25 September 2010

Outsourced

Usually I would not waste my readers' time writing about a TV "comedy" show, but since this we were told that this one has a "real Sikh" in it, I thought perhaps it might be worth at least checking out.  OK, there is a "real Sikh."  At least he looks like a Sikh.   Here is a little quiz.  I took a few screenshots of this "comedy."  In each of the pictures below, is The Sikh.  Find him, if you can!  Some are very easy; some are more difficult.  Answers below.  (Yes, I know the pictures extend into the sidebar, but there was no other way to get the pictures big enough to actually see him.  I promise, he's still visible in each picture.)


 



I rarely watch TV comedies because I find them a bit depressing.  My expectations of this show were very low; the show itself was worse.  Just to focus on the Sikh character.  He made a few minor appearances, spoke no lines and each time was glowering, glaring, angry, a bit scary, even to me.  Even the "Kiss me, I'm Irish"t-shirt didn't help.  Of course, he had some cause;  the lead character joshing about his turban isn't a very good start.  I recommend that all Khaliblog readers watch this show once just to see how drearily dismal this thing is..  I have read an on line review of this show, which I am in complete agreement with, although the author might have used less profane language.  The Eight Most Racist Jokes from the Outsourced  Pilot.  Pity me.  To get these screenshots I had to watch the whole dreary thing very closely.  Finding Mr. Singh wasn't always easy.


I would call this show a real dog, except I see no reason to insult our canine friends and companions.  It bears no resemblance to any animal.  It is simply gross, insulting and stupid.
If you'd like to waste a half hour while being insulted, the episode can be seen at   http://www.nbc.com/outsourced/video/pilot/1251026 at least in the USA.  On second thought, you'd be better off doing some naam-jap, though.

Here's the answer sheet.





Kiss me I'm Irish?

What on earth was SALDEF - a great organisation - thinking when they gave the OK to this drivel?

21 September 2010

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY - together they walk the winding roads




Love doesn't make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.
Franklin P. Jones



Photograph:  courtesy of Angad Singh
Copyright All rights reserved by Angad Singh

10 September 2010

BURNING THE QURAN - A Position Statement

I would love to ignore that hateful ignoramus the "Reverend" Terry Jones of Gainesville, FL, USA, but I need to issue a statement because to say nothing might be construed as either support or indifference to this. I do not know what Terry Jones may or may not do.  I do know that what he proposes to do is wrong, wrong, WRONG!!  As a Sikh, I respect all religions and am bound to treat others' holy books as do their adherents.  I treat the Holy Bible, the Holy Quran and all other sacred scriptures as sacred scriptures with respect and love.  I may not - I do not - follow their teachings, but I do accept that they are inspired writings, revered by their followers and worthy of respect.

It has been pointed out to me that part of the reason for Sikhi coming into existence was the persecution of the religious groups of India, primarily the Hindus, by the Muslims.  Excuuuuuuse me!  The persecutors, sure enough, were Muslims, but not the only Muslims.  The Mughal rulers were a small group of tyrants and, it must not be forgotten that those who hunted down and killed Sikhs for a bounty were almost entirely Hindus.  It seemas forgotten that Guru Nanak Dev Ji's dear friend and traveling companion was a Muslim, the cornerstone of Harmandir Sahib Ji was laid by a Muslim, and we mustn't forget Sheik Fareed and Bhagat Kabir whose writings are included in Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj, our eternal Guru were Muslims.

I remember seeing birs of Guru ji burnt in the Sikh Genocide of Delhi, 1984.  These pictures are very painful to look at.  Here, see what I mean.


 I cannot wish this on anyone.  Let all Sikhs everywhere condemn this idiot's plan to burn the Holy Quran.  Whether or not this happens, the very idea is so repulsive that it must be vociferously condemned.

06 September 2010

In Tribute - Shaheed Jaswant Singh Khalra

SHAHEED JASWANT SINGH KHALRA
 Fifteen years ago today, KP- Gill and his minions kidnapped, tortured and eventually killed on of the Panth's brightest star, the human rights activist Bhai Sardar Jaswant Singh Khalra.  He was, of course just one of thousands, tens of thousands, lakhs who disappeared in Punjab during the 1980s and 1990s.

KP-  GILL
He dedicated his life to tracking down those who had disappeared, to find out what really happened to them.  He discovered the truth and for that he had to die.

Please watch this video, courtesy of the Sikh Activist Network (SAN).  It is in Punjabi with English subtitles.  Please take the 18 minutes necessary and watch it in memory of Shaheed Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra ji.



Jaswant Singh Khalra's Last International Speech from SikhActivistNetwork on Vimeo.

http://vimeo.com/14741568

He was not secretly cremated.  It is reported that after being held and tortured for over a month, pieces of his body were thrown into the Sutlej River on 24 October 1995.  The next time you look into the waters of this one of the Five Rivers remember our brother's body floating, in pieces, down its waters. 

Sutlej River in the 1980s and 1990s

There were 6 Punjab Policemen charged with his murder.  Five were convicted and awarded life sentences.  The sixth was acquitted.  The most guilty criminal of the gang, KP- Gill remains at large and securely protected by the government of India (OK).  To read more about Jaswant Singh  Khalra ji and the convictions, go to the ensaaf page



 If it is at all possible for you, please attend SAN's conference, Where Did They All Go:  Jaswant Singh Khalra Memorial Weekend, 11-12 September 2010 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada  It will be hosted by Jaswant Singh Khalra ji's wife, Bibi Paramjit Kaur Khalra and it will be possible to meet and talk with her.