Portrayal: Sunny Deol portrays a Sikh in a very distasteful manner, as he is filled with ego and shown as illiterate and stupid. His mother is shown as an Amritdhari and a sick, idiotic woman. Deol is a Sikh police officer is shown being chased by scantily-clad women. The Sikh FBI agent is forgetful of Sikh beliefs and has a bad dressing sense. However, the movie does present/promote some Sikh teachings/beliefs in its plot.
Movie: Bunty Aur Babli Release date: May 27, 2005 Portrayal: Rani Mukherjee is a Sikh girl who smokes
Movie: Adharm Release date: 2006 Portrayal: The film is based on the real-life events of the Chittisinghpura massacre on March 20, 2000, in which 37 Sikhs were massacred by Islamic Fundamentalists in Kashmir. Movie: Rang De Basanti Release date: 26 January 2006 Portrayal: Draws parallels between revolutionaries of Singh's era and modern Indian youth. Amir Khan has a Khanda tattoo and is a Sehajdhari Sikh.
Movie: Hattrick Release date: March 16, 2007 Portrayal: Absurd song "RABBA KHER KARE, LUT GAYA SARDAR" (sung by a Sikh-Labh Singh Janjua) is used. Sarabjeet 'Saby' Singh is obsessed with cricket and doesn't pay attention to his wife.
Movie Name: Shootout at Lokhandwala Release date: May 25, 2007 Portrayal: Sikh revolutionaries are labelled terrorists and are compared with underworld dons.
Movie: Jab We Met Release date: 26 October 2007 Portrayal: Kareena Kapoor shown as dumb, stupid, and crazy girl and demoralizes the image of a woman, Jatti, and Sikhni through her actions.
Movie: Return of Hanuman (previously Hanuman Returns) Release date: 28 December 2007 Portrayal: The school Headmaster of Hanuman is shown to be a Sardar who behaves in a disgusting way. This is used to promote Hinduism over Sikhi, and defame Sikhs by showing them as arrogant/condescending and labeling them as a cult of Hindus.
Movie: Khushboo Release date: 20 June 2008 Portrayal: A Sikh family is shown in the wrong manner and their daughter has an affair with a Hindu who is living in their house. The family has no problem with this relationship or their marriage.
Movie: Singh is Kinng Release date: 8 August 2008 Portrayal: At times Akshay Kumar's character sported a trimmed beard and fake turban, but this was later changed. He is shown as a useless, stupid, illiterate guy. However, the movie does promote some religious beliefs and teachings.
Movie: Heroes Release date: October 24, 2008 Portrayal: Salman Khan plays a turbaned Sikh in the Sikh Regiment in the Kargil War. His son Jasvinder Singh is shown wearing a patka in childhood, but is played by Salman Khan at the end of the movie and is shown clean shaven with a haircut.
Movie: Golmaal Returns Release date: 29 October 2008 Portrayal: Gopal uses his friend's yatch one night to escape being drenched in the rain. The boat's appliances (like TV) suggest that his friend is into women and watches porn. It is later reviled that his friend is a Sikh and is shown fat, wears jewelry (showing Maya and ego), and hangs out with multiple women (suggesting adultery).
Movie: Love Aaj Kal Release date: 31 July 2009 Portrayal: This movie shows Rishi Kapoor and Khan with turbans and doesn't distort the Sikh image.
Movie: Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year Release date: December 11, 2009 Portrayal: Portrayal is positive and shows how Sardars are not to be made fun of.
Movie: Yamla Pagla Deewana Release date: January 14, 2011 Portrayal: This film stereotyped Sikhs. It shows the girl who got the NRI as a fair-skinned kudi with a beautiful physique. Meanwhile her cousin, who is chunkier and tanner, is portrayed as the girl desperate to get a guy and go to Canada. Furthermore, there are scenes of Sikh guys getting drunk. In fact, one scene shows Paramveer drinking out of a bucket and everyone praising him for it. Alcohol is a problem is a Punjab and we should be trying to reduce it, not encourage it. Not to mention Dharam and Gajodhar don’t even start wearing dastaars until they have to disguise themselves. A dastaar is something you’re supposed to wear with pride!
Movie: Patiala House Release date: February 11, 2011 Portrayal: Akshay Kumar is a Sehajdhari Sikh who wants to play cricket for England, and his dad Rishi Kapoor is the turbaned leader of the Southall Sikh community. This movie is very entertaining.
Movie: I Am Singh Release date: December 2, 2011 Portrayal: Great movie depicting struggles Sikhs go through after 9/11.
Punjabi Movies
Many Punjabi films are stating to support haircuts and cut beards and portray the turbaned men as backwards, non-progressing villains.
- Harbhajan Mann: Harbhajan Mann makes great movies, showing and enriching true Punjabi culture and heritage. He encourages the youth to speak Punjabi and never forget it.
Print Media
Sandeep (Sonny) Caberwal with Times Square billboard
- A Year in the Best-Dressed Life of Waris Ahluwalia, Vanity Fair magazine
- One of the 2010 International Best-Dressed List’s honorees is New York City and Jaipur resident Waris Ahluwalia, who (rather unsurprisingly) describes his style as East meets West. The C.F.D.A.-nominated House of Waris jewelry designer and bit-part actor, who likes wearing tailored suits from Savile Row accented with pocket squares and pink suede George Esquivel shoes, is also one of the few people in the world who isn’t afraid to wear denim on denim. Here’s a look back at some of his most memorable outfits of the past year.